a little dangerous

A cute sister I serve in Primary with told me about

an 'Etsy' type website that she had found.

Very Jane

I have found so many fun things!

Cute, cotton chevron pattern skirts for

Christmas gifts, colored cotton twine,

(it was 5.00 a huge roll-usually about $15.00!)

a wooden monogram-you know those ones that

are all over Pinterest right now.

Also an Anthro inspired necklace & some tissue paper

 pom-poms for M's birthday party.

I ordered September 3rd & 5th, and I have only received the twine.

It has been longer then I imagined it would take,

but since I don't have a deadline for these

items I'm ok just to wait it out.

They send a daily e-mail & all items are on a timed sale.

(E-Bay meets Etsy)

Please apologize to your VISA bill for me!

gridiron gang

B is playing football this fall-

tackle football!

He is not the biggest kid in fourth grade,

so I am always worried that he might get hurt.

He is loving it though!

He has a great team, with lots

of fun friends & amazing coaches!

I keep reminding him that powerful things come in small packages,

after all you can fit a grenade in your pocket,

but look at the effect it can have on things!

Have a great season buddy!

(and please don't get hurt)



disneyland part seven

Shopping:

I think the best advice I can give when it comes to purchasing

 all the cute little souvenirs that are everywhere in the park

is give your children their own money and let them go at it. 

 It will surprise you how smart they are with their choices. 

Last time we went the kids knew we were going for a

 few months before we went. 

They were saving every penny for the trip.

  We told them that anything in the park that they

wanted they would have to buy themselves.

  We wondered how this would work out & were slightly worried that they would

spend all their money & then beg the rest of the trip

 for everything else they wanted. 

 We were pleasantly surprised when they spent the whole trip

asking how much everything was, how much that would leave them with,

 and most of the time putting things back, in case they found something better.

Since they didn't have the luxury of saving for this surprise trip,

we just gave them each they same dollar amount to spend.

They did the same thing as last time,

very conscience of what everything cost.

T spent $4 dollars

(he is saving for a gun & looked at his money as just a big payday! ha ha)

B spent about $60 dollars

M came home with $11 dollars! She wanted to hit every shop in sight!

I think she is slightly like her dear mother!

B found some 'goo' in the gift shop by the Buzz Lightyear ride,

he was having some remorse about not buying it.

On our way back to our hotel on the last night we stopped at the

Disney 'Super" Store in Downtown Disney.

I think you can find anything they sell at the park in that store!

There is a great shop in Frontierland that the kids just loved.

it had a little bit of everything.  Also they had the embroidery machine

to do the names on the hats there.

Characters:

We didn't find a tremendous amount of time looking for characters this trip.

I like going to the locations in the parks that you know that characters

will always be. (Pixie Hollow, Princess Fantasy Faire, Toontown)

We ran into Alice, The Mad Hatter & The White Rabbit by the tea cups.

We were able to get autographs and pictures with the Mad Hatter and Rabbit, but

Alice left before we could get a picture.

Main Street first thing in the morning is a great time to find characters.

And our favorite is one of the different character dining options that they offer.

We have been to Goofy's Kitchen twice & it never disappoints.

M was really into the characters, B wanted his book signed,

but he wanted me to do it & he refused most times to get in the picture with them.

 T came home with an empty book & was in one family

picture with Chip & Dale, only because we forced him to!

I know it's just their age, and the times we have gone before they were

just like M loving every character filled moment.

One last ride:

Saturday we spent the day at the beach.

When we got back to the hotel & cleaned up

we gave the kids the option of going back for a few hours to catch a few last rides.

They were totally up for that.

We took the monorail in and as soon as we got off

M & I rode the Finding Nemo Submarines.

She thought it was great!

We then ran & rode It's a Small World.

Everyone was lining up for a parade,

and as we got off the ride the parade was still going.

We watched from the stairs to the left next to the gift shop

 the ride sends you out into.

It was a perfect spot to watch from.

There was a pillar with a big cement ball that I sat M on

and I just stood behind her. I'm sure if they would have seen us they

would have asked me to take her down, but it was the perfect view for her.

The floats are amazing!!

Lots of fun music & dancing!

The parade route is marked on the maps.

It begins right by It's a Small World & it seems like that's a

less crowded area to watch from.

The boys rode The Matterhorn and Star Tours.

We met up and went on the Snow White ride.

Then headed into Frontier Land.

T & M wanted to ride The Pirates of the Caribbean,

B wanted to go to The Haunted Mansion.

The line for the mansion was huge!

I think it was a 30 minute wait, and by far our longest of the trip.

