Spring Break California Part II

California Adventure

~Day 2~

We were planning on going to Disneyland both days.  However, we all had never been to California Adventure and thought we would give it a try.  It was new to all of us.  It was a ton of fun to explore!

We went on Monday and there was hardly anyone there.  Really this is the best time of year to go!  We Started with Soarn' Over California, and it was a great way to start the day.  It made us feel like we were birds.  Next we all got wet going down the Grizzly River Run.

After we were all pretty wet, so we headed over to "a bug's land" to dry off and eat lunch.  It was so fun for the kids.  There weren't any lines and they could just go on the rides as they pleased.  Each took an "adult buddy" and rode to their hearts desires!  We even went back in the evening and it was super cool in the dark! 

Ashton and me on Heimlich's Chew Chew Train. 

You really smell the cookies and watermelon!

Grandpa and Izzy on their ride.

We all felt like little ants.  This is looking up through the clovers and grass at the Tower of Terror, which we rode later that night.  Super great ride!  Loved it!

The kids got to meet Chip and Dale.

Everything was made to make you feel small.  The benches were made out of pop cycle sticks and there was a giant water foucet!

The other big hit was the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.  The kids could just run, climb, and swing for hours.  While us adults took naps, sat, rested, and played right along with them.

This is Ethan climbing the rock wall!

One of the highlights of the day was our ride on "California Screamin".  This was Cole's first time on a roller coaster. He said he fainted, but I think he just closed his eyes.

It was a great ride! 

This was the first group to go!

The day was filled with so much fun we weren't sure we were going to make it to the end.  Right before the park closed they had a water show.  Called "World of Color", is was well worth it!

~Day 3~

Before we headed home, we went and had lunch at Downtown Disney and walked around the shops.  The kids pick out a few more souvenirs.

Ashton chillen on some ears.  What a cutie!

It was such a fun trip!

Spring Break in Califronia!

For our Christmas present to the kids this year we decided that instead of toys we would give them a trip to Disneyland.  We live so close now, just 5 short hours away, it just makes it so easy to go.  Well it was a blast!  We all had a wonderful time.  My parents came with us and it was so much fun to share this exciting trip with them.   I hadn't been since I was a teenager and I had forgotten how much fun it really is.  However, going as a parent and seeing it through your children's eyes...well that is truly special! 

                                 Disneyland

                                  ~ Day 1~

 

Our first stop was Adventureland and taking our first ride on the Indiana Jones Adventure!  It was great, a first for all of us.  Isabel and Ashton were too young so they got to go up into Tarzan's Treehouse, which was new to all us as well and was a lot of fun for Izzy, she just loves Tarzan!

Then if was off to New Orleans Square for our favorite ride...Pirates of the Caribbean!

After catching other classic rides there we hopped on the Disneyland railroad, one of the kids highlights of the day.  

                                                            

 

The Train ride.

In line for Thunder Mountain, what a great ride.  Izzy went, but she'll tell you that was not her favorite!  Hey, but she went and didn't cry...she's my brave little girl.

Ashton's favorite was the "horsies", the Carrousel.  Really all the rides were fun for him and he didn't want to get off any ride we went on. 

So we hit the Mad Hatter and tried on some hats.  That day was Ashton's birthday so we had to get this picture with the birthday cake hat.

Ashton picked out a Tigger baseball cap and Isabel just had to have her own set of ears.

She really wanted these ones... 

As you can see she just loved them!

Well as I was taking this picture guess who walked right past us....

YES!!  Nicholas Cage!!!  My mom and me got all star struck!  We followed him to the story book ride and snapped a few pics.  I really couldn't believe it, it was the first time anything like that has happened to me.  I felt bad, he is just a person after all.  It made me glad that I am not famous and could enjoy Disneyland with out people gawking at me.

Pixie Hollow 

Isabel wanted to meet really only one character.  It was Tinker Bell.  The lines for meeting characters were all really long, and this being new to me I couldn't see what the big deal was about.  I wanted to go on the rides.  However, after seeing these ladies take the time to talk to my daughter and seeing her eyes all light up with amazement.  I caught the fever and wished we had got to see more.  It really is such a fun thing to do with your kids!

We ended the long day with the fireworks show, which was truly amazing!  Disneyland really knows how to put on a show! On our way out we couldn't leave without a visit to the Enchanted Tiki Room, so we finished off singing with the birds.  The kids loved it, another great classic!

We can't wait until we can go back!

Ashton is 2!

I can't believe my baby is 2! 

These two years have just flown by.

He is such a cute little boy and we just love to have him in our family.

Happy Birthday!

 Who needs a utensil?



His party was spent in the hotel the night before his birthday. 

We opened presents and had cake.

We were in Disney Land on his big day. 

What better way to celebrate your birthday than going to Disney Land!