We had the best week in Disneyland this week. We told the boys two weeks ago that Daddy had to go to California (for work) and that we should get up early in the morning to drop him off at the airport since it would be longer than his usual 2 day trip. I asked Oma and Papa to come capture our surprise on camera. After Ken was all checked in he pulled the boys aside and said, "guess what! They have extra seats on the plane, Let's go to Disneyland!" To which Nathaniel replied, "Yes! Go get tickets to Disneyland!". We said we already have the tickets and by the way, give this note to OMA (which invited her to come to California also). Best Surprise I've ever pulled off!
We had a great time. On our first day we got ourselves oriented to Disneyland and enjoyed watching a Jedi Training session and experienced Astro Blasters, Space Mountain, and driving around in Autotopia. Nathaniel LOVED Space Mountain and went on it at least 3 times a day.
The second day, Oma and Papa Jim joined us and we took them all around Disneyland and California Adventure. Nathaniel got to participate in the Jedi Training Academy. He was the most serious trainee on the platform. When Darth Vader showed up, he was ready to fight. Of course we came home with our own light sabers.
CarsLand was awesome. We loved seeing Lightning McQueen and Mater. Radiator Springs Racers was Super fun!
We went on the swinging Ferris wheel. Logan LOVED this one! Oma and Papa not so much.
Toy Story Mania was a super fun as we whirled around and "shot" darts, balls, and rings at carnival game screens.
Nate got Oma on Goofy's Sky School roller coaster. I think Oma should have read the tip from the grandparent section of our tour book... "Being a Senior at Disney requires courage! Things that used to be easy take extra effort. Half the time grandchildren treat you like a jungle gym and then turn around and trick you into getting on a roller coaster with them. Be alert and if your grandchildren want to go on a ride don't follow along blindly like a lamb to the slaughter. Make sure you know what the ride is all about."
Ken and Dad were brave enough to fall 13 stories in the Hotel of Terror and go on California Screamin. Mom and I went on California screaming too after a little coaxing. A trip to Disneyland would not be memorable with out going to It's a small world, Alice in wonderland and Storybrook Lane. I must confess we didn't see any of the princesses....even Ana or Elsa! We caught all the important characters though (to us!) Chip and Dale, Pulto, Goofy, Donald, and of course Mickey.
We saw the parades in both parks and Fantasmic light show. Pin trading with not only cast members but Disney guests as well! Indiana Jones was a bit bumpy and the boys were not tall enough to ride. Pirates of the Caribbean the Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise were not to be missed. And all the food we consumed... Ice cream for dinner, corn dogs, pasta, pretzels, burgers and fries...I think Mom and a weight watchers salad for one meal... does that count? So glad we were able to make the trip! The boys have been saving their money and collecting pop cans for 2.5 years. It was worth the wait! So thankful that we were able to share this special memory with Oma and Papa Jim.
We had a great time. On our first day we got ourselves oriented to Disneyland and enjoyed watching a Jedi Training session and experienced Astro Blasters, Space Mountain, and driving around in Autotopia. Nathaniel LOVED Space Mountain and went on it at least 3 times a day.
The second day, Oma and Papa Jim joined us and we took them all around Disneyland and California Adventure. Nathaniel got to participate in the Jedi Training Academy. He was the most serious trainee on the platform. When Darth Vader showed up, he was ready to fight. Of course we came home with our own light sabers.
CarsLand was awesome. We loved seeing Lightning McQueen and Mater. Radiator Springs Racers was Super fun!
We went on the swinging Ferris wheel. Logan LOVED this one! Oma and Papa not so much.
Toy Story Mania was a super fun as we whirled around and "shot" darts, balls, and rings at carnival game screens.
Nate got Oma on Goofy's Sky School roller coaster. I think Oma should have read the tip from the grandparent section of our tour book... "Being a Senior at Disney requires courage! Things that used to be easy take extra effort. Half the time grandchildren treat you like a jungle gym and then turn around and trick you into getting on a roller coaster with them. Be alert and if your grandchildren want to go on a ride don't follow along blindly like a lamb to the slaughter. Make sure you know what the ride is all about."
Ken and Dad were brave enough to fall 13 stories in the Hotel of Terror and go on California Screamin. Mom and I went on California screaming too after a little coaxing. A trip to Disneyland would not be memorable with out going to It's a small world, Alice in wonderland and Storybrook Lane. I must confess we didn't see any of the princesses....even Ana or Elsa! We caught all the important characters though (to us!) Chip and Dale, Pulto, Goofy, Donald, and of course Mickey.
We saw the parades in both parks and Fantasmic light show. Pin trading with not only cast members but Disney guests as well! Indiana Jones was a bit bumpy and the boys were not tall enough to ride. Pirates of the Caribbean the Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise were not to be missed. And all the food we consumed... Ice cream for dinner, corn dogs, pasta, pretzels, burgers and fries...I think Mom and a weight watchers salad for one meal... does that count? So glad we were able to make the trip! The boys have been saving their money and collecting pop cans for 2.5 years. It was worth the wait! So thankful that we were able to share this special memory with Oma and Papa Jim.