It's decorated for Halloween & so delightful!

New Orleans Square was packed with people waiting for Fantasmic.

We decided it was time to end our journey.

We made a stop at the candy store on Main Street for a treat,

and walked back to the hotel exhausted & happy.

We ordered room service when we got back

& spent the night dreaming sweet mouse eared dreams.

Everytime we go I'm making plans for the next time.

disneyland part six

Disney's California Adventure Attractions:

Our early morning was at 8:00,

so we made sure we were out the door at 7:30.

We walked across the street and through

The Grand Californian hotel to use their entrance.

There was already a line waiting to enter.

When we got in the park I had Trenton rush the kids

(no running allowed in the park hee he)

straight to Cars Land.

I went to Fast Pass The World of Color,

and met them there.

Cars Land is totally awesome!

Truly a reproduction of Radiator Springs come to life!

We headed straight for The Radiator Springs Racers.

(Height 40 inches)

We had no idea what to expect on this ride,

but had we known anything about it,

I'm sure it would have exceeded our expectations.

It has the thrills, speed, and whimsy that we all love!

We rode it twice in a row,

we had heard the day before that Fast Passes for this ride were

gone within an hour of the park opening.

M and I moved on to The Little Mermaid ride,

and the boys went to California Screamin'.

M loved 'The Ariel' ride!

We rode it twice in a row,

(didn't even have to get our of our clam)

and were going for a third round, but she changed her mind and we jumped out.

If lines are slow, ask the nearest cast member if you can go again &

they won't even make you get off and back on.

As we went to find the boys we ran into Donald.

This is the first time we have found him!

There were only a few people in line,

so that made it even better.

We found our boys and they were on about their 3rd

round of back to back rides.

I can't even begin to tell you how much they loved this ride!

Almost as much as I love this picture I caught as they were taking off.

(0 to 55 in 4 seconds is how this ride begins)

This ride has the tallest height requirement at 48 inches.

M rode the carousel,

and then we all moved on to Toy Story Midway Mania.

Mr. Spud is there to greet you & tell jokes as you wait in line.

Super fun ride!

We figured out that if you hold the trigger back your gun will

shoot continuously. (Of course this was after the ride was over.)

We walked around the pier, ran into Phineas & Ferb,

and then rode Jumpin' Jelly Fish and The Golden Zephyr.

I think we rode the jellyfish 5 times in a row!

The kids loved them, especially M & B!

They are a 40 inch height requirement.

We snuck around towards The Grizzly River Run,

& found "Dug" on our way.

He was in front of the Redwood Challenge Trailhead.

It's a playground, and we didn't play there this time.

 We did hit it on the first time we came.

The boys were 2 & 4 and it was awesome for them to run off some energy!

We rode the river run, and had a blast!

We all got soaked-I'm talking drowned rat type of soaked!

A lady that was in the raft with us said she had rode it just moments before
and didn't get wet at all.
So take your chance on this one.
I have to say that water was refreshing-it was so hot that day!
We stopped for ice cream, before going to Soarin' Over California.

Our kids had no idea what to expect on Soarin',
none of them had ever been on it.
It is one of my very favorite rides!
They all loved it!
Soarin' and Tower of Terror are both a 40 inch height.
Next we walked up to the Tower of Terror.
It's maybe my least favorite ride,
but M was loving all the "big" rides so much I put on a brave face,
and we all hopped on board.
It is now M's least favorite ride as well!
She didn't cry, or throw a fit about it;
she just said "I don't ever want to do that again."
We shopped in the gift shop while the boys took a second ride.
We went to The Taste Pilots Grill for lunch after that.
On the way to lunch I wish we would have stopped at
The Monster Inc ride.
It's tucked back on the Hollywood Back Lot.
I have heard it's really great!
I guess it gives us something else to go back for!

