Disneyland at Christmas Time

For the past 2 years, we've gone to Disneyland during the Spring (early May) and we had a great time both times.  We missed going this year so we decided to head down there in December so we could witness the "Magic of Disney" during Christmas time.  The decorations, the lights, everything was decked out for the holidays.  Even details in the rides had changed to reflect the holiday spirit (for example, the "Jungle Cruise" ride was called the "Jingle Cruise" and the Soundsational parade was changed to a holiday parade).  The crowds were rough on Saturday when we arrived but on Sunday and Monday we got to ride all the rides we wanted and ended up having a wonderful time.  We flew to LA this year to make the trip more bearable and let me tell you, that was worth every penny!

Maddie was tall enough now to ride every single ride and she was a trooper and tried it all!  Even though that little girl gets motion sickness EASILY, she was still up for trying the faster rides.  She wasn't a fan of Space Mountain or Astro Orbiter (which spins in circles really fast) but she LOVED the water rides - Splash Mountain and the Grizzly River Run.  She turned down our offer to buy her a poncho which would keep her dry and warm on the wet rides ("where's the fun in that" I can imagine her thinking) but it was chilly this time of year and when the sun went down, it was down right cold.  Add in a wet kid, and Mark and I knew we headed for trouble.  Sure enough, we had to leave the park on Sunday night b/c that little girl was wet and freezing.  That's the last time I let her think she knows what's best for her (ha).

Jacob loved Thunder Mountain railroad (we must have rode it 6-7 times) and he also loved the water rides (but had the foresight to know that being wet wouldn't be fun and opted for a poncho).  We got to ride the Cars Land ride TWICE on Monday because the lines were super short!  That was a treat since it's an awesome, awesome ride and the line is usually an hour + each time!

At the airport on our way to L.A.  These 2 wrestle every where we go.  Every. Where. We. GO.

This is how we entertained ourselves while waiting in line. He's pretty good at this game!


On the Radiator Springs Ride (Cars Land) as we are about to race!


The best photos are the ones that are taken while you are on the rides. See for yourself!

Family Photos

I think, someday soon, we will be ready to try a professional family photo session again.  Our last one was in April 2013 and while we usually love the photos, getting there and DOING it is a whole other story.  By the time December rolls around, we know we have to get SOMEthing done so we can send out our Christmas cards.  Sure enough, December hit and we needed to make it happen.  This year, we went right down Hallmark Street in Belmont to a spot that has amazing views and just clicked away.  While I envy those families that have these beautiful, professional photos on their cards, I don't think we do half bad with our little personal camera (and the minimal time and effort that goes into it is PRICEless).

Our cards are in the mail so expect them soon.  For now, enjoy this sneak peek. :)