Disneyland

So, Disneyland is the "Happiest Place on Earth". We are so fortunate that Brian was able to get us in for free, again and that he and Misty were able to spend the day with us. It was a Saturday, so we were expecting crowds, but it wasn't too bad. We were able to do almost everything we set out to do. The kids were so good and had such a great time. Marco was looking forward to seeing the Pirates, but was scared to death on Pirates of the Carribean. He was more excited to go on the big Pirate Ship that floats the Rivers of America. We braved the heat for that one. The kids explored Tarzan's treehouse and then we headed over to Critter Country. When Marco saw Brer Fox and Brer Bear, he freaked out-no picture opportunities there! We did go on the Winnie the Pooh ride, which was mellow enough for all. Lucia and I got to go on Splash Mountain-which she loved and then went on again with Daddy! After a lunch break, we got on the train and headed to Toon Town. Marco didn't want anything to do with rollercoasters or the live characters, but he explored the sites there. We then moved on to "its a small world". I have to say that is one of my favorites; it takes me back to my childhood and the age of innocence. Then we went on Dumbo (that ride is highly overrated and has way too long of a wait), Snow White and Pinnochio. We went into the Sleeping Beauty's Castle where they've revamped it with scenes from the movie as you walk through it. After another needed break (a potty break was needed between almost every ride), we headed to Tomorrow Land. We stood in line for about 45 minutes to go on the Finding Nemo submarine ride. It was really cute, but come on! An hour to go on one ride?! By that time, we were all hungry and extremely tired. So we had dinner and then decided to go on just one more ride! Marco loved the Buzz Lightyear ride and exclaimed that "he killed the bad guys!" In the evening, the park gets extremely crowded, so we wandered around trying to find something we could do without standing in a huge line. Lucia and I braved the Haunted Mansion after dark-she was scared to death and covered her eyes through most of the ride! By that time Marco was asleep in the stroller, so we headed to Main Street to do our souvenir shopping and then headed out. We caught the fireworks show from the parking lot as the kids slept in the car. It was such a fun day and we are so grateful it was so affordable for us or we wouldn't have been able to do it! We made memories as a family and a little bit of magic for the kids.