Disney Day #3...

Day three was another early morning (but not as early as day #1). Eli and Emerson now had an idea about what Disneyland entailed and they were excited to go back and see some Princesses.

But first we started our day at Toontown. We got to the gate right as it was opening and Mickey and Minnie Walk down to let everyone in. 

Then we met Mickey. (Emmy still wasn't into hugging the characters). This would change soon.

Then we got the whole family involved and spent some time touring Mickey's house. (Which is actually what Eli calls him. Instead of Mickey Mouse he says Mickey House)

Hanging out on the dog bed

Eli loved this camera (he loves all camera real or fake)

Riding in Mickey's car. A big highlight. Eli kept saying, "I ride in Mickey's car but you too big"

Then over to Minnie. Emmy loved Minnie and had no problem giving her a hug. I think maybe it's because Minnie had on a dress. Emmy does love her dresses.

Tea party time.

Then we met goofy. Eli handed goofy is puppy, and goofy gave it a big lick.

Emmy was willing to stand next to him but only with Marcus

And then we got in line to meet the Princesses. It actually wasn't a bad wait only about 30 minutes and they were very patient. It was so worth it. 

The both loved loved loved the princesses. Even now they still talk about them, and Emmy had no problem hanging out with them. We met Belle

And Jasmine

And Princess Tiana who was Eli's very favorite. He saw her and said, "I go see that princess"

Then we went and had a dance lesson with Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty

Eli loved it and closely followed Snow White where ever she went.

Then we met some more new friends and by this point Emmy had it figured out and didn't have a problem with any of the characters.

Mickey & minnie changed their clothes

We also went to a dance party with some of the "Lesser" seen characters. Emmy & Eli would have danced all day if we would have let them.

We headed over to California Adventure in the afternoon to go and watch the Aladdin Show. It was so well done and Emerson loved it. She was captivated the entire time. Eli on the other hand was scared as soon as they turned down the lights so Marcus had to leave with him.

This was one of my favorite acts. The Newsboys. It made me wish I was involved in music theater. 

After the parade in California Adventure we went back to the hotel for a break because the park was getting really busy and we were all hot and tired.

We headed back to Disney that night and I honestly don't really remember what we did. It was crazy busy, people everywhere and it was hard to move. Our entire group rode on the Tram, and we shoved ourselves into an over filled car. They almost didn't let Marcus on with the stroller but were all sitting on each others lap.

Unkie (what I call my uncle) and Emerson look a little bit tired on the tram.

I think the other people we shoved ourselves on their with were less than amused by our huge group of 18. The previous day my cousin decided that as a means to determine if we were all present and accounted for, we should have a roll call system. We were each assigned a letter in which we were suppose to spell Disneyland.

The entire phrase was suppose to be "D-I-S-N-E-Y-L-A-N-D Let's All Go"

(The babies didn't get a let to call) It never worked out at all but it didn't stop us from trying.

We got back to the hotel late, and we had to go to a different room because our room's air conditioner wasn't working. Eli & Emerson were so tired from the long days and so were Marcus and I.

And that was Day #3. Lot's of Disney Fun!

Disney Day #2 Hollywood...

Our second full day at Disney wasn't at Disney at all (which I recommend doing). Taking a day away from the park is good.

The big extended family group of 18 decided we'd take a day and do a tour of Hollywood. We rented a Hummer limo which comfortably sat all of us (including the 3 in carseats) and off we went.

Eli was ready to go and he insisted on bring his mickey ears

As did Emerson.

And the other little carseat friend Maecyn (I have no idea how to spell her name) My cousin's daughter.

We went and saw some stars. I was surprised at how run down so much of this area is. There were stars  on the sidewalk by a pep boys. I wonder if those one were cheaper to purchase. 

The Hollywood sign off in the distance.

And this place...

Our ride for the day.

We spent some time at the Greystone Mansion

My cousin and Eli

Eli & Emerson ran up and down that path multiple times

The patio area of the Limo

We ended the day with some time at Venice beach. Where we had lunch

On the grass with crazy seagulls circling us

Emmy had a large snow cone

And my girl loved loved loved the beach and the ocean. We went into the water and she had no fear. She kept trying to let go of me. It scared me so much. I had all these horrible images of her begin swept away by a wave. She would have stayed all day.

Our family on the beach

They were exhausted by the time we drove back home for the evening. 

And that was day #2. 

Prayers for the tragedy in CO & all those in pain...

We never know what each new day will bring. 
We hope for joy and peace 
Or at least the comfort 
Of predictable routine.

