It seems to have become quite the tradition for our family to head to Disneyland when we are all together for Christmas every other year. We've had years with good weather, years with bad weather, and our number seems to increase by one more grandkid each visit... this year rounding out at a whopping 20 family members all trapsing around the Happiest Place on Earth!
As for our little family of four... well, we had a REALLY rough night of sleep the night before with kids that were still recovering from colds, etc. We had a bit of a rough start to the day, but decided to make the best out of it!
Arie was, as usual, very easy going and happy all day. He took good naps and went with the flow as we worked his schedule around waiting in lines for rides, etc.
Jack, on the other hand, was definitely suffering from a night of poor sleep, and was not his chipper self. There were a few moments of excitment and joy, but also a LOT of whining and clinging to mom. Not to mention that battle of getting him to use the big (scary and loud) toilets in the echoing bathrooms.
Jack is usually thrilled to be with his cousins, but just had a rough day. At least they all looked cute in their matching Mickey shirts and hats! :)
One of the highlights of the day was watching the parade. Todd and Laura saved some great seats right on the curb near the castle and at the end of Main Street. We spent most of the day splitting off in to more managable groups for rides and activities, but this was one of the things we ALL did together, and it was FUN! We ate snacks and chatted while we waited for the parade to begin.
I don't think I've mentioned what a gorgeous day it was. Mmm, ya. It was amazing.
Jack LOVED the parade! A quote from the day was him saying, "Look! The BIBLE!" when a float shaped like a Disney storybook came down the street. Everybody got a good laugh out of that one. He was very excited about each new sight that came around the bend.
Arie was quite entertained as well and had fun watching all of the action with Auntie Susie.
Jack spotted this ride from our parade seats and asked to go on it. It was one of the only things he asked to do all day, so we jumped on his suggestion. He liked it at first (see above), but then got bothered by the sun in his eyes, or the wind, or both (see below). Silly, grouchy boy!
It was kind of a bummer that Jack wasn't himself that day (he ended up falling asleep in the stroller at about 4pm and didn't wake up until 7:30, I think... then he had bathroom issues that lasted for the next hour), and it was hard to have a baby that needed to be nursed and spoon fed (and have his diaper changed, and clothes changed, and and and...). But we're glad we did it and took advantage of the opportunity to make more memories with our dear family.
Go figure... when we finally decided to call it a day (after 12 hours at the park), we were sure our kids would both meltdown as we tried to get them into jammies for the carride home. Well, they were both perfect angels and happy as can be to be changed on the front seat of the car and wiped down with cold cloths! Still can't figure that one out... but it was a nice calm way to end the day. Needless to say, we all crashed that night!
Good times. :)
Molly accompanied us, and it was extra special to keep Paul's spirit with us as she played his guitar. We all miss his presence especially during gatherings like these.
Jack and Ivy were little caroling pals and shared this hug after one rendition of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!". So cute!
