Family Vacay Part 1- Happiest Place on Earth

We were very blessed to go on an amazing family vacation this year. 
The first stop on our journey was to none other than the happiest place on earth - DISNEYLAND!!!

All packed and ready to go!!!

Our flight was terrible!! They wouldn't let us check in ahead of time so we went to the airport super early to make sure we had enough time to check in as well as clear customs and security. The person checking us in noticed a problem with our return connection and instead of checking us in, he tried unsuccessfully to deal with the problem. As a result, we weren't checked in until 30 minutes before our flight was scheduled to leave, had to run full tilt through the airport with three kids and all our luggage with a stammering worker going on and on about how our flight was over booked and there was a good chance we would not make it. We were livid! Especially considering there wasn't a problem with our return flight, the problem was with their computer. Grrrrrrr. In the end we made our flight but didn't get to keep the seats we had reserved. We got to sit in the last row by the bathroom. Long story short, don't fly Air Canada/United "star alliance". Bah!!

Horrible flight aside, we made it!! Our shuttle was fantastic. Our driver treated it like a tour; showing us where to look out the window to see different famous sites in L.A. He knew all kinds of information. It was awesome. Once we were settled in our hotel rooms, we set off for dinner and shopping in Downtown Disney.

 The kids loved the Lego store!

(Yes Sophie has a wad of kleenex up her nose. Flying gives her horrible nose bleeds)

 And they had entire store dedicated to Frozen. The girls about died!

Oh ya, we brought some helpers with us on the trip too. It was so fun to hang out with my mom, brother and my cousin, Brennan.

 Jasper loves his buddy, Uncle Tanner!!

The next morning was our first official day in the park.

Group shot (minus Grandma who was taking the picture)

We had to get a picture with Minnie, since Sophie was in her Minnie dress too! 

We like to start in the kids area before it gets too crowded. The girls watched a couple of the rides on Youtube before we went. They were set on going on Snow Whites Scary Adventure first. I wasn't so sure but they insisted. Well, they were terrified! So we quickly ran over to Dumbo. The kids loved it! 
We each had an exit buddy for our time in the park. 

Mine was Rory.

Sophie was with Grandma.

 Matt was with Jasper. (though he also liked to hang with Tanner)

 Jase wasn't so sure about Captain Hook...heeheehee

 Tea cups!

It's a Small World Selfie!! 

(I promise Jasper loved all the rides!)

Sophie stumbled upon Princess Tiana with no line 

and was able to walk right up and ask for her autograph.

Jasper loved the Buzz Lightyear ride even though it kept shutting down on us!

And Rory loved ALL things Star Wars!

(except for HyperSpace Mountain, the girls HATED that one!)

We were able to slip over to California Adventure and see the sunset over the pier before heading back for the parade!!

I love the castle when it's all lit up!

 Jasper loved the cars floats!

Day Two in the park began with meeting as many characters as possible.

Alice

Silvermist (one of Tinkerbell's friends)

Aurora

Belle

Snow White. 

Sophie loved meeting Snow White! When we walked in, she asked Sophie if she had been in her closet this morning and if the birds had helped her get dressed. Sophie thought it was hilarious!

Rory and I had a great time on Astro Blasters!

And Jasper found his tribe!

The kids loved the Astro Orbiter.

 Then we hopped back across to California Adventure.

 The kids had a blast hanging out in Bugs Land!

And Radiator Springs is a MUST! The girls loved the Racers! 

(Neither of them were tall enough for this ride last time we came.)

We took the kiddos to the Disney Junior puppet show to cool off in the afternoon. (oh ya, it was SO HOT there!! Way above average for February! Seems we are cursed to always have record high temps when we go to Disneyland!)

Jasper loved the puppet show!

We got lucky again and were able to see Elsa and Anna without waiting in line at all!

The girls were totally star struck!

 That night we watched World of Colour. It's always a good time!

Day Three dawned with one sick Sophie! She simply wouldn't wake up. So we left her snoozing at the hotel with Grandma and took Rory on Soarin' Over California (which had been closed until that morning). Fortunately, Sophie woke up ready to play and Grandma brought her over so she could have a turn on Soarin' too.

Then we hung out at the pier, went on carnival rides (like the swings^) and did a bit of  window shopping.

 We really love the Toy Story Mania ride.

And the carousel of course.

Then it was back to Disneyland to check out Minnie and Mickey's homes.

Minnie's house!

Jasper LOVES Mickey and was so excited to meet him. 

But didn't want to touch him...

After dinner we checked out the Marvel and Star Wars exhibits (while Sophie slept in the stroller outside with Grandma)

Then Matt took the young kiddos back to the hotel and Rory and I had some one on one time. We went shopping for souvenirs and found a good spot to watch the parade a second time. We stayed after the parade and watched the fireworks together. Disney fireworks make all other fireworks seem like sparklers on a birthday cake. Sorry but it's true. They are AMAZING!!! And are always a highlight for me. I got a bit teary eyed watching them.

Three days in Disneyland is not a lot and we went hard the whole time to get it all in. But the kids loved it! I think we may have worn them out...

 Until next time Disneyland... WE LOVE YOU!!!