Monday, May 9, 2011

Disneyland 2011

Years and years ago I went with Wes’ family to Disneyland on a weekday in May.  And the place was empty.  I’ve always wanted to go back “in the middle of the week in May.”  And the stars aligned.  Not only did we get to go but it was the cheapest trip to Disneyland I think we’ll ever have.  FREE and really good discounts kept landing in our lap for gas/hotel/Disney tickets. 

I think it was just meant to be.  We all needed a day of pure fun.  Even though my sisters and I all live within 5 minutes of each other – we don’t see each other all that often so it was fun to spend 48 hours with them.

all of us (1 of 1)

So – off to Disneyland we went.  I made Disney Road Trip bags for the kids for the drive. 

kids with disney road trip bags (1 of 1)

On the way down, we stopped in Ontario for a little mini-golf at Scandia.  It was Nate’s first time golfing.  I’m just glad that we all escaped without being whacked by Nate’s golf club.

mini golf on the way (1 of 1)

And then we spent a full day at the Happiest Place on Earth.  I’m pretty sure these three [or all six of us, for that matter] were the Happiest People on Earth that day.  We heart Disneyland.

nate.daisy.abs big hug (1 of 1) 

ali with the kiddos (1 of 1) 

We all love It’s a Small World.

its a small world after all (1 of 1)

Small World 1

However, the Matterhorn and Thunder Mountain were not a favorite of the little ones.  Nate’s fear of the dark kicked in this trip to Disneyland.  He was absolutely terrified of Pirates of the Caribbean!  Apparently he prefers “Jake and the Never land Pirates” on the Disney Channel over Captain Jack Sparrow.

matterhorn (1 of 1)

me and nate by thunder mntn (1 of 1)

But the rest of the rides were a big hit.  Nate says his favorites were Alice & Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh & Buzz.

finding nemo ride (1 of 1) 

nate and sam on dumbo (1 of 1)

teacups (1 of 1)

thompson girls on storybook (1 of 1)

the carousel (1 of 1)

nate in tarzan treehouse (1 of 1) nate.sam on jungle cruise (1 of 1)

kids with dumbo (1 of 1)

Treats at Disneyland are some of our favorite parts of the day: churros, frozen bananas, pineapple whip, corn dogs, popcorn, Hunny Pot Caramel Apple, Tigger Tails, etc.

nate hearts a churro (1 of 1)

tigger tails! (1 of 1)

We also got to meet a fair amount of Disney friends.  Nate lucked out and found Abbie and Daisy just as they were about to meet the Princesses so he got to meet them, too.

nate.abbie with mickey (1 of 1)

kids with belle (1 of 1)

kids with jasmine (1 of 1)kids with sleeping beauty (1 of 1)

nate.abbie with eeyore (1 of 1)

nate.abbie with tigger and pooh (1 of 1)

nate.abbie with pluto (1 of 1)

Each kid got to leave with a favorite Disney doll / toy.

kids with their toys (1 of 1)          

It was a quick trip but it was full of laughs, churros, frozen bananas, lots of rides, smiles, hunny pot apples, tigger tails, Disney magic & cousin/sister fun. 

As Abbie would say . . . “Disney – we love your land.”

We drove home after a day at the Magic Kingdom.  Luckily these three kiddos slept while Ali/Sam/I got to chat with peace and quiet all the way home.

Sleepy Ride Home

Ali / Sam: How does Disneyland in the middle of the week of May 2012 sound? :) 

And while we were away, I’m pretty sure Ryan absolutely loved ruling both our house and Grandma/Grandpa Marz’ house.  He loves his moments to just play without a certain older brother around!

5 comments:

mrs. timberlake said...

i loved seeing this idea come to fruition!

great pics :)

Nikki, Cody, and Tessa said...

Fun!!!! Can't wait for our 2001 Disney trip as well! You've got me pumped!

Andrus Family said...

That looks like so much fun! Someday, and it better be sooner rather than later, I'll make it there!! Didn't we say fall 2012?? If I start saving for it, will you make it happen? Pretty please! :)

The Skeehan Family said...

oh my gosh, this looked FANTASTIC!!! I am so glad you guys got to go and that it was such an absolute success.

The Skeehan Family said...

by the way... you made bags??? those are so ridiculously cute. Martha. Martha.

PS... sorry I was so unable to talk when you would call last week, it was one of those weeks. So much to talk about, though, so I'll try you first thing Monday :)