Disneyland - Day 4, 5, & 6

We went to Disneyland on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday. We had so much fun!! We all agreed this was our favorite of the three places we went, & we can't wait to go back!! This time of year was the perfect time to go. The weather was beautiful (sunny & warm), & we didn't have the crowds like they do in the summer. On Thursday, there wasn't really any crowds, Friday was a bit more crowded & Saturday was really crowded (for us -- but I guess it still wasn't crowded compared to summer time). We didn't get a lot of pictures & autographs with the different Disney characters as there were longer lines to get pictures with them than there were for the rides. We rode on almost every ride & only a few had lines longer than 10 minutes (on Thurs & Fri -- Sat. lines were longer & we had to use our fast passes). On Friday, we won a dream fastpass bonus pack -- which had a fastpass for all the rides that did the fastpass which came in handy on Saturday. Michael & Katie & kids joined us on Saturday also. We're glad they were able to come up; it was fun spending time with them.

The gang with MICKEY MOUSE!




We went to Tomorrow Land first. The rockets were the first ride we went on at Disneyland.

We liked the rockets, but Space Mountain was our favorite ride in Tomorrow Land (I didn't get any pictures of space mountain though). Melanie & Courtney were both tall enough to ride all the rides at Disneyland. Mel wasn't quite tall enough to ride the California Screamer at California Adventure. Too bad, because she would have loved that roller coaster. We tried to make her taller by stuffing diapers in her shoes, but she still wasn't tall enough & they always check you twice at Disneyland/California Adventure -- there's no sneaking on here. Emma was just barely 40 inches tall so she could ride everything at Disneyland except Indiana Jones. She loved the fast rides too, like Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, The Matterhorn, etc. The Tower of Terror (darn I didn't take a picture of that one), was Courtney & Melanie's favorite -- Emma got a bit freaked out on it. Dayton was tall enough to ride the Matterhorn & the Go Gadget roller coaster in Toon Town, but he is not very adventurous & did not like them. When we finished the coaster, we would ask him if he wanted to go again & he would shake his head "NO" - most definitely. Too bad we didn't listen to him & we made him go on the Matterhorn three times. Poor kid! We'll get him to like roller coasters one way or another.

We caught Buzz Light Year right when he walked out, so we didn't have to wait in any lines (but the kids didn't have their autograph books with them to get his signature -- Ahw Shucks!)

"Far away" Grandma with the kids. We're glad that she was able to come with us :)

Our family in front of "It's a Small World." It was all decorated for Christmas & the dolls/figures inside were all singing Christmas Carols. It was very nice.

Trying to pull the sword out of the stone.

They tried & tried, but they couldn't get it out. I guess they aren't destined to be the king or queen.

Look at this pack of wild animals in the cage that we saw on the train.

Grandma & the kids in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

Sitting in the teacups in front of Alice in Wonderland.

The kids were being naughty, so we decided to lock them up for a while.

Taking a break

Mel's the winner!!!

Playing in Minnie's fridge.

Taking a cruise on Donald Duck's Boat.

We stood in a very long line to get this picture with Mickey, but hey ya can't go to Disneyland & not get a picture with Mickey Mouse.

Relaxing on Minnie's bed.

A Fire Engine in Toon Town.

The Grizzly River Run ride in California Adventure. Emma wasn't tall enough to ride this, & maybe that was a good thing since Don & Mel got soaked on this ride. Courtney, Grandma, & I were lucky & only got a little wet.

Peek-A-Boo! Emma's waiting patiently & playing games with me while the others go on rides.

We wore Dayton out. Every afternoon he konked out in his stroller.

Rock Climbing at California Adventure

Mel was almost too small for this climb, but she was a real trooper & made it through both courses.

The carousal under the sea. Dayton loved this ride.

Mel riding the wild dolphins.

Courtney's a master at riding the wild dolphins too.

I believe Emma is on a sea horse.

The first time we drove the cars in Autopia the kids all wanted to drive. They realized they were actually steering & it wasn't as easy at it looks. The next time we drove the cars, none of the kids wanted to drive.

Grandma & Courtney cruising down the lane.

Emma rode with me both times. The first time she drove, & we crashed into the rail many, many times. When I drove, I didn't crash once --Aren't I a great driver :)

The Little Mermaid line wasn't too long, so we decided to get picture with Ariel. She was so friendly & talked to the kids for awhile... she played her role so well :)

We saw both Aladdin plays (the one at California Adventure & the one at Disneyland). They were both so good. This genie was awesome --- he did so many impression of different characters in the play. He was so talented &. hilarious.

Aladdin & Jasmine with the girls.

Abby joined on Saturday with her parents. Mel & Abby look happy, poor little Emma -- just look at that face -- 6 days of playing at amusements parks all day long had worn her out. She cheered up after we went on the soaring over California ride. That ride was wonderful. She loved it (& so did I). We only rode it once, but wished we had rode it more times.

Dayton liked the "Cars" display -- Lightning McQueen & 'Mader.

All the little girls.

and a closeup of the girls.

While I was buying souvineer Mickey Mouse Ear Hats -- the kids spotted Mickey on Main Street & were able to get another picture with him before the crowds surrounded him.

Sleeping Beauty's castle with Christmas lights.

Main Street with the Christmas lights & the Big Christmas Tree. It was beautiful! We watched the fireworks show shortly after & it was fantastic. We also really enjoyed Fantasia show - It was spectacular.

Courtney Mouse.

Mellie Mouse

Emma Mouse

Dayton (he refused to wear the mouse ears).

Well Saturday night our fun trip came to an end. It sure flew by fast. We had such a good time, that we decided it would be nice if we could take a family vacation 1 -2 times a year. Well, we drove back to Washington on Sunday. Within minutes after we crossed the border into Oregon, it started raining...(I'm not kidding) and it rained hard for a few days -- what a nice welcome home :0