Disneyland October 2008

Some of my favorite pics are also in my new header.

We had a fantastic time in Disneyland though we were a little disappointed in the weather. Unseasonably warm - the same temps we left in Phoenix! I am sorry, but even So. Cal should not be 90 degrees at the end of October! And to think how much time I wasted before we left making sure the kiddos had a couple pairs of pants that fit. Oh well. Weather aside, we had an amazing time and loved having Daddy all to ourselves. He didn't even bring his computer and since he still has a plain old cell phone, he didn't even have a way to check his email so he as all ours for FIVE whole days.

We stayed at one of the Harbor Blvd. hotels across from the park and had quick easy access. These places are nothing to write home about but are close and comfortable. (Unless you are in Molly's room that had plumbing issues...) Our annual passes are set to expire Nov 2nd so we soaked up as much Disneyland and CA Adventure before we are willing to spend the bucks for new ones. This was like most trips - we went with Molly's family and my Aunt Shelly and Uncle Joe from Oregon joined us. Disneyland with a group is always so much fun - you can divide and conquer rides for different ages and always have someone to ride with or sit out with, as the case may be. And once you work the fast pass/switch rider pass system, it really is a great trip with a whole lot of fun and not a lot of waiting in line. I highly recommend the late October/November time frame. Halloween time at Disneyland is super fun but if you go early November before Christmas kicks in, the place is dead(ish.)

Oh, and a little PSA: I can't believe how so many people wait in line for rides - they have fast passes AND switch rider passes (for the parents that have to sit out and wait with little ones) for a reason. No lines for us, thank you very much! Lines are for suckas!

We always have a plan to keep the $$ in check while in the park. I swear, some people seem to have bottomless wallets (or credit cards) and buy so much stuff! The kids were told that mommy and daddy would buy them 1 autograph book to share - it makes a great souvenir and then it is a great scrapbook for them of the trip with pictures of characters and other pictures from our trip. They then had the option to bring their own money to buy a souvenir of their choice. Lindsay bought a set of Disney earrings (way more useful than a set of ears that she will never wear) and Caroline bought a light up Tinkerbell pin/key chain (that she will add to her collection on her school bag.) We surprised them near the end and let them get a fun face paint ,with glitter, of course. As for food, we pack in snacks and sandwiches to get us through the day and then buy one significantly overpriced dinner. Oh, and Daddy springs for the occasional raspberry lemonade or churro or dole whip. Thanks food lovin' daddy!

Some memorable moments:
*Cousins holding hands running from attraction to attraction
*Opening weekend of the High School Musical 3 concert parade At CA. Adventure
*Getting soaked on repeated Grizzly River expeditions
*Uncle Joe babysitting both babies while all the big people rode Indiana Jones...he was great!
*Seeing Captain Jack Sparrow - we didn't think we would find him!
*Baby Kate the bug eyed wonder! She LOVED the sights and spectacle of Disneyland!
*Taking turns staying up late with the big kids (Lindsay and Hayden) and closing the place down at midnight.
*Fearless kids - so glad they take after Mommy and Daddy and LOVE a good ride! No weenies allowed in our family.
*Steve smiling from ear to ear as he played with the kids
*Pre-opening day of Pixie Hollow and meeting TinkerBell and Silvermist
*Meredith and her camera...always looking for a fun shot...last year she "fell out of" Dumbo and this year the gates closed on her at Space Mountain and she missed her flight crew!
*Lindsay and Hayden tall enough to ride Indiana Jones (wahoo!) but not tall enough to ride California Screamin'. (sad.)
*Eating a Turkey leg for dinner while watching the Parade of Dreams.
*Aunt Shelly letting the kiddos repeatedly climb all over her
*Realizing we have still NEVER set foot on Tom Sawyer's Island and we have been to Disneyland 4 times in 6 years!
*Spending a beautiful afternoon at Newport Beach. Wish we planned for longer.
*Seeing sea lions and dolphins in the surf just beyond where we played in the waves.