With the tickets we had-we were able to take advantage of an early morning entry into the Disneyland park. This was awesome since everyone was so excited to get there and enjoy the park. We woke up early-prepared our coolers, packed up the cars, and made the short drive to the Disney parking lot to catch the tram. We were able to park really close unlike my brother; I guess it paid off that Devin didn't read the road signs and went the wrong way. Catching the tram was uneventful and we were all smiles. Once we arrived at the park we had to go thru security, get our photos taken so our photo will be linked with our ticket, and entered the park. We took the normal tourist photos by the Mickey ears, went thru and was greeted by many Disney characters. I had purchased a special notebook for each kid to collect autographs (yeah-this lasted a total of 5 minutes) and we only waited in line for Mickey and the chipmunks. We had things to do-and lines to wait in.
Nicole was "lucky" enough to catch a ride in our car every day. Look how everyone was smiling.
I don't know what Devin and Daniel were doing. No words.
Sibling picture minus Heather. Since we drove separately we didn't catch up until we were inside.
Getting the kids to actually look at the camera was a nightmare. The photo on the right is the best one of them with Mickey.
Look-it's grumpy and dopey. Not sure who is who. ;-) They already look hot and the day was just beginning.
Brynlee HATED the chipmunks. She pretty much hated all of the characters.
The park was pretty busy and very hot. Most rides had 20+ minute wait times and the kids handled it like troopers. I am always so impressed by the way the park structure the lines--I swear they must have full time employees that just create line patterns. Brynlee hardly cried-she fell asleep on the Pirates ride and Haunted Mansion rides, and was so fun. Kyra LOVED everything. The people, the characters, the rides, the treats....everything. Tristan hated the heat and the sun-but enjoyed all the rides he went on.
This stroller was at the house. It was SO nice to have a double stroller. Unfortunately as the day went on, it became apparent the underneath baskets were hanging on by a string. I kept dropping things out of it: ALL DAY.
We waited in line to ride the riverboat. When the boat came around-it wasn't the riverboat-it was the open "pirate" boat. It was SOOOOOOOOOOO hot, but the kids thought it was awesome.
Tristan was in HEAVEN in the building with all the superhero dudes in it. I made it a total of 5 minutes and left. But I did get this cool photo on my way out.
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| It's a Small World. Brynlee was in awe! |
We had the perfect spot to see the parade until a tall old man stood in front of us. Oh well-Kyra still got to see the princesses.
Can Kyra be any cuter? She stole Tristan's hat at dinner and had the biggest smile on her face.
Our carload along with grandma and grandpa--stayed until the park closed. By doing this we enjoyed Fantasmic show along the river. My mom and I got a really good seat right down by the water-but it was sure hard sitting on the brick. I've seen this show multiple times--as a child and an adult. It is such a different experience when you "see it thru the eyes of your children". Once the show was over we walked back to the tram, made it to the car, and piled in. Literally, PILED in. we stuffed 9 people into our Durango. We definitely weren't legal-but it was fun.
Nicole and Cortlynn took off and spent the day together. I only saw her a couple of times. How awesome to spend the entire day with your aunt and not have to follow mom and dad. I did ride the railroad roller coaster with her and she regretted that decision. Poor girl had fingernail imprints on her hand from me squeezing her so tight.
