Ekins Express

California Trip

Matt had a two-day conference in Anaheim last week. Since it's only six hours away, we thought we'd make a trip out of it for the whole family. Abby is at the perfect "princess" age and loves reading her Disney books so we thought it would be especially fun for her. I honestly don't know if I've ever seen her more excited when it comes to having something to look forward to. All the talk about princesses, Mickey and Minnie, rides, hotel, swimming, etc. was just too much for one 3 1/2 year-old. She soaked it all up and had the time of her life. We were just happy to go along for the ride. And the weather couldn't have been more perfect the whole trip - mid 70's, blue skies, slight breeze.

We got in late Wednesday night for Matt's conference to start early the next morning. Abby told me seriously 20 times that morning that she wanted to go swimming. We were the only ones in the pool at 9:00 a.m.

This is how I found Rett asleep in his crib. Too cute.

Later that day, the kids and I headed to the Newport Beach outdoor mall. Val was great to give us ideas of where to go (she and her family lived just north of Anaheim for a couple of years while Kelly was in school). We enjoyed walking around and hanging out at all the cool water fountains.

Abby especially enjoyed spending time in the pet shop!

Finally taking a little nap before our big day tomorrow.

Disneyland!

First stop: Princesses

We went on a lot of low-key, short lined rides to begin with before Dad arrived.

Abby's thinking, "Mom, enough already!"

It's a Small World: Rett's favorite ride! He couldn't get enough of all the little people.

The line to see the princesses was so long. We went back three different times finally getting in line the third time. After waiting for a few minutes and talking to parents who had been waiting a while, I asked Abby, "Do you want to wait a long time or go on more rides?" Her response was immediate, "Go on more rides." So we were out of there. However, while we ate lunch, we were able to see all the princesses BUT Snow White (Abby's favorite) go up and down from their station. So we at least got to see them from a distance. Abby waved to every single one and a couple even waved back. That's all she needed.

Just another one of her BIG highlights: Minnie and her house!

Watching the cake bake!

Mickey's car

Donald and Daisy's boathouse

Chip 'n Dale's treehouse

We saw Mickey later in the day on Main Street

Chip 'n Dale dancing with the Firefighter's Band

Goofy joined in on the dancing a bit later.

Splash Mountain had the longest wait all day - 45 minutes. So when everyone else was preparing to watch the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m., we jetted over to the ride and got right on. I rode while Matt watched the kids and then we swapped. Such a fun ride!

Abby was so glad when Dad showed up at 2:30! It's always better when Dad's around.

Abby told me that the Tea Cups were her very favorite ride of the day.

This is where we ate dinner while enjoying a short show. The food was yummy! All you can eat pork ribs, bbq chicken, sausage, with bbq beans, corn-on-the-cob, coleslaw, and cornbread.

This is an inside joke - for you, David

Abby loved touring all the Disney character's homes. She was especially fascinated by the fact that Donald and Daisy ducked lived on a boat... together! Then why did Mickey and Minnie have separate houses?

But probably her MOST favorite part of the entire day was watching the Celebrate! Parade while sitting on Dad's shoulders. She was able to see ALL the Disney characters dance along with the other singers and performers.

Look closely at Rett's teeth and you'll see why we called him our very own Goofy!

It's just better up here, Mom.

The Finding Nemo ride in a submarine... very cool.

Mmm... gotta have me a Coke!

The next day, we headed back to Newport Beach but this time played at the beach and ate lunch at Ruby's Diner. THE best avocado burger I believe I've ever had. The fries, onion rings, and shake were quite tasty too. The funnest part about lunch was that it was at the end of a pier and we sat on top where we had a great view of the ocean/beach.

Abby can get this kid to laugh on a daily basis. Love it.

Enjoying our chocolate banana shake!

It was hilarious to watch Rett as he discovered sand! He loved the texture of it on his face and IN his mouth. Yes, we found some in his poop the next day. Oops!

I was actually laughing while taking this picture because Abby finally decided to stay for the picture. Everytime the tide began to rise, she ran away from the ocean and couldn't quite figure out the right timing of when it was safe to stay in one place.

That night we went to the last few innings of the Angel's baseball game!

We had the pleasure of hearing Abby sing, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game!" - just one of her favorites at the moment. She knows it word for word.

The bag of peanuts I took from the people sitting behind us after they'd left early. ;)

We got up the next morning, packed, and headed out! It was such a fun trip! Thanks Dad for HAVING to go to Anaheim for a conference, for Mom in helping us with the hotel room, and for Disneyland in making us all a little happier!