Vacation

What a fun, crazy week!  Disneyland, the beach, the zoo and Sea World.   The best part was actually just all being together - my parents and siblings' familes (we missed my sister, Liz, and her family) came to Southern California and we did basically everything humanly possible.  Growing up, we used to come down in the summer every 3rd year or so and go to Disneyland for 2-3 days.  I don't know how my mom did it back then with 7 kids, and without fast passes or switch passes.  We must have been really patient and helpful children (ha ha!) 

Even with the summer crowds this time we were just thankful not to actually have to wait 1 1/2 hours for Indiana Jones or some of the other big rides.   Fox actually liked waiting in lines the most.  He entertained himself (and us) by hanging on the ropes.  Since he wasn't walking yet, he would cling to the little ropes and balance then duck under and wobble a little then balance, then go under again - you get the idea.  He loved it!  (coincidentally - or not - he started walking on his own a few days later, yippee)

 We even had time to take a break mid-day for some pool/nap/lunchtime.   

Of course, large portions of time were spent trying to terrify the children, as well - scary characters, scary rides.. it's all part of the fun :)  Fox was clearly terrified of any and all characters, eek!

Ashley was totally pumped about Space Mountain, but scared of all other "big" rides.    We didn't force her to ride if she didn't want to (unlike Lauren who we coerced onto Space Mountain, prompting some serious thumb-sucking), so I didn't think it was a big deal until she said, "I'm just going to go, I'm sick of hearing people talking about how fun it is."  hilarious, and SO Ashley.

My kids actually really liked California Adventure - they loved the river raft ride thing and then of course Toy Story is fun - I guess they don't know that you are supposed to look down on that park as a not cool copycat - I'll work on that.  We did actually see the new World of Color show.  It was pretty cool, but I'll give you a tip - don't wait in the cattle call, just wait until it is about to start and then walk up on the Bridge and watch it from there.  Of course, we didn't do that, but I wish we had :)