Family Vacation Part 3

Day 4

We were worried this day because as we were having breakfast it started to pour down. We tried to stay positive and wouldn't you know, 5 minutes before the Park's opening the downpour stopped. That was a close one, we were just glad that it worked out and that we weren't caught in the middle of it because umbrellas was the last thing on my mind when I was packing for the trip.

We started at DCA that day.  Daniel and I hung out together while the big kids and daddy had fun. We did the rider swap most of the time, but I have motion sickness, so I had more fun watching them and taking pictures.

Spencer and Joshua then wanted to do their own thing so Julia was stuck with the little kids. She was so sad at first but then I reminded her she was 7 now and could do some of the rides by herself, her eyes lit up in a second.
First and longest stop: California Screaming.  She had the courage to go on the single rider’s line of this coaster and rode it 11 times. She had a big smile on her face every time she came out of it and always stopped to check on the picture they take as you are riding it.

While she was doing that Daniel, Andrew and I were busy riding the merry go round next door and we got so excited to see the characters from Andrew’s favorite movie: Toy Story.  He got to meet: Jessie, Woody and Buzz. Buzz tried to interact with Daniel but he tried really hard to avoid eye contact, it was so funny to see his face.

  

After this we went to Radiator Springs. That morning we had raced to get fast passes for that ride.  We loved it and were glad to have the passes because the normal wait was 120 minutes.

We rode our favorite rides at bugs land and then headed over to Grizzly River Run. Julia, Josh and I went on it since Spencer hates getting wet, but I don't mind a quick soak.

We were definitely drenched when the ride was over. The sun came out just in time to warm us up fast.
We then stopped to catch the Disney Pixar parade. We got sprayed with water, Andrew had fun catching bubbles and paw-fiving Slingy Dog.

That night Spencer took Daniel back to the hotel and Julia, Josh and Andrew stayed with me to watch World of Color. We were so lucky they let us into a prime spot because of my stroller. The show was amazing as always. Josh and Andrew both fell asleep after the show so I had to push them both on the stroller. I got a good late workout that night.

Day 5

It is always sad to reach this point, the approaching end to a great vacation. We had to get our new family picture with Mickey Mouse.

 

Andrew was able to have his first roller coaster ride. It was a perfect experience for him, too bad there are no more rides like this one in the park.

We tried all of our favorite rides; of course Star Tours and Space Mountain were on the list. We did Indiana Jones too.  Spencer went with Julia first and Julia came out terrified of this ride. I told her that she needed to try it with me. As we were waiting in line she said: mommy watch out for the hidden eye. I asked her what was she talking about and she told me Spencer had pretty much frightened her to death before she got into the ride itself. We talked as we waited and at the end she said to me. Mommy it is so silly to be afraid of something when you can’t see it because your eyes were closed. You need to open your eyes and then you find out if you like it or not. We tried doing this ride again but it got broken before we could have another run at it.

Spencer, Julia and Josh did Splash Mountain while Andrew, Daniel and me went to see Tigger and Pooh Bear.

Josh was sitting at the very front and Julia was behind Spencer. At the end of the ride Spencer turned around to check on Julia and he pulled a back muscle. He was in so much pain. It was a good thing this was our last day.

Next stop was the steam boat after which we bought the kids some hats. They each picked one and Daniel got to be Jake from the Neverland Pirates

 

 

We got on the Monorail to get to Goofy’s Kitchen. Julia, Josh, Andrew and Spencer got to ride on the very front of the train, something we couldn’t do last time.

 

We made it to Goofy’s Kitchen right on time. Their food was exquisite as always, especially their coconut shrimp, oh my, I was in Heaven.

We also celebrated Andrew's birthday while we were there. He got to blow some candles ahead of time.

After that we went to the World Of Disney store where the kids got to choose 1 souvenir each.  Julia couldn’t decide on anything so Spencer suggested some art. She took care of her and I took care of the boys.

She got her name painted and each letter was made out of one of her favorite princesses. It was adorable.  I asked Spencer how much it was for that and his response was: just know that we are in trouble for Julia’s wedding. I guess she had talked him into doing the most expensive package. Oh well that’s what daddy is for to spoil his princess.

 

Day 6

This was our last day in California and we just had to make it to the beach. We had a perfectly sunny day. We headed over to Balboa Beach in Newport. It was an easy 30 minutes away and we got to take the car ferry to cross over to this island. That was fun!

The water as still very chili but he had brought our sand toys to play with. I love the sound of the waves trashing on the sand and the smell of sea water just felling up my lungs. After a couple of hours we had to say goodbye to California but we promised to come back soon. 

We drove to an outside Vegas hotel. It was right next door to the airport and could see the planes arriving. We decided to go for a swim while spencer rested his back in the room. We swam and watched the planes go by until sundown, and then we order in pizza and called it a night.

The next morning after breakfast we were on our way back to Utah, already planning our next trip.

Family vacation Part 2

Day 3

This was our BOYS & GIRLS DAY. Daniel had to come with us to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, by the Sleeping Beauty Castle, for Julia’s surprise. She got her hair, nails and make-up done. She was in HEAVEN. We brought her Rapunzel wedding dress to change into and give her the total princess look.

 

She looked so beautiful!

After this we went to the new Fantasy Fair to meet some royalty. We got to meet, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Ariel. Julia was thrilled to get so much attention; they really made her feel like a princess.

We were so lucky we were right next door to the new theater and were able to get good seats for Rapunzel the live show. WOW! It was amazing.

At the end of the show we got to meet Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Julia and Flynn had a serious conversation.

Flynn: so you are wearing Rapunzel’s wedding dress, right?

Julia: Yes….

Flynn: so does that mean you are going to marry me?

Julia: Oh, no. I am too little. (Her face was red by the way) I need to grow up first.

 

 

After the proposal we went to have lunch at Ariel’s Grotto. We got to meet more princesses and enjoy some extremely impressive food. Julia was really enjoying herself. So were the boys. Spencer dropped Andrew off since he could eat free at this restaurant.

  

The second that Sleeping Beauty came out, Andrew threw himself to her arms. It was so weird, because he didn’t care about any of the other princesses.  Daniel was in love with Tiana, or should I say her dress. Tiana was so cute and talked to him for a little bit.

 

Meanwhile the boys were having fun going over Star Tours, Space Mountain and other rides, no pictures of that because I had the camera.

We teamed up again after lunch and got on more rides. Our next stop was California Screaming. Julia was the only one tall enough to ride it. This was for sure her favorite one.

 The kids wanted to do flying over California again so while Spencer, Julia and Joshua went on the ride I stood by with Andrew and Daniel watching a Minnie show. Andrew fell off the stroller and hit his head. So cute Minnie came to make sure he was ok.

 

We headed over to Radiator Springs and danced with DJ. Then we were able to see the town neon lights turn on followed by the “life could be a dream” song. That was pretty amazing.

 

We kept going until closing time and made it home around 9:30. Another fun day to report.