Disneyland

We surprised our kids with a trip to Disneyland this year after Christmas. We were so excited to tell them, and about four days before the trip we sat them down in a climatic moment and told them. They said "What's Disneyland?" I guess we haven't ever talked about it before. It was pretty funny. So over the next few days as we packed, we let them look at the website and learn more about it.
We flew in on a Saturday and flew back out late on Wednesday. We ended up at the park four straight days, open to close, every day. We stayed at the Californian Hotel right there on the park, so we got this thing called "Magic Hour". It's when you get into the park an hour before it opens with other hotel only guests. This sounds like magic, but is it really? We had to wake up extra early, stand in line for the magic hour opening an hour before it opens, and then rush like mad people to the most popular rides. Yes, Shelby and Caleb would tell you it's magic. Ronin and I would tell you it's really early and a lot of work. So I guess it depends on who you interview on the matter.

These feet are about to all get very tired

Watching our kids see things for the first time....now that is MAGIC! Shelby and Calvin first went into the California Adventure park. We walked straight to Radiator Springs and watched their jaws drop in amazement. We saw Mater and McQueen in the first few minutes and they were both frozen and awestruck. It was the absolute cutest moment. Calvin was too nervous to do anything. He stood and stared.

Cars!

We went over to Disneyland around lunch and Shelby was greeted by many princesses. As we passed more and more princesses, she was counting them. She says to me that night, "Mom, now I know what princesses are real and which ones are not." So over the next three days we had to find all the real princesses and make sure she knew they were all real. She wasn't interested in signatures, pictures or even lines to see them. She just wanted to see them from afar and move on. Good with me!

We took my niece Cassidy with us because she was helping us with the kids since we took all three. Ronin was too young for most things, so we had to tag team rides. She was the perfect companion for the trip. She loves fast rides and is down for anything. She was very patient with my kids and made sure we never lost one of them. Trust me, that's a test!

Sweet Cassidy

Ronin could ride on a lot of the small rides that have cool effects but not too much action. He loved them all. He really likes the Astro Orbitor ride and we probably rode it one too many times. I get so dizzy with rides that only go in circles, but I couldn't say no to him. Calvin would ride in front and control us going up and down the whole time. Ronin would scream when it ended and we had to get off.

Shelby's favorite rides were the scariest rides. She loved California Screamin' but she wasn't quite tall enough for it. So we rolled up extra socks and put it under her heels and she got in. She was just barely too short, so we had to maneuver that. She also loves the Hollywood Tower of Terror. Basically anything that is super fast and scary, she's in love with. It turns out that Cassidy, Caleb and Shelby are perfect ride partners. Calvin, Ronin and I are also great partners. We like slow and easy going!

Calvin's favorite rides change every time we ask him. He loves Radiator Springs and did it every day. But it usually scared him and right after the ride he did not want to go on it again. But he would still go the next day. He did Splash Mountain and hated it. Poor kid. He loves Goofy's Sky School. It's an old school rollercoaster and he did it about 7 times in a row on the last day.

We rode this Astro Blasters ride about a million times

Jelly Fish ride with my boy

By the third full day we were ready for entertainment and less walking. So we did Mickey's Magical Map, Disney Junior Live, World of Color, and a noon-time parade.

Mickey's Magical Map

World of Color is on next

Mickey Mouse Club House!

We were so tired by the fourth day, and we only had until about 3 pm before we had to leave. So we called it a "favorites" day. The kids each got to pick their top favorites and we rode them. We had more time than we thought because on Wednesday there was hardly anybody there. So we got to do a lot of rides over and over.

Hot cocoa before the parade starts

First parade and the kids were amazed

We ate way too much, walked way too much, stayed up too late, woke up too early, and had tons of fun. After we flew home, dropped off Cassidy, and got the kids in bed it was midnight. Rhoda told me Cassidy didn't wake up until 2 pm the next day. I was so jealous when I heard that.

Holding her so she can eat and relax. Churros!

Dessert for lunch!

The trip was amazing. We are super glad we went and introduced our kids at this age. I'm not sure we are the family who will go every year, but this will certainly not be the last time.