Disney: Day 1

After a nice restful Sunday at the Barlows, in which we got to go to a church service that didn't have 300+ children in the room (quiet), and got to attend Primary with kids named things like Superstar Five and Trixie Sassafras Sophronia (you think I'm kidding . . . but I'm really not), and even got to see a few famous-ish actors in the congregation, and had a wonderful Sunday dinner and a Sunday nap, we headed down to Anaheim.

The kids were over-the-top excited to get going on our first day at Disneyland.  I had a game plan in my mind (having checked out and read two Disneyland tour guide books.  Yes I am a nerd.) and was all ready to use it.  But there weren't any lines to fight.  Well, hardly any.  Most waits were 10 minutes.  We did wait in line--once--for 40 minutes to do Toy Story 3 Midway Mania, and the kids loved it so much it was worth it.  We spent the day with Gpa and Gma D at California Adventure.  We rode all the rides, saw a few shows (Aladdin was by far my favorite), ate lots of snacks, met Dennis and Annell for dinner, and stayed late to see World of Color.  It was a fabulous day.  Except perhaps when Kye got the schnookahs scared out of him during Tower of Terror, and maybe not when Adam got the schnookahs scared out of him during Aladdin and World of Color and It's Tough to Be a Bug and anything that was somewhat loud or overwhelming.  But other than that . . . Day 1 was super fun.

p.s. Isn't "schnookahs" a great word?  I just made it up.  Just now.  Just like that.  (Hopefully it is not already a word with negative or innapropriate connotations.  *Sigh.* The risks you take when you make up your own words.)

Adam and Speed, I am Speed (as Adam calls him):

 Lucy, Adam, Isaac and Kye, ready for Adventure:

 Adam's first official ride:

 As you can see, he was less than thrilled:

 Adam and Gma D:

 Isaac and Gpa D:

 Adam's favorite Disneyland activity--looking at the map:

 Isaac's consolation ride b/c he wasn't tall enough for California Screamin', the carousel:

 Adam felt safe on this one:

 Action figures:

 Lu and Kye with Mr. Potato Head:

 Again with the map?  Really?:

 It's Tough to Be a Bug:

 Lucy lovers her Gma D:

 Paradise Pier at night: 

p.p.s.  My very favorite part was watching the kids take it all in.  Every ride was new and fun and every show was a new experience.  Can you beat looking at the wonder in a kid's eyes when they realize the day is all about them having a good time?  No.  No you cannot.