DISNEYLAND!!

somehow we kept a secret from the kids for a long time. it was so hard! we got an unexpected check and decided it was time for a real family vacation!!

we drove down to Anaheim on Thurs. July 16th. the kids only knew that we were going to stay in a hotel and go to Applebee's, per Hayleigh's request! they had no idea!! we get to our hotel, after lots of carsickness in the LA traffic. yuck! the hotel was decorated with pics of Disneyland and ads were everywhere!! so Joel and I decided to tell them, we were too excited to wait too!! the kids came unglued!! they were jumping up and down on the bed for a long time, shouting "we're going to Disneyland". it was so cute!

soon after we arrived Edgar showed up. he came from San Diego to hang out with us. and to help Joel get into some trouble! LOL! we played in the pool and had dinner. it was really hard for the kids to fall asleep that night. between the hotel having cable tv and knowing that when they wake up, we were going to Disneyland!!

Friday morning came really early for Joel. he and Edgar had a late night. ;) we had breakfast at the hotel, really saved us!! and then we were first in line for the shuttle. i made the kids a shirt to wear and i have to admit, they looked adorable! =) we got the express pass so we didn't have to wait in line. Disneyland has great services for people with disablilites. then we rode every ride in fantasy land! the kids did great and loved them.

we spent almost all day in Disneyland. we rode every ride we wanted to go on, at least once!! we all had our favorites. Joel and Zack really liked the Buzz Lightyear interactive game. BrookeLynn loved the rocket ride. i think its more because Daddy rode with her and got a little sick feeling. i have to admit, that ride makes me sick too. thats why i chose to ride with Hayleigh, who likes to stay in one place and not go up and down!! Hayleigh's favorite was Dumbo. my favorite was Tower of Terror!! hands down the best ride ever! BrookeLynn was so brave and came with me. i think she regrets it now. even talking about it makes her scared!

Saturday we went to Disneyland in the morning until Disney California opened. we had so much fun. the hit of this park was definantly Lightning McQueen and Mater. BrookeLynn also rode the rapids with Daddy. she loved going on the "big" rides. we went back to the hotel and the kids took a big nap so we could go back and watch the parade.


Sunday morning after breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and headed home. we had a great trip, but was ready to go home. we stopped at Harris Ranch on the way home, its like Disneyland for Joel. ;)




the kids ask often if we can go back every summer!