Disneyland and California Adventure 2009

The Flight

Katelyn gets a little nervous flying. She took extra precautions studying the airlines emergency prepardness pamphlet. It was a little bumpy, but with a few, (well maybe a lot) of distractions she made it through.

California Adventure

Our first stop was California Adventure. The older kid's favorite rides were Tower of Terror, Screamin', and Soaring. I agree, my favs were Screamin' and Soaring, but not Tower of Terror. Ben, Lindsey, and I spent time in Bug's Life, and Monsters Inc. while the others were on the more advanced rides.

Molly was concerned about our physcial well being, so she wore a pedometer to make sure we walked at least 12 miles a day. If we didn't clock over 12 miles, she made us do aerobics in her hotel room (just kidding Molly).

Ben loved the characters at California Adventure, as long as he didn't have to stand in a line to see them.

Disneyland

Walking Right Down The Middle Of Main Street USA

The Entrance to "The Happiest Place On Earth".

Ben loved Tom Sawyer's Island. He explored everything there.

Toon Town Fun

The famous Disneyland Castle

Joy Riding in Birtha

Califonia Adventure

Bugs Life, Toone Town, and fun at the hotel.

The tea cups, lounging at the hotel, and friends

There is truly something magical about Disneyland. It seems to take away the stresses of ordinary life, and helps you escape your worries. Wherever you go at Disneyland, the workers are so helpful, cheerful, and kind. They make you feel like they were really happy to help you.

Ben got teased by his siblings for going on any rides in Fantasy Land (or Fairy Land as my kids called it). I had to remind them that when they were six they were writing notes to Minnie Mouse, and never adventured out of Fantasy Land. Poor Ben, he has to grow up too fast. He was a trooper and went on several of the "scarey rides". The kids almost tricked him into going on Space Mountain, but he is too smart to be tricked.

We had a great time spending time with Molly, Megan, Luke, and Lindsey. We arrived at Disneyland when it opened and stay until it closed for 3 days straight. At night we had co-joining hotel rooms where the kids could run back and forth playing cards and having fun.

Some of our favorites:

Meagan: Favorite memory was being with her family. Favorite ride was Indiana Jones. Funniest memory was the "incident" in Mickey's House.

Sarah: Favorite memory was going to Fantasmic (the light show). Favorite ride was Screamin'. Funniest memory was getting stuck on Streamin' and having to climb down.

Katelyn: Favorite memory was the "snake incident" in Papa Joe's. Favorite ride was Space Mountain. Her funniest memory was having her car's picture deleted every time on Splash Mountain for funny faces (or something like that).

Mike: Favorite memory was getting stuck on screamin'. Favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean. Funniest memory was trying to trick Ben into going on Space Mountain by telling him it was Galaxy Quest, only to find out that Ben can read.

Lizzy: Favorite memory was being forced to go on Tower of Terror. Favorite ride was Tower of Terror. Funniest memory was joy riding in Birtha.

Ben: Favorite memory was the funny girl at the end of Monsters Inc. that told him, "next time bring me a churro." His favorite ride was Indiana Jones. I think it was Pirates of the Caribbean since we went on that ride at least 10 times and Indiana Jones once. His funniest memory was the artwork at Bucca Di Peppos.

My favorite rides were Screamin' and Soaring. My favorite memory was having a wonderful time with my family and great friends, and listening to my children's laughter. There is nothing that gives me more joy than to know my children are happy.