We're never prepared 
For the intrusion of Evil 
Acted out through 
Harm and mayhem.

When death rips life
From our grasp,
When horror blurs
Our sight,
Have mercy on us, Lord.

Hold our aching souls
Guide us through
Dizzying grief,
Listen to our wailing "Why?"

Be the Comfort we may not even know we need
As we live through this brand new mourning. Amen.

Brand New Mourning
by the Rev. Dr. Kwasi Kena, GBOD

Disneyland (Finally)...

We've been back from our Disney trip for almost a month now and I'm finally getting around to blogging about. It was hard to go straight from Disney to moving (I don't really recommend that sort of vacation timing if it can be helped).

We all loved Disneyland. Eli & Emerson were adorable and they still talk about it all the time. Especially the princess. Just a warning I'm probably going to do multiple posts because I want to document as much of the trip as possible.

So here we go Disney Day #1

We drove to Disneyland straight from my mandatory work conference, and arrived in Anaheim just as the fireworks were starting. It was a fun start. Eli & Emerson were eager to see Tigger and the Princesses and were a little disappointed when we just went to our hotel room. Finding a present waiting for us in the room made it a little better for them.

 Some of my family. The whole reason for the trip to Disneyland was to celebrate my cousins High school graduation. They're family loves Disney and it was decided a couple of years ago. This is the group that made it. (which is much smaller than it should have been. For example none of my 5 siblings could make it). We met up with family from Minnesota and Nevada.

This picture was taken at 6am. We got an early "Magic Morning" Start for our Disney fun.

The Dumbo ride was one of the favorites for Eli & Emmy. We rode it 4 times during our trip.

Of course there were also teacups (but no spinning)

A small world (our group took up two full boats)

Hanging out in the stroller. If you go to Disneyland and your kids still fit in a stroller bring one, it's so much walking.

My uncle and Eli hanging out.

The graduate on the left with Emerson and her sister on the right with Eli. 

Riding on the train. Eli was in love. He could have ridden around on the train all day long.

On the buzz light year ride.

Eli met Pooh Bear (& Tigger but my aunt has that picture). He was so cute, and excited to finally meet someone, since we had been talking about it for so long. Emmy wasn't  brave enough yet to meet the characters but by the end of the trip she was a pro.

Things in the park got a little busy. So we headed back to our hotel for some down time and swimming.

My water babies. I think they would live in the water if we would let them. Especially Emerson.

Then we had a Pizza picnic with the family before heading back to the park.

As we walked in we saw Princess Ariel. Emmy so badly wanted to be braver than she was, but wouldn't get out of my arms. 

She did decide she wanted a hug though. Princesses would become the highlight of the trip for both Eli & Emerson.

Then we went on the carousal. Another big hit (We rode this 5 times I think during our trip).

It's an added bonus that there's never really a big line for this ride. Marcus liked it too!

We stayed late that night for one of the shows. Emmy was a little scared by it and hung out in the stroller. Eli watched from Marcus shoulders and occasionally asked to be put down if something started to scare him. Emerson was not a fan of the "booms" which is what she calls the fireworks.

We got back to our hotel around 11pm. A long day of Disney fun. They fell asleep on the walk back to the hotel.

Day #2 our Hollywood tour coming tomorrow. I know you're excited haha :~)

Things that made me happy today...

1.) Seeing the joy Emerson got this morning when I let her dress up in one of my bridesmaids dresses. And then hearing Eli say to her repeatedly while she wore the dress, "You're a princess sissy"

2.) Coming home from work to discover that a bird flew into our house. Watching Marcus trying to get the scared little thing out was hysterical. (The bird flew into one of our many windows trying to escape).

3.) Seeing old friends. It's so nice to have moved to an area where many of my college friends live.

4.) Work, I'm preaching this Sunday for the first time in my new church. I'm excited!

5.) My new reading chair. I've been wanting a chair for years and years and years. A chair where I could curl up and read. I finally got a chair. I'm giddy with excitement.

6.) A good book. I haven't read a book in over a month which is so long for me. I started The Art of Fielding tonight and so far it's great.

7.) Watching Eli try to figure out the world. Eli wants to know everything, observe everything, and ask questions about everything. Today he was fascinated by the pipes underneath the sink. (I sort of get the feeling that he may be one of those kids who wants to take apart the toaster or computer or something).

8.) That my Papa came through his surgery okay. Today is his 77th birthday and he had 4 stints put in. I worry about my grandparents and I don't like this aging business and the fact that they live so far away.