Disneyland

*Disclaimer: the author of this post has been informed that there are in fact, too many pictures for one post. The author chose to disregard said information on the grounds that she did not drag her nice, big camera on vacation and get so many amazing pictures in order not to post them on her blog for her parents and in-laws to see. In fact, she claims she was very selective in what was included. Continue at your own risk.

We came home from Europe Friday night and left for California on Monday. I'm not sure who was more tired, us or Erin:) We met up with my brother and his family and my dad. Actually, this whole trip is a Christmas present to all of us from my Dad. He's amazing! Thanks, Dad!


We didn't do the family picture in front of the Mickey flowers because ever since we started going to Disneyland as children, our tradition has been a family picture on these stairs outside the exit for Pirates of the Caribbean. One day I will scan all the old ones in and you can have a good laugh. Keep in mind, it used to just be me, Erin, and Mitchell. Now look how many kids there are!

First ride was the Jungle Cruise, Sophia was very unsure what to think.
But it is evident from these expressions exactly what the girls think.

Kassie and Caroline found hats at the Mad Hatter the first day, Sydney was much more selective and looked for two days before finally deciding on a classic plain blue.

PS - I hate the teacups so I did not feel bad about taking the pictures and watching Sophia.

When we started driving to California, Sophia asked where we were going (I'm sure she wanted to know if she was in for the 17 hours to Texas again). We told her we were going to Mickey Ouse's House (that's what she calls him). So this is her first meeting and she was absolutely in awe! She walked right up to him to give him a hug. I wish I had a better view of her face.

Then the big kids went on California Screamin - you can enlarge this picture to see Kassie and Tricia on the front row right after take-off. Mitch is behind them with his hands in the air. Sydney and Kassie both thought it was the best ride of the trip.

While the big kids were riding the roller coaster, this is what was going on down below: kissin' cousins. Carter was so cute with Baby Fi.

Then it was lunch time. It started out that these two were too cold to eat lunch in the shade, so they moved their chairs to the sun!

Next thing you know, Kassie joins them.

Then Fi pulls her chair up and Carter wonders over to find out what's going on.

Still a Chuck Taylor girl at heart.

After lunch, Grampy cannot resist these cute kids asking for cotton candy. Actually, he couldn't resist ANYTHING they asked for! They adored walking around Disneyland holding his hand and talking to him. I think that was one of their favorite things. I know it was one of mine.

At the end of the second day, we opted to watch the World of Color Show at California Adventureland. The effort it took to get fast passes and then wait in line was not worth it because we had a better view of it from a YouTube video! But while we waited, Dan got his phone out and let the kids watch Phineas and Ferb. There was a family of Chinese people next to us and the kids came over to watch, too. Apparently, Phineas and Ferb speak a global language.

My favorite ride is still Soarin' Over California, I think my dad was amazed at all the advances in technology that have been made since the last time he went to Disneyland - 30 years ago!! We had a wonderful time. So good that we bought season passes! If anyone wants company on their trip to Disneyland, we're game!

*Addition to Disclaimer: Because author agreed that there were already too many pictures for this post, she agreed to save the beach pictures for another day. Keep watching.