Where the Magic Begins!

My parents (okay, strike that, read: "my mom") has been dying to take us to Disneyland with the grandkids while we live just a few hours away in Vegas. When we found out their spring break dates we decided to plan a kind of whirlwind trip over Thursday (drive there), Friday, and Saturday (drive home). Now, unfortunately I wasn't kidding when I said Zachary regularly wakes up at 4:30 a.m. pounding on his door ready to get out and play. I was having hives picturing us all sharing one hotel room, Zachary pulling all-nighters and keeping everyone up, and then trying to drag him all day through long line after long line which just wasn't my idea of "fun." So after much debate, I asked my wonderful inlaws (who were spring-breaking in St. George) if they wouldn't mind coming down for 2 days and watching Zach for me. And they did! They showered him with attention and 4 a.m. love (which he certainly NEVER gets from me), and I was able to have the most relaxing toddler-free, one-on-one Disneyland trip ever with the Luce and my parents. We went HARD all three days-- staying out until 10:30 p.m. every night and waking up to be first at the park the next morning. (And not to worry, Grandma and Grandpa Cardon are taking us to Disneyland next month so Zach will get his turn too!)

Anyway, Thursday morning we left about 9 a.m. and made the 4 hour drive to Anaheim. We went straight to the park and started riding rides right away! But first Luce wanted a peek at Minnie Mouse.


And speaking of Lucy, she did brilliantly!! Despite the heat, long hours, and even longer lines she was such a great sport. Being another year older made a HUGE difference from last year's trip to Disney World-- she was willing to try just about every ride, and she didn't mind waiting in line knowing she was in charge of picking everything. I didn't even bring a stroller for her because I knew she could walk, and even when she started getting blisters she didn't complain because she was so stinkin' excited and in LOVE with the whole thing!

Enjoying the dolls on "It's a Small World" (one of her favorites).

Hanging around Tarzan's Treehouse while mom and Grandpa rode the Indiana Jones ride below.

Waiting for the fireworks to begin, and loving every Disney minute with Grandma and Grandpa!

Friday morning we woke up bright and early and headed back to Disneyland to check out Tomorrowland. Here's Lucy and Grandma riding the cars at Autopia.

Posing in front of the Matterhorn, which subsequently is a funny story. I kinda tricked Lucy into going on it with me thinking she'd like it, and from the first 10 seconds she SCREAMED bloody murder the entire ride. It was a D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R. No more tricking!

Meeting Cinderella at the Fantasy Fun Faire. Remember the days when she used to call her "'Rella"? They grow up so fast...


Posing with Sleeping Beauty. And I might add, Grandpa TomTom was a very good sport waiting patiently through these loooong lines to meet the princesses.:)

Waiting in line for Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (my personal fav when I was a kid).

Chowing down on Monte Cristo sandwiches for lunch at the Blue Bayou (the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride). So fun!

Surprisingly, Lucy's all-time favorite ride, the Haunted Mansion. And I almost didn't let her ride it because I worried it would freak her out!! Ha. We went twice and that still wasn't enough.

Posing in Pixie Hollow before heading back to the hotel.

Friday morning we decided to change things up and check out California Adventure. I'd never been and was a bit skeptical, but it was fun and the crowds weren't as bad there. Lucy got right up to meet the Mouse himself!

Riding the swings with Grandpa TomTom!

Hopping off one of the rides in Flik's Fun Fair.


Surprise! We turned a corner headed to lunch and found Mulan!! One of Lucy's favorites!

Ready with our 3D glasses for the "Bug's Life" movie.

Such a great trip!! We stayed and played until about 6 p.m. and then drove back to Vegas. And back to reality... Why do vacations have to end??