Making Memories California Style

 In December, it will have been three years since we experienced Disney World.  When we left that blessed place, Dave promised me that we could do another Disney vacation in three years time.  Well, you better believe I held him to that vow.  Last week we headed to sunny California and it was quite magical.

 We stayed at the Marriott Resort in Newport for a couple of nights and those were some fancy digs.  The kids were in heaven

playing table tennis, life size chess (well, moving the pieces around, they don't know how to play).

They strategized for the win while I did some zumba with the other guests on the pool patio.  

After some exploring and relaxing in the kids club, we spent the afternoon at the beach.  

The kids were blissfully happy.  If I could show a picture of pure joy, it would be photos of them frolicking in the water.  Even Harrison kept running to to the tide.  He loved the beach so much, he tried to eat all the sand.  

The rest of us opted for other snacks, like granola bars, popcorn, etc.  The popcorn bag spilled all over and I kid you not, the entire flock of Newport seagulls surrounded our blankets.  The kids were trying to run them off, but those were some beastly birds taking claim to the beach and those kernels.  I put on a brave face and didn't run screaming down the beach as I did as a child, but I wanted to.  We went back to the hotel, swam in the pools there, grabbed a bite to eat and prepared for our Disney delights ahead!  I knew the vacation was off to a good start when Brenna was hanging out the van window (yes, Dave rented a minivan) and yelled "I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS TRIP!!"

I was so looking forward to Disneyland at Halloween and it did not disappoint.  I am not the best photographer, so I didn't capture the decor but it was fabulous.  There were lots and lots of people, but we did everything we wanted and waited no longer than 25 min on any ride.  So, Harrison did pretty well chillin with the people in his Mickey tee.  

The first day brought awe to each of us.  Katelee is our most bubbly and expressive child.  She showed her enthusiasm and giggled all day. She is a thrill seeker and loved everything we did and saw.  Brenna opened her map and dropped her jaw.  She said, "MOM-they have bathrooms here!!"

Dave does not do spinning rides, so that cuts out the tea cups, splash mountain and others, but that didn't stop the rest of us.  That skeleton dude they put in Space Mountain is seriously disturbing, though!  Brenna said she was 'almost scared ' of that ride!

And, because Dave isn't as much of a ride/Disney fanatic (some may say freak), he happily sits out with the baby so I can go enjoy.  Each Disney vaca we have had (this is #3) I appreciate this, because I honestly can't get enough.  This is apparent in every ride pic that is taken.  I have the same open mouth 'wahoo' being exclaimed!

While they didn't do the fast rides, Dave and Harrison did go on quite a few.  Peter Pan was a hit, Buzz Lightyear is always exciting, and how could we forget, 'It's a Small World?'  Harrison was literally in awe...

The weather was sunny and felt kind of hot, but we weren't complaining.  It had been 99 the week before we got there.  

The next day we went to California Adventure.  Grandma and Grandpa and Shannon flew in to meet us for the day.  It was great having them with us.  Some highlights were: Tower of Terror (Brenna's favorite), going to Cars Land, riding the swinging Ferris Wheel, where Shannon couldn't open her eyes and I kept yelling to Grant, "Don't drop my baby, don't let my baby drop!"  as Harry sat on his lap and our car rocked like a pendulum.  Good times.  

California Screaming was a hit with all those tall enough to ride...sorry Brenna...There is so much awesomeness going on in this picture, I can't even point it all out, but take a good look at each person here...

World of Color was absolutely incredible and the parade was fun as can be watching the girls dance and the baby pop bubbles

We LOVED our experience at Turtle Talk (he he, Grant trying to describe a bikini top,) and seeing Harrison squeal in delight in the Disney Junior puppet show made the whole trip worth it!

California Adventure is a BLAST!

We said goodbye to the grandparents but Shannon stayed one more day and met us for breakfast the next morning at Ariel's Grotto.  It was Friday and we knew the park would be more crowded, so it was perfect to meet some of our favorite characters then.  

Wahoo!  It's Aurora

and Snow White

Cinderella and Ariel were there too, but Harrison tried to feel up Belle

it caught her attention, of course!

But, the baby's favorite character of the day was Minnie. Here he is laughing and running to her.  

But, then she had to keep her creepy head away from him!  Ha!  

 The wonderful Shannon got our tickets for the girls to see Anna and Elsa.  There was some finagling, but it was all worth it!  Brenna had been internalizing all her excitement most of the time, but when she knew she was about to meet Elsa, all the hyper came to a head!  She was on a high.  It was awesome!

 Anna and Elsa loved having sisters dressed like them.  They twirled and hugged and bonded, for sure!

Notice Grant is missing in each of the character photos.  Somehow he seemed to disappear whenever a princess photo op happened!

We had dinner at the Blue Bayou and stayed for Mickey's Halloween party.  But, much to my dismay, the kids were tuckered out and couldn't be dragged around past 10:30.  They made it for the fireworks (which rocked) and the parade, so I tried not to be too mad at them!

So, our much anticipated trip was all we ever wanted and MORE!  Dave even had a great time! He really did, he said so.   Although, when we were leaving and a Disney soundtrack was playing where the shuttles pick up he just couldn't take it anymore and asked us, "When does the music stop?!"  And Shannon quickly explained, "It doesn't."

The music and magic of Disney never stops!  That's why we (ok, I) love it!  It was a fantastic trip, we just wish it was longer.  There were tears coming home and a countdown has begun to the next time we can put the words Disney and vacation together again!