Disneyland and other Adventures

You probably have given up on reading this blog, and frankly, I don’t blame you.  I haven’t posted not so much for lack of excitement, but rather for having too much excitement. 

Most recently, we went to California including the beach and Disneyland.  Despite record breaking heat (100+ degrees for a few days), we had such a great, magical, and super fun trip.  It was Jared’s and the kids’ first visit to Disneyland. We stayed in a great hotel, the Marriott Residence Inn complete with a 2 Bed/2 Bath suite with a kitchen.  They also had breakfast daily and dinner a few nights.

We spent one night exploring tidepools and picnicing.  It was fun to find crabs, sea urchins, and shells.

Here we are at the Magic Kingdom. 

Our highlights include:
- Jedi Training (Thomas, Natalie, and Abigail got picked), 
- Aladdin play (Broadway quality, so much fun!), 
- Star Tours, 
- Pirates of the Caribbean, 
- Toy Story Mania (California Adventures), 
- Radiator Springs  Racers (California adventures), 
- Grizzly River Run (California adventures), 
- the World of Color, 
- Mickey’s parade, 
- and of course meeting the princesses, especially Anna and Elsa from Frozen (the girls were star-struck). 

Worst Picks:
-Space Mountain
-Autotopia
-Tiki Room

We didn’t have very long lines (except to meet the princesses) but partly this was due to the time of year and also Amelia’s wheelchair helped us go through the exits for the older rides (such as those in Fantasyland). The newer cooler rides we were able to get fast passes, switch passes or return times for most so it didn’t seem like we had to wait very much. 

If we go again, we probably would just get a 2-day pass (1 park per day). By the 3rd day we were pretty tired and the first time on a ride is the most magical, so re-riding wasn't as fun.

We couldn't be in Disneyland without taking this classic picture.

We spent one day at Seal Beach.  The beach was a lot of fun but the waves were much stronger than expected and so the kids couldn’t play much in the water. Right when we got to the beach Natalie ran out to the water and was quickly swept away, Jared had to go get her, and then even on shore the waves had a strong undertow and would topple Amelia over.  Regardless we had so much fun playing in the sand.  Jared actually did some swimming in the waves.  Overall it was a great time.

Besides the trip, the kids are now all in school, even the twins are in Kindergarten. Everyone loves school and they seem to be doing well.  Abigail and Amelia are in the same Kindergarten class, but hardly seem like sisters at school (they don't sit by each other or even play together at recess). 

The garden has been keeping us busy, plus storing the food takes a lot of time (mostly canning, some dehydrating and freezing). I always thought I'd have so much time once the twins were in school, but I have felt busier than ever.