After lunch we decided to go over to Disneyland

to ride Space Mountain.
It was closed the previous day to get ready for Halloween.
It's called Ghost Galaxy for Halloween.
The line was long & hot,
the ride was dark & scary.
Needles to say we only did this one once.
The boys liked it, but M had the same reaction she did
to the Tower of Terror.
The height for this one is-you guessed it! 40 inches!
The kids wanted to do the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters again,
so we did that, and then were going to go to The Haunted Mansion.
The park was getting packed & my Hubby,
as truly of a wonderful dad & husband he is; he hates huge crowds!
The small town boy inside of him just can't take it.
I could see that anxiety building up & decided that it
was time to hit the pool.
It was a great break in the middle day.
We swam, showered, and had a rest before heading back into the park for
The World of Color.
Our passes were for 9:00.  We left to walk over at 7:30.
There was a line to enter the viewing area.
I jumped in line & it seemed to quickly open up to let us move into
the viewing area.
I had (and still don't) no idea where to go. I knew from reading a few Blogs
with Disney advice that you get wet in the front row.
So I avoided that area.
I found what looked like a great spot about 3 tiers up from the water
& planted our stroller & bag to hold spots.
Since the show wouldn't be starting for an hour
I told the boys to feel free to go hit some rides.
They headed for none other then California Screamin'
I brought a pack of glow sticks ($1 at Michael's Craft)
 that kept M & I amused while we waited.
When the boys got back I took M to go use the restroom.
It was hard to get back to our spot, stepping
over a ton of people-most of which were not nice.
I mean seriously people! We are on vacation!
It's suppose to be fun! Lighten up!
Anyway I was thinking how awesome this was going to be,
from where we were sitting I figured we would have a great view.
Then they made us all stand up & move forward!
Yikes!
There was only one row of people in front of us
and then the railing, but when everyone moved up and weasels
their way in I knew we were in trouble.
M was probably the only on who had a good view of the show,
and that's because she was on my shoulders until
I couldn't feel my fingers & then Trenton's shoulders.
B stood in our stroller, but still had a limited view.
T could hardly see at all, at one point I noticed he was sitting on the ground
playing with a glow stick.
It broke my heart that he had completely given up even trying to see.
The show itself is wonderful!
Water, Disney images, great music, and fire at times.
Really a cool 30 minute show!
If you eat at certain restaurants in DCA you get to sit in a reserved viewing area.
I looked into it, but thought it was pretty pricey,
and decided we would just try our luck with the Fast Passes.
The reserved area was right in front of us &
was not nearly as crowded as the rest of the areas.
World of Color Reserved Seating/Dining
This bad experience didn't ruin our vacation by any means,
and it won't keep us from trying to see it again.
We were there on a Friday night, so I imagine during the weekdays
it's much slower.






 

 

 

disneyland part five

Disneyland Attractions:

I think the best way to do this is just give a run down

 of what we did & anything extra about the ride.

As a note we try to do one entire land at a time rather
 then jumping from area to area.

This sometimes is hard when you have kids
wanting to go in 3 different directions.

I think my best advise is be flexible, go with the flow,

and know that everything won't go as you planned.

Have fun, smile & enjoy the memories!

Also if you have a combo of older and younger children
be prepared to divide and conquer.

We did this a few times, actually first thing in the morning.

M & I waited for Peter Pan and the boys headed to The Matterhorn.

Our boys loved The Matterhorn,
 it's old and jerky and Trenton said it beat him up.

We moved on to Pinocchio's Daring Journey & Snow White's Scary Adventure.

I had heard that they are a little scary for small kids, but M loved them.

Be sure on your way into the ride to touch the magic golden apple.

It will make a witches cackle or say something.

In one part the queen is facing a mirror & then turns to face your car

and its the old lady she turns herself into.

We just laugh and talk about how silly it is to the kids.

In Pinocchio's Journey at one part a whale comes up like he is going to eat you,

that's the only thing I can think of that would be scary.

We rode the Carousel and I sent Trenton & the kids to ride

 the Mad Tea Cups and Mr Toad's Wild Ride
while I waited in line for Rapunzel. 

She comes out at 11:00.  I waited in the shade of the carousel at about 10:00.

She is in a little house to the right of the Pinocchio ride.

At about 10:00 there were cast members
waiting to give directions on where to line up.

  I got in line at about 10:30 when some other moms started lining up. 

We were about 4th in line.  Trenton & the kids waited on a bench

 in the shade enjoying snacks while we waited. The line wasn't very full and they

put a sign up that said 60 minute wait. (for those just getting in line)
I was glad we got in line early.

Rapunzel was darling, she sat and talked to M,

signed her book & gave her a hug.

We moved on to Merida from Brave.

She was so awesome!

The kids all loved her! She has her 3 'brothers'

(robotic bears) in the props behind her.

She talked to the kids & played a game with them & the bears.

They hid their faces and on the count of three screamed "BOO" & scared the bears.

It was really cute! And all the while she had her darling Scottish accent.

After they met her they all got to shoot a bow and arrow,

I think even the boys were impressed!

We moved on from there to The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The Height is 40 inches-which seems to be the magic number.

There are a few rides that are 42 inches, Indiana Jones is 46 inches-

but it was closed & California Screamin is 48 inches.
This is the first roller coaster that M has ever been on
 & I was a little worried about how she would like it. 
Like it wasn't the right word-she loved it!

