Disneyland -- November 2011

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we headed to California for a much-anticipated vacation to Disneyland.  I've been wanting to take the kids for a long time now.  This was our reward for paying off our debt and saving up for our emergency fund.  We've worked hard and also seen some incredible blessings as we've committed to our financial goals.  Anyway, Disneyland was one of our financial goals and we eventually made it there and had a great time!  

Lots of pictures to follow....

I was 15 weeks pregnant at the time and slightly showing, but not enough that the employees at Disneyland would really notice.  I rode most of the rides, but don't worry, I did ask my doctor before we left and he said I could.  

We were very impressed with Adam's climbing skills.  He is beginning to be quite the outdoor enthusiast.

Mark and the boys at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure.  We loved this area and spent lots of time there.

On Sunday we went to the ward in Anaheim then traveled to Newport Beach to see the Temple there.  The Temple is gated and was locked up, so we didn't get too close, we just walked around and took some pictures from outside the gate.

After the Temple visit, we drove to Newport Beach.  It took us a while to find a decent spot to park where we could get out and walk down to the water.  By that time it was dark, but the kids still enjoyed getting their feet wet.  Owen played in the sand and didn't want to leave. 

After that, we went back to our hotel room for some microwave meals and some wrestling.

We spent half of Saturday at California Adventure.  Monday and Tuesday we were at Disneyland.  Then Wednesday, we went to California Adventure again until early afternoon.  Then we headed for home.

We arrived at Jedi Training 30 minutes early to sit at the front.  We ate our lunch while we waited, had the boys wear their Star Wars shirts, and prepped them about dancing around and getting someone's attention so they would get picked for Jedi Training.  It was a bit of a rigamarole, yes, but it was worth it because they got picked and it was the highlight of Disneyland for them.  

Here are some pictures of Tom Sawyer's Island: 

 

Owen spent most of his time at Tom Sawyer's Island playing in the dirt.  I was laughing because there we were, at Disneyland, and all he wanted to do was play in the dirt.  I had to remind myself to sit back and just let him do whatsoever his heart desired. 

At Toon Town, the other guys were riding a roller coaster and Owen and I managed to meet Mickey Mouse without waiting.

 Owen loved the parade!  Well, all three boys did.  Owen got some special attention from some of the characters since he was standing in the front and quite cute waving and pointing at everyone.  I think Minnie Mouse even blew him some kisses.

We had so much fun.  The best part was being able to spend 5 days together -- without all of the normal household chores, errands, or work responsibilities.  We were also quite warn out when it was all done.  Disneyland is a blast, but takes a lot of work.  Mark and I discussed our next vacation on the ride home.  Some time at the beach.  Relaxing.