We finally made the trip to Disneyland. We all had a wonderful time (even Erik :) We were there for 3 1/2 days - it worked out well because we stayed right on property at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. We were able to walk right from our hotel into California Adventure. Because we stayed there, we were able to enter Disneyland an hour before it opened (and get right on any ride that usually had over an hour wait time). We would bust out more rides then go back to our hotel, head to the swimming pool then shower and out again for the evening - Erik was even able to enjoy a massage - perfect!!!!! We made some wonderful memories on this trip and I know the boys will remember this experience for a lifetime.
Entering Disneyland with a good view for Ben
The boys and I in front of the castle. I think the castle is what they thought all of Disneyland was (you know, from the opening of any Disney movie?)
Handsome boys
This ride was the only one Jake was able to go on and not Ben (because of the height restriction)
WOODY!
Planning our next move
and we're off!
Sulley
I love me some Mr. Incredible!!!
One morning we had breakfast at "Goofy's Kitchen" in the Disneyland Hotel
Baloo from Jungle Book
Dale
OK, so this was certainly one of the best parts of the Disneyland experience. There is a place within the park called "Jedi training academy". Three Jedi Masters come up on the stage and explain that they are holding training for young recruits who would like to learn to become Jedi Masters. They pick 20 or so kids out of the audience to participate - Jake and Ben did this 2 days in a row and got picked both days (out of 80 or so who wanted to) - I just told them to jump up and down and act like they really wanted it - it worked :)
They were going through there training, when out of nowhere come 2 Stormtroopers running in - then.......doom, doom, doom......Darth Vadar is lifted from under the stage.
He was challenging them to a battle of good and evil - he must be stopped!!!
Each of the boys had a light sabar fight with DARTH VADAR!!! How cool is that? Erik mentioned that he would have given his left, you know what, to be able to do this as a kid.
Jake in his first battle
Jake was taking instruction and practicing
The Jedi master kept cracking up at how little, yet intense Ben was
Jake's got the moves!
Ben faces Vadar
Getting tips on fighting the 'Dark Lord'
One of the Jedi Masters making sure Ben is ready for his battle
Ben gave it all he had!!!!!!
Look how big Darth Vadar is - intimidating to a five year old?!?! Not Ben, he let him have it!
Jake in a battle with Darth Vadar
And finally, FINALLY Jake got Buzz's autograph. We had to hunt him down and find out when his next appearance would be. I stayed on the lookout while the boys and daddy rode some rides....and then, laaaaaaaaa there he was!!! Pretty sure it was one to the best parts of the trip for Jake.
signing Jake's autograph book
PILLOW FIGHT!
We had another character breakfast at the Lodge in our hotel. This one was better than Goofy's Kitchen in my opinion. The atmosphere and especially the food were MUCH better.
These are the bears from Brother Bear
"Mom!!!! Mickey Mouse kissed my head!" Jake.
Ahhhhh, Mickey - he puts a smile on my face
Takin' a little rest
I just thought this guy was funny.
Ben and Mommy on the log ride
goofballs
Skeeball horse races!
Erik feels such a connection with Bob the Builder - sort of soulmates...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!
They each built their own car and had races with other kids.
On the final day we hit the beach in La Jolla and drove down the coast. Ben is such a little Beach boy - we could have left him there and he wouldn't have noticed we were gone. Next up, surf lessons!
California 2010
SUCCESS!!!!!!
