Disneyland Dream Vacation

When my dad decided to retire, my parents took the lump sum he received for his sick days and decided to take the entire family to Disneyland. My parents rock!

We were nervous about going to Disney over the Thanksgiving holiday because we had heard it was the worst time of year to go due to huge crowds and long lines. That wasn't our experience at all. The lines really weren't that bad and we used fast passes to get around those that were. Best of all, we got to experience the holiday version of  Disneyland: snow in the evenings that smells like gingerbread, It's a Small World covered in Christmas lights, Sleeping Beauty's castle lit up with white lights and icicles, etc. I had always wanted to experience that and it was all I had hoped for.

We went to Disneyland every summer or so when I was a kid because we lived in California. However, in those days, you had to have a ticket for each ride.

With five kids, it was tough because it seemed like we never had enough E-tickets to do all the best rides. I remember the first time we went to Disneyland where once you were in the park, you could ride whatever you wanted to (after 1982). I almost cried I was so excited.

I have always loved Disneyland, but as I got older, I got more and more jaded and it wasn't the same. Now that I have kids, everything is different and Disneyland is as magical as ever. Disney definitely knows how to create an atmosphere that is all-encompassing and memorable.

I love my family and sharing this time with my husband, kids, parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews was one of the biggest highlights of my life.

These little girls have so much fun together.

 Sporting their Disney shades.

 Christmas tree on Main Street.

 Baylie LOVES the tea cups (Mommy, not so much).

 Jalen spent a great deal of time testing out the pavement. 

  I'm not sure he bought into the whole "Happiest Place on Earth" hype.

Baylie was so excited to drive the car. Everytime we hit the track and bounced, she'd say "What the heck is going on with this thing?!"

A week after we got home, she was almost asleep one night and she mumbled, "Next time we go to Disneyland, can I drive the Autopia cars?"

Grumpy 

Jalen did like the Jungle Cruise, but then, who doesn't? 

I love this picture of my mom with the grandkids.

 Princesses must have "lips" on at all times.

 A big cheese for the frozen banana. Somehow food always brings him around.

My mom at the exclusive Club 33.

Thanks to Grammy and Grandad for a great trip!