Our sweetest family vacation to date
We have been talking about going to Disneyland for years. When we first got married, we said we would do it before the kids came. When that didn't happen, we said we would do it before Trav turned 30. Then that milestone came and went, and at last we finally agreed to stop putting it off. I found a great deal on hotel and airline tickets. My energetic mom graciously agreed to come and help be a extra hand for the kids. Everything fell into place and I am so glad we did it.
We left on the 4th of July around nap time. The plane ride there was a dream. We took a risk by not buying a seat for Liam (20 months) and it payed off. On the way there, both him and Trav ended up getting the whole row to themselves because the plane wasn't full. He slept for most of the flight and was happy to just play with his cars when awake. Lexie (3.5 years old) was a breeze, perfect age for flying. She read books, talked Neicey's ear off, and snacked during the two and half hour flight.
Lex watching the planes taking off with Neicey at the airport on the 4th of July
When we arrived at the hotel, we grabbed some lunch and headed to Downtown Disney. Travis had never been to Disneyland before and it had been 11 years for me. There was so much to see and do outside of the park alone. Got the kids back and in bed. They missed the fireworks but we could see them from our room.
Linebacker checking out the rooftop pool.
She had just wrapped up swim lessons + the water wings = unstopable
The next three days, we spent at Disneyland. My mom and I had so much fun watching Travis react to everything. Seriously, this is the guy you want to bring for vacation. He was crazy about the characters and I am pretty sure security was keeping a close eye on him. As soon as one would appear, he would get very competitive about getting in line and making sure the kids got a picture and autograph. We had to remind him that the characters were really just 16 year old kids who happen to be 5 foot 7. He got upset when we had to break it to him. I loved watching him on Pirates of the Carribean and Splash Mountain. Pretty sure he thought Disneyland with the equavalent to The Puyallup Fair until he saw it with his own eyes.
Stage-Dad Orchestrated this for sure
T-Brock knows how to vacation
Up, Up and Away
Stage-Dad Travis made sure his kids got only the best when it came to the characters.
licensed and ready to give mom a ride.
Oh yes, the kids had a great time too! Neither were scared of the characters. Lexie has both her parents thrill for roller coasters and rode the Matterhorn and Big Thunder Mountain.She really loved it all. Liam loved Dumbo and It's a Small World. The lines weren't bad for it being summer, we used the fast-pass as much as we could. I think the longest we waited was about 35 minutes for the Finding Nemo Submarine. Both thought it was awesome cruising in the cars, all around a pretend highway on Autopia. Lexie drove me around and I am thankful it will be another 13 years until that happens again. It was hot (about 85 the whole time.) so we made sure they got tons to drink and spent a small fortune on that.
Each day, we followed close to the same schedule we have at home. Got the park early, wore them out and headed back to the hotel for naps (nice part about the hotel only being 500 ft away.) Liam napped and Lexie swam at the pool with one of us. When it started to cool off again in the late afternoon, we headed back for more and stayed until they were done. Disneyland at night is one of my favorite memories from being a kid and it was so fun to share that with my family. The rides and sights seem extra special at night. One night my mom hung back with the kids, who were asleep so Trav and I could do some rides together. We were all so blessed by her coming. She has an amazing amount of energy and a child-like heart, exactly why she is such a great grandma.
Trav and I (without kids) waiting at The Haunted Mansion
Small World is amazing
The last night day we spent a couple of hours at California Adventure. Wish we could of had more time there but at least we got to do the new Little Mermaid attraction (Liam has a major thing for Ariel) and meet Woody. Then we headed to our last dinner of the vaca at the notoriously overpriced, yet memorable Goofy's Kitchen. Waiting to be called for our table there, was really the only time we had a full on melt down. Liam was only content laying on the floor whining. Lexie wanted to join in. They called our name and said it was our turn to take a picture with Goofy. The picture they took was awesome, both kids crying, Travis looked like he wanted to beat somebody up, and I had the perfect fake mom smile. Once we got in, all was good. Got to spend quality time with Donald, Chip, Dale, Minnie Mouse, Fairy God-mother, and Snow white. The food was similar to that of the Old Country Buffet. Yes, that good.
Neicey and I on A Small World
A picture of our brief trip to California Adventure
The boys love Woody
This would be proof of the memorable melt down at Goofy's Kitchen.
The look says it all.
Flight home was a little more exciting. Turns out parents should communicate at airports. Travis and I checked in separately and both accidentally checked that we had Liam on our lap. We tried to ask the ticket counter to assist with taking him off one of the tickets, knowing it will look odd and effect the plane count. Well the always helpful (sarcastic) ticket counter couldn't figure it out. We had no problem through security or getting on the plane. Then once on the plane and everyone is secured and ready to go. The flight attendant asks over the intercom if "The Brock's" are aboard (uh-oh, here we go.) So we have to raise our hands in front of the whole plane. Flight attendant comes over and said she just wanted to make sure we were here (uh-huh, I am so sure.) More awkward silence and the pilot comes on the intercom to say that they are having some problems with the boarding list and there will be a bit of delay. Flight attendant comes to me and asks my date of birth, then about ten minute later