Friday, February 18, 2011

Disneyland

We just returned from a trip to Disneyland/California Adventure! We went with my sister and her family, my parents, and uncle Karl. We had such a great time! We seriously lucked out with the weather and it was such a nice break from winter. It was in the 80s the first day and in the 70s and high 60s the rest of the trip. We also scored with short lines-- especially Tuesday. In fact, on Tuesday, there were a few rides with no line at all (one being Sean's favorite-- The Tower of Terror)! Don't worry-- I skipped out on the big stuff.

Day 1: Disneyland

We were so excited to get into the park we could hardly stand it. It was so perfect that right after walking in, who do we come across but the main man himself:

Jackson was so excited to see Mickey Mouse he started running straight for him. There was a short line, so we told him he needed to wait his turn. When his turn came, he ran right up to Mickey and gave him a big hug. No hesitation whatsoever. I don't think Mickey was expecting it! It was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen in my life and nearly brought tears to my eyes! So glad we were able to snap a picture.

Hanging out with Dale:
In line for Peter Pan with some very excited kids:
Dumbo with dad:
Teacups! I forgot how fun these are!
Heinhold family:
Small World:
Meeting Goofy (or "Goosey" as Jackson calls him):
Inside Mickey's house in Toon Town:
Jackson's favorite roller coaster-- Emily and Hayley in second car, Dave and Max in third, Sean and Jackson in fourth:
Close up:
Jackson loved this roller coaster and rode it several times. He kept laughing at the frogs that spit a stream of water over the carts when they rode by.

It was great because Jackson is just tall enough to meet the height requirement for a lot of rides. He even got to ride the Matterhorn with Sean! Besides the roller coasters, his favorite rides were probably Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear, Finding Nemo, and the Toy Story and Monsters Inc. rides.

The classic Mickey Mouse ears! He loves his.
Day 2: Balboa and beach

We spent most of the next day hanging out in Balboa and playing at the beach. We walked up and down main street and hit up a few candy shops and then rode the ferry over to the beach.

Lunch at Ruby's at the end of the pier:
With the breeze it was chilly at first, but thankfully it warmed up later.

The old farts as I lovingly/teasingly called them:
Looks like he fits right in with those blonde, curly locks! ;)
Sean was the only one brave enough to swim!
We spent the rest of the evening at Disneyland and apparently I didn't take any pictures!

Day 3: Disneyland
I think he is growling like a dinosaur in this one-- whatever he's doing, it makes me laugh!
Always a fan of merry-go-rounds :)
Funny boys:
Max developed quite a love for the talking tom cat app on our phones. It was one way I kept the kids entertained while the other adults went on the rides I couldn't!

Matching red sunglasses!
And finally, all tuckered out from all of the excitement:
We are so glad we went on this trip. It was a lot of fun to be there with family. We loved seeing Jackson's reaction to everything and seeing him having so much fun. He may not remember it when he is older, but we will! Until next time Disneyland!

7 comments:

JCLS said...

So so fun! Went there a year ago with all of my family and it was the best vacation....Lila was only like 6 months so I can't wait to take her back! You look great by the way!

Kinley said...

We are jealous... so jealous. Looks like you had an amazing time!

Beth said...

Umm I thought they didn't let pregnant women on roller coasters?! Sounds like you all had so much fun!

Jenny Ricks said...

Beth, I didn't ride any of the big rides. I just edited my post because I realized it sounded like I rode the Tower of Terror, which I definitely did not! :)

Ryan, Alyse, Paetyn and Ashton said...

Ooh so fun!! Wow you lucky Duck... I am so jelouse! Glad you had so much fun and boy are you lucky to not have many lines to stand in:)

Andrea Steffensen said...

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who cries at Disneyland!! Can't wait for our Cali trip together someday :)

Mark and Lachelle said...

Dude, Jackson looks like he had the time of his life! I can't wait to take Camden to Disneyland someday! It's much more fun with kids!