Crazy kid is just like her brothers! The faster & steeper the better!

It is a fun roller coaster.
If you have timid kids sit in the front
it's a slower ride up there.

We moved on to Splash Mountain.

I would dare to say that this ride is in all of our top 5 favorites.

Lines were short so we got in quickly.

After riding this a couple of times we figured out where the camera is

and got a little silly!

We just took pictures of the screens they post your pictures on with our phones.

Everyone on our first ride

T got a little wet.

We headed over to New Orleans Square for lunch at the Blue Bayou.

I already talked a little bit about it,

but let me say again how great it was!

Yummy food, cool restaurant!

We headed right to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride after lunch,

so the kids could see where we were eating.

The ride is fun, there are a few drops in the water, but nothing scary.

Look out for Jack Sparrow, you will see him hiding 3 times.

(at least that's how many we could find him)

The kids climbed up Tarzan's Tree House next.

This is not a ride, you just climb up, walk through

& then go down. It's something fun for the kids to run off some energy,

and it's nice because you don't have to wait in line.

We went to the Jungle Cruise next.

I love this ride, it's cheesy in all it's goodness.

It reminds me of when I came to Disneyland as a kid.

Just like everything else our kids loved it.

I have heard one side of the boat is better then others,

but I think they were both fine.

Next we went across to Tomorrow Land.

We hit Star Tours first (height 40 inches)

It's a 3-D Star Wars flight simulator.

We all loved it, but especially my hubby!

B was picked to be the "spy"

(they just take a picture of a random person when you enter the ride)

He was so mad the whole ride!

"He kept saying I'm not a spy!

I don't want to be the spy!"

This is an awesome ride.

I remember it making me sick the first time we came, but I was fine this time.
We rode the Buzz Lightyear Astro blaster next.

You guessed it-our kids love it!

You get to shoot the "Z's" for Zurg to try and help Buzz.

Don't forget to use the joystick in the middle of your car

 to turn your car in circles for better views.

Also as your exiting if you want to avoid the gift shop

take the hallway to your right just before the entrance to the shop.

We then headed back for some more Thunder Mountain Railroad

and Splash Mountain.

The lines were great so we were just walking on to rides.

In fact we just stayed in our log for a second round of

Splash Mountain.

M and I were exhausted and the boys were still ready for more.

So she & I headed down Main Street USA

and they stayed for a few more rides.

(That's the only downfall of entering through the monorail, you don't

get that lovely walk down Main Street as you enter the park)

We shopped at the candy store & then at the Disney store in

Downtown Disney.

(I'm talking mother of all Disney Stores!

I think it's as big as a city block!)

Anything you see in the park you can find in this store!

The end (for now)

 

 

 

 



disneyland part four

Early Mornings:

Early morning entrance is for guests of the Disney hotels,

you get to enter the park one hour before it opens to the public.

We had early morning entrance to either one of the parks available

 to us every morning we were there.

We used it two mornings, Disneyland the first & California Adventures the second.

We left for the park at 8:45 (early morning was 9:00) and walked to the monorail.

They check your bags, ask to see your room key & scan your tickets all right there.

The monorail takes your right into Tomorrow Land.

We probably should have left at 8:00 and waited in line at the monorail, so

we could have been the first ones on and off.

We rushed to the Peter Pan ride, it still had a long line, but I was determined to get M on it.

Just as we were close to getting on the ride it broke down.

That's when the boys gave up and headed for The Matterhorn.

(I know there is always a long wait for this ride, but I'm not sure putting my kids right into a long wait was the best thing first thing in the morning when they are all so excited & ready to ride)

M & I waited it out & it was so worth the wait.

I love this ride-the true whimsy you expect from Disney.

On our second morning we left early at 7:00

 (early morning was at 8:00 and we learned from the previous day)

Since we were going to California Adventure we just walked across the street

& through the Grand Californian Hotel entrance. 

There was already a long line formed to get in, but as we waited it grew and grew. 

 We were glad we got their early.  Upon entrance I had Trenton quickly

 head to the new Cars Land & I went to fast pass The World of Color.

(Normally you can only fast pass one ride at a time,

but you can have an additional fast pass with the World of Color pass)

The World of Color fass pass is right inside the Grizzly River Run ride.

Cars Land was AMAZING! It feels like you're actually 

walking down Main Street in Radiator Springs!

We rode The Radiator Springs Racers ride twice in a row, and moved on before

the rush of everyone coming in at the park opening.

That totally made me realize how cool Magic Mornings can be!

 

 

 



disneyland part three

To stroller or not to stroller:

The first two times we were there we rented strollers.

