DISNEYLAND

We didn't just drop off the planet, nope, we were at Disneyland for the past week. We really needed a break from the snow so away we went to sunnier places. As far as weather goes, it was perfect. This was our first time at Disneyland and it was wonderful. We've been to Disney World in Orlando about a year and a half ago, so our expectations were high. It was just as magical.

Julianne absolutely hated the characters. I wish I had gotten a picture of her standing off to the side. Jesse was the first one we saw at the park and you would have thought she was going to eat Sophia alive the way Julianne acted. She was screaming at the top of her lungs and stamping her feet. Miguel was off riding Soarin with Gabriela and I had the two little ones. Once Jesse left, she was fine, but wouldn't you know it, Woody comes passing by and she flipped out again.

I took the girls on Toy Story Mania by myself and this is how they thought they should were their glasses.

Carousells were a huge hit with my girls. Definately Julianne's favorite. She would scream everytime she had to get off.

Minnie Mouse was a family favorite. Julianne is obviously missing but everytime we saw her she would yell her name and point. I was hoping to try again on the last day at the park but never did. We'll just have to wait till next time.

If I had to describe this trip for the older girls, it would be a performing trip. It seemed like everytime I turned around, they were on stage. Here they got in on a toe tappin' jamboree with Princess Tiana and her New Orleans street band. Gabriela was hamming it up.

The haunted mansion but Julianne to sleep. She went in awake, and came out like this. So while she rested the gang enjoyed Mickey Mouse ice cream

The next day we drove out to the Santa Monica Pier and met up with Miguel's sister and her girls. I think the girls were more excited about this than Disneyland. It was an overcasted day, but not too cold. We ate lunch together and then let the girls go at the beach. THEY LOVED IT!!! I think they like that they could play and the adults weren't on top of them telling them what to do. We were totally unprepared, because we didn't think they would really play in the water. Well, we were wrong. By the end they all were in their shirts and underwear.

I have much better pictures than these at the beach, but I can't seem to get them to load. Maybe in another post.

The next day were were back at it at Disneyland. Dumbo is always a must.

The only real line we waited in to meet characters was with the fairies. This place was so stinkin' cute. You really felt like you were in Pixie Hollow.

Julianne cried again, but decided in the end to give her a high five. We are making some progress it seems.

We went to Ariel's Grotto to have dinner with the princesses. This is the way to do it folks. No waiting in line and you get dinner too. I do have to say, I enjoyed this more in Walt Disney World. It seemed really rushed here and the princesses weren't quite as friendly. I think Belle was having a bad day ;)

I have no idea why my kids are scowling in this picture.

Ariel broke Julianne in. First with a high five and then...we made contact. She actually gave her a hug and then you couldn't pry her away from her.

Julianne enjoying her lolli pop meatballs and spaghetti.

The girls got to be in the Celebrate Street Party Parade!

And Sophia got to be apart of the High School Musical show.

It was a fun, totally exhausting, and wonderful trip. The favorite ride ended up being the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. So, So, Good.