Disneyland

Midway through September we flew out to California to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. The plan had been in the works since March & I was just as excited as my boys to be going. I did my research- like, to the nerd EXTREME. Laminating daily schedules, ride descriptions, height requirements & itineraries. I had a list of where to eat & places to avoid. You get the idea. Anyway, we had such a wonderful time despite Nate & pregnant-me each pushing a stroller for several hours each day in 105 degree temps. :)

Here we are on the plane...seeing our first inklings of Seth, the social little charmer. Everyone around him just adored him- the only times he was fussy were when we were back at the hotel.

Our first glimpse & first ride. (Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, which proved a little scary for our crew at times.)

Every afternoon I would take the younger 2 boys back to the hotel for a 2-hour nap. Poor Sethie really could have used two naps. During that time, Nate took Asher on rides that Collin was a hair too small for. Wish we had brought cowboy boots...especially since Asher turned out to be a little wimpy (I say that very lovingly & with the hope that we can shame him into roller coasters when he is older he will outgrow this.)

We loved Toy Story Mania & Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters!

Disney Jr Live on Stage...

My favorite pictures from the entire trip. Keep in mind, we are all on the same ride:

CARS land- the boys' favorite rides here were Mater's Junkyard Jamboree & Luigi's Flying Tires

Seth & I had plenty of time to bond when Daddy would take the older two boys on rides that either myself or Seth couldn't go on.

Since we booked through Costco, we got a free "Character Dining" dinner. The boys were enchanted with almost everyone that came to our table. The exception to that was Alice. They didn't know who she was & wanted nothing to do with her. Nate commented that they probably didn't like her because she acted very pretentious & her British accent was too fake for even them to believe. :) HA! Asher was sweet enough to take an obligatory photo with her.

More characters...

Asher, driving Donald's boat...

In Collin's defense, while I didn't steer him towards the Mickey Hands & Ears, after seeing that Asher picked a souvenir I could have bought at Wal-Mart for much cheaper, I made sure Collin didn't see any of the CARS stuff.

Paradise Pier for dinner...

Our last night there was magical. We let the boys each pick their favorite ride to go on one more time. Asher wanted to ride the train that goes around Disneyland. Both Collin & I were out of luck though- his Gadget Go Coaster & my Mickey Wheel (favorite ride for a pregnant lady) were closed because of firework shows. Our last ride ended up being Astro Orbitors. It was 9pm at night. Nate was in a rocket with Asher & Seth & I had Collin cuddled next to me. We were flying around, so high, when all of the sudden the fireworks over Disneyland castle started. It was seriously breathtaking & very peaceful. What a way to end things! Nate and I are already talking about when & how we want to do Disneyland next time. :)