Happiest Place on Earth!

It just so happens that our family had not been on a vacation since 2008.  It was PAST time.  Max had finally reached the required 42 inches, so it also meant that it was time for Disneyland.  We decided to go over the UEA break...(which later while standing in line we learned stands for Utahns Entering Anaheim).  We surprised the kids the week before we left.  The funny thing is, it took a few hours for the idea to sink in.  I expected them to be excited right away, but I don't think they really believed we were going.  They've been asking for SOOOO long.  My sister, Anne, took a break from her classroom and joined us on our trip.  Here are several highlights of the trip.

This was Max's first time on a plane...of course he thought it was AWESOME!

Todd didn't understand that I just HAD to wait in line to take the kids picture in front of
pumpkin Mickey.  But hey...it's Halloween in Disney.  Can't ignore it.

I thought it was funny that out of all the fun rides, the Tea Cups was first on their must do list.

Kiarra and Zac know I love a clean house.  Obviously so does Minnie.

Watch out!  Sophie gave me whiplash on Autotopia...things to look forward to in 9 years.

Since it's Halloween, the Villians are out in full force.

The Haunted Mansion was fabulous!  Loved, loved, loved the Halloween decorations.

Cinderella was the only princess we waited for.  Sophie just isn't into the waiting or the princesses...but what a bonus to meet the Fairy Godmother!

Anne and her crew in the cage on the giant Ferris Wheel.  Max did NOT like this ride.  His siblings picked the swinging cages.  Not a good idea for him.

Extremely happy to meet Mater and Lightening McQueen. Now we have to come back after Cars Land is finished.

Max had serious lunch to make.  He created a masterpiece with his PB&J pallet.

The boys in their Dumbo.

One day we took a break from the Parks and went to Huntington Beach. 
We walked out on the longest pier. 

The water was a little too cold for the adults...but the kids and surfers didn't mind. The adults
just enjoyed napping on the warm sand and watching all the incredible surfers. 

The last day we hurried to meet Tink in Pixie Hollow before
the line got long.  So much more fun than a Princess.

Todd also got the kids going for the 4th trip down the Grizzly River Run. 
One of their favorites.  He was still wet when we boarded the plane.

It was tough to leave.  When we were walking to the car Max asked "Why do we always have to leave the fun places?"  I think that was how we all felt especially as we've tried to get back in the groove this week.  Hopefully it won't take us 3 years for another family vacation.