DiSnEyLaNd/CaLiFoRnIa AdVeNtUrE

Our trip started out wonderful. We only went half way Christmas Day and stopped for the night in Las Vegas.  Monday morning we had breakfast, went swimming and then hit the road for what we thought would be a quick 4 hour drive. Nope. Everyone else in the U.S. was heading to California as well (it seriously seemed that way).  We were stop and go-- the whole way-- I could not believe it! I keep thinking there had to be an accident up ahead, SOMEWHERE, but it was just traffic. At one point we did get up to 60 mph and the kids all cheered, but that was short lived.  We finally made it after a quick 8 hours, checked into the hotel, which was awesome, and hit the hay.  The next morning we were so excited to go.  We got the shuttle around 9 to take us to Disneyland (which was only 1 mile from our hotel).  When we got there the lines were crazy, well everything was busy/packed!  The lady at the ticket booth told us that we would probably want to go to California Adventure first since Disneyland was so packed already.  It worked out great.  It was busy, but not too bad.  We also got tickets for the Color of Wonder show which was so good.
waiting for the shuttle

The weather was perfect.  I made the kids wear jackets, mostly because my brain still told me it was winter, but I quickly learned that we did not need them at all until the evening.  It was 70 degrees most days and felt so good. It was lovely. 

The line to see goofy was relatively short so we waited.  The kids loved seeing the characters (except of course Jackson).

Jayson was tall enough to ride everything except Indiana Jones and the California Screamer. It was so nice and he LOVED everything along with the girls.

We went on the rolling Ferris wheel and Jayson was scared to death.  I am sure I still have marks were he was holding onto my arms.. haha!  It is a bit unnerving when you are so high and then start to slide.  We chose the gondola that moves. The girls and Jackson loved it.  Jackson wouldn't even let me hold onto his leg.  Sean wouldn't go on it with us.. he is not a fan of heights and the last trip when he did do it, he almost peed his pants, so it was just me and the kids.

I love all the rides that Jackson can go on in both places.  He thought he was so big and had so much fun.

Jayson and Rylee's favorite ride was the Tower of Terror.  Yep.  They LOVED it.  I am pretty sure we rode it 5 or 6 times.  Adults would always stop and ask them if they were scared.

Another highlight was the JEDI training at Disneyland.  Our first time watching,Tayler was picked.  Jayson was totally bummed that he didn't get chosen and kept telling us that he wanted to be a "trained Jedi" too so we went back for round two. There were so many kids that I was sure he wouldn't get picked, but the second time all 3 were picked.  Don't worry, Sean strategically placed them in different spots in the group because there is no way 3 would be picked from the same spot.  Yep, hard core.  They are definite fans of Star Wars now.  Don't worry, we watched all 6 DVDs on our trip.

They all loved fighting Darth Vader.  So if you want to get into combat with my kids.. watch out :)

 I am just grateful that we didn't loose any of our kids.  We had meeting spots everywhere we went.  Did I mention how busy everything was?  Bathroom breaks took at least 30 minutes.  Rides were a good 1-2 hours, fast passes were already at 4:45 when we got there at 9.  There was one point that I seriously want to scream! I think I just teared up.  There were so many people that I couldn't even turn the stroller around at one point.  By 3 p.m. Disneyland was at capacity, so they weren't letting anymore people come in.  After I came to grips with everything it was fine. I just realized that no one was going to leave and we were going to have fun no matter what! Sean took the kids late one night and said everything was dead so they got to ride a ton of rides.  They rode Splash Mountain a ton (imagine that.. dead, late at night because you get SOAKING WET). They are crazy!  Jackson and I stayed warm at the hotel.  We also got a Magical Morning card which allowed the kids to go before the park opened to the public, so all in all they were able to ride every ride and enjoy everything.

We spent 3 days at Disneyland/California Adventure with hopper passes, but they preferred to stay more at California Adventure.  The preferred the rides better.  Tayler loved the California Screamin' roller coaster.  She has no fear and loves the thrill rides.  Rylee was about 1 inch to short for that one.  Darn it!  Next time, Ry!

While Tayler and I were riding California Screamin', Jackson thought he would entertain everyone and fall out of the stroller.  It was sad.  This picture doesn't really show how huge his goose egg was.  Holy smokes.  We found the first aid station and they cleaned it all out and gave us an ice pack. 

We all LOVED our time here.  I can't wait to go back again, but it won't ever be during Christmas again :)  All of the employees told us that February and March were the least busy times.
xoxox