It was only about $12 the first time & maybe $18 the second.

Rentals are $25 now.

You get a jogger stroller with a nice deep seat,

a pocket on the back of the seat & a nice big basket on the bottom.

If you are carrying any sort of-well anything,

 I would highly recommend taking a stroller.

We found a little umbrella stroller at Walmart on the drive down

 for $25, it was perfect for us.

If your staying at a Disney hotel it's nice to have your own to walk to & from the

park with. (They will make you fold it up on the monorail)

We had a large bag with wallets, cameras, autograph books. etc...

and another bag filled with water, snacks, sandwiches, etc...
They will check your bags when you enter the park, but never said anything
about the amount of food we were bringing in.
Only asked once if we had any glass bottles.

Even with 11, 9 & 5 year old children it was nice to have the stroller.

There is stroller parking all over the park.

We would often leave it in one spot while we jumped around

from ride to ride.

It also served as a stool for B to stand in to watch the World of Color.

Let's eat:

On our first trip my sister-in-law & I ran to a grocery store,

 & we packed in lunches while we were at the parks. 

We had the same intention the second visit, but never made it to the store. 

This time I came prepared.

 I knew we would be arriving late, and entering the park early.

 I packed gallon size bags with snacks (one bag for each day). 

I filled them with trail mix, goldfish crackers, chips, jerky, cookies, fruit snacks,

 fruit leather, rice crispy treats, granola bars and applesauce. 

I brought bread, peanut butter & jelly

 I brought a case of water (we could have used 2) 

We had a small fridge in our room that I filled with go-gurts,

string cheese, apples, oranges, and mini candy bars.

I kept the water cold in a cooler with ice.

Both days at the park we would grab some fruit and cheese in the morning,

and snack a little as went went along.

It is the key to happiness in our family to keep everyone hydrated, and full.

We had a meal in the park at about 2:00,

and then would just snack in the evening.

The first day we ate at the Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square.

My friend Jamie gave me this recommendation & I'm so glad I took it.

It is the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

We did this instead of a character meal.

(We did Goofy's Kitchen both times before & it was awesome-

good food, buffet style & lots of kid friendly choices.

 You will meet lots of characters.

Just know that every time you sit down to eat another one will come around

 and it's back up for more pictures & autographs, not a very relaxing meal,

 but so much fun & kids love it!)

Anyway back to the Blue Bayou,

 I made reservations soon after I made our hotel reservations.

Disney Dining

We chose the lunch because that's when they have the Monte Cristo sandwich.

I had heard it was good, and it was good! Really good!

Imagine the love child of a donut type pastry and ham & swiss!

Heavenly!

I asked for water front seating when we checked in

(your cannot request it when you make your reservations) 

They said it was an additional 45 minute-hour wait.

I declined & said we would be glad with anything.

A few minutes later they took us to our table, which was right on the water!

Our hostess just smiled and said enjoy your table.

I had read on a few blogs that being nice to cast members pays off,

and I tell you what-it does!

Lunch was great! The kids were a little confused/freaked by the ambiance.

It feels like your outside in a swamp at night time.

Plus boats of people are passing by as part of the Pirates ride.

Everyone loved their food. Huge portions!

M & B had the kids macaroni & cheese ($8) it come with a drink and fruit.

T went with the ribs, Trenton had a steak.. All of ours came with

scalloped potatoes, green beans & mushrooms.

It was delicious!

Our bill including tip was $150.00

We figured by packing in food & snacks one extravagant meal isn't too shabby.

The second day we ate at Taste Pilots Grill.

The burgers are great & they have a topping bar with

 lettuce, tomatoes pickles & condiments.

M & B had kids meals, which left a little to desire.

B's was 4 tiny nuggets & maybe 10 fries.

He could have eaten double that.

M had a mini cheeseburger (think slider size) and fries.

The burger meal the rest of us ordered were great, and we had enough

fries to share to keep B from 'starving to death'
This meal was a little over $50.

We of course had to partake in some of the yummy park treats as well.

We had ice cream in the hot afternoon (2 dibs & 1 frozen lemonade) about $14

Churros $3-$5

Bottle of water $3

Popcorn $4

Dole Whip Float $5 (My favorite)

If the line is long go inside the Enchanted Tiki Hut & order there.

You don't have to be there for the show.

Turkey Leg $9 (all 5 of us shared it)

We all loved the candy store on Main Street USA

Yummy treats, home made chocolates, and the delightful swirly unicorn lollipops.

 (We had to bring a friend back the chocolate/peanut butter fudge
she loves it so much)