Family Vacation: Part One: Disneyland

Warning: Picture Overload!!!

At the end of March we surprised the boys with a trip to Disneyland.  We hadn't been since Tyson was 2 years old, so it was new for all of them.  We had a great time, despite the crowds.

Waiting in line for our first ride, Dumbo.  Nolan had no idea what to expect.  He was just happy to be there.

I quickly learned that standing in line turning into a wrestling match when you have
three little boys.Usually it was  Preston and Nolan playfully attacking each other in
each line.I did my best to keep the chaos to a controlled minimum so it wouldn't disturb
the people around us.  

Dan rode all the big fast rides with the older boys, while Nolan and I kept ourselves entertained on
the more mild stuff.  We made good riding budding since he was too small  and
I was too pregnant to ride many of the rides.It was a win-win for everyone.

Everyday life is controlled chaos with these three.  Disneyland was no exception.

Jedi Training was a highlight for the boys.  We tried so hard to get Tyson chosen to
participate on stage,with no luck.  After trying twice we gave up.
I couldn't deal with the disappointment on his face anymore.

Goofy was high on Nolan's list of people to see at Disneyland.  We practically accosted him when he walked by.  He didn't seem to mind.

This kid enjoyed Autopia a little too much.  I am terrified for when he learns to drive.  I only have 12 more years!

All three of my boys love Phineas and Ferb.  We made sure to get front row seats for
their Rock and Roll show.  They encouraged all the kids in the audience to participate.
This is as close as Preston wanted to get.  I even joined in when they
asked parents to hula hoop.

Tyson joined in nearly every song and had a great time.
 He is in the middle in a green shirt.

We just missed the opening of the new Cars Land.
 But my boys were happy just to seeMcQueen and Mater.

Dan was a saint to go on all the silly little rides with the boys.
Nolan and I really did enjoy a slower pace.

While standing in line for It's A Small World, a nice older couple insisted on
taking our picture.They said we needed proof that I was there too.

Nolan was a little hesitant around most of the characters.
But Pluto wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer.
He was so sweet with Nolan and got him to warm up to him.

For weeks (months?) before we went to Disneyland Nolan kept asking to "Find Mickey Mouse."
When I asked him why he wanted to find Mickey he would say, "He give me a hug."
Nolan was right.  When we finally found Mickey Mouse, Nolan got his hug.

This picture makes me laugh.
Tyson DID NOT want to stand in line to see Minnie Mouse because "She's a girl!"
He almost refused to be in the picture.  And this is him trying not to smile.  

Preston, Nolan and I stood in a really long line to see Tigger.  Dad and Tyson were busy riding Splash Mountain.

They loved Eeyore too.

Every afternoon without fail Nolan, my no-napping child, would fall asleep in his stroller or in his dad's arms.  He fell asleep on my lap on the Haunted Mansion.  He kept sleeping all through Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Tiki Room.  He finally woke up when we I laid him in his stroller while Dan stood in line for Pineapple Ice Cream.

Dan insisted that we all pick out character hats.  He really wanted this picture! 

And to make sure the hat purchase was put to good use we posed for this picture in our hotel lobby as well.
 These are our "I'm too tired to stand up straight" fake smiles.

We plan to go back in another 5 or 6 years.  I hope to not be pregnant next time.