Sunday, July 26, 2009

Day 4

OK, I'm back. And, now that I've been absent from the blog for a few days, I'm reminded of how weak my memory is. Perhaps it's vacation and the lack of schedule and so many exciting things all packed into one definite amount of days....my mind is working over time managing laundry and making sure everyone has a dry swim suit for the day and monitoring just now much sand Lainey is digesting at the beach and where did I put that sunscreen, anyway? Vacation is a lot of work, people!

So, I'll do my best to get back on track. Let's start with Disneyland on Thursday.

Folks, it actually is the happiest place on earth. I'm here to tell you.

I love it. Love it all.

Been going since I was a toddler and am thrilled to be able to take my own children now. We've been lucky enough to visit every 3 years since we started having kids.....2003.....2006.....2009.

Always our first stop: Mickey ears.

Absolutely essential pic with Mickey.

Baby Lainey waving good-bye.....it's so magical for the little ones.

Carter waiting patiently for our big day to really get started.

The fam, Walt Disney, Mickey and the castle.

Carter and Jack trying to pull the sword from the stone.

Tea Cups. Love this pic. Everyone looks like they're having fun!

After Tea Cups. Nice.

My absolute, all-time-favorite ride in the history of all rides on this earth - It's A Small World. The characters, the song, the colors, the happy feel of it all. Pure joy.

Carter loved this one. Not a choo-choo for Jack.....scary!

Disney's ode to New Orleans.....and southern Louisiana, in general....beautiful.



Another favorite ride.....The Haunted Mansion. So fun year round. Even more so at Halloween.

Snack time while we waited for the parade.

Almost time!

Lively and fun.....and we lucked out with our placement on the parade route. Mickey and the main characters were right in front of us.

Lainey became bashful and overwhelmed by it all. So precious to see.

Until this guy came out.....Lelo (or Stitch?). Either way, she was not interested.

There was dancing.

And, lots of waves to the characters. This baby girl melts my heart.....I never knew sweetness like this before her.

Fireworks!

And, then it was time to go. The day was divided up well.....we had a hotel room for showers and naps and then an overnight stay.
But, it's still exhausting.

And, expensive.

And, worth every penny.

See you in 3 more years, Mickey.....or maybe sooner. Hopefully, sooner!

11 comments:

Dee Stephens said...

I love, love, love Disney myself! I did one of those internships in college where I worked in FLA for a semester.
I love Disneyland just as much though. One year I went there on Thanksgiving day and i'm with you.. Small world is my fav.
Anyhoo.. during Christmas season they turn the entire Small World ride into a Christmas theme lighting the place up and each country you enter is singing their version of Merry Christmas. Absolute the best ever!

Allyson and Dave said...

You make me really want to love Disney again. As a child we made the trip to Orlando once a year from TN and I did love it. Now that I live here and see all the mean, angry tourists and there screaming kids on daily basis I cannot stand the thought of Disney. But I know once I have kids I will see the Disney magic again through mu kids eyes. And I cannot wait for that.

Heather said...

SOOO FUN! I'm glad y'all are having a great vacay. You are making me want to go to Disneyland. We have never been there - just Disney World.

LOVE Lainey's dress! Could eat her up she's so precious!

The Jones Family said...

I am smiling just looking at the pictures and thinking of the fun you all are having. I loved every moment I had with T in Florida a few years ago, it was truly magical! I can't wait to go to Cali one day though with both kiddos! Missing you all terribly!

Monica said...

I truly wish I could LIVE at Disney. It really IS the happiest place on earth. Leave your worries behind. Looks like you all had a great time!!

The Soladay Family said...

What awesome pics! I absolutely love the one of Lainey taking in all of the magic! We've been talking about taking the boys to Discneyland next summer and visiting Ryan's grandmother who lives there. Such a magical place!

The Rand's said...

Great pics! Lots of framers!! Glad you guys are having so much fun!

Coco said...

I love the pics of the babies wiped out. Bless them.

How fun and I can't wait to see more pics!

merrilee said...

These are so sweet! Love the little passed out. I also agree with your favorite ride--It's a Small World. . .who could be unhappy on that ride?? So great to see you!

The Lenzers said...

Looks like everyone is having a great time. I LOVE the sleeping picture. That is how you truely know that it was worth every single cent!! Well done Mamma Casey!

Clare said...

You are great at getting those great moments caught on film. Lainey and Lilo (or Stitch), waving at Mickey, and Jack and Lainey sleeping-oh my gosh, that is great!