Disneyland

We went to California in March of 2011.  We bought the Southern California pass which included a three day park hopper pass to Disneyland and California Adventure. A one day pass to Universal Studios, a day at SeaWorld and a day at the San Diego Zoo. 

We had so much fun. 

 Riley was so excited to get to learn to be a Jedi at the Jedi Academy.  Cyvanna didn't want to participate which is probably a good thing.  She was extremely frightened of Darth Maul.  She would not let go of my leg once he was on stage.  Riley got to fight Darth Vader and now all he wants is a light saber.

 Once again we were lucky.  I saw Buzz and got in line.  Just after I got in line the Disney Cast member with Buzz got behind me and had to turn people away.  It was time for Buzz to go home.  We were the last to see him that day.

 Here is Jessie and Woody just as they were switching places. 

 Need I say more than LIGHTENING "KACHOW" (Cale's name for him!)

 Jessie was the ONLY character the Cale would even get near without one of us holding him.  And when he did give her a hug he would not let go.  We were super lucky because we got to Jessie just as she and Woody were switching so we got to meet both of them.  And later we met Buzz! (I guess my pictures are a little bit out of sequence!)

 

 Sully!

 Tiana was AMAZING.  She had the accent, the southern charm, the grace.  She was wonderful. 

 Belle was beautiful and AMAZING as well.  We weren't as impressed by Jasmine that day (Maybe it was the end of her shift?) But Belle and Tiana - well work the wait for our own little Princess.

 What is Disneyland without a HUGE spiral rainbow sucker?  These were great for the few times that we did have to stand in line.

 Hmm ... we must not be "Arthur".  None of us could pull the sword from the stone.

 Cale's favorite ride was the carousel ... the orignial one and the Little Mermaid one in California Adventure.

Disneyland wasn't crowded at all.  The lines were fabulously short. We spent Monday and Tuesday at the Disneyland resorts, Wednesday we "took a break" and went to Universal Studios. This worked really well.  It wasn't nearly as tiring to go to Disneyland for our last day.  In fact, but the afternoon of our third day there we weren't sure what else to do ... again.  Space Mountain four times, Matterhorn three times, and everything else at least twice.  The kids loved their trip to the Magical Kingdom.

Universal Studios brought an interesting experience.  Both Cyvanna and Riley threw up just as we got to the park.  They got car sick.  We had to buy them new shirts.  Hence the matching "I "heart" LA shirts!"

Cales favorite thing was the little playground in the Curious George area.  It was really nice to take a break from lines and roads.  The kids had a lot of fun.

While in San Diego we stopped at the temple.  It is so amazingly beautiful.  I remember going to the open house before it was dedicated.  It is such a beacon of peace and calm in the busy city.

Best Friends (most of the time)

 Richard took this picture.  I told him that he should sell it to SeaWorld because it was such an incredible shot. 

The zoo was the last stop of our trip and the kids were pretty much worn out.  It was also the busiest place that we had been all week.  I am glad that we did it last.  We only spent three hours there and it was plenty.  We went to the beach in the afternoon.  Cale wouldn't move off of his towel.  The water was still a little cold but we played in the sand.  This was two days after the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.

I am not against zoos.  I enjoy seeing the animals.  But this .. the eagles... this broke my heart.  These majestic birds should not have been enclosed in wire and fences.  They are supposed to be free, soaring the skies in all their glory.  I have never felt so sad and sorry for the birds as they launched off of their resting spots to try to fly.

All in all ... the trip was FABULOUS! I want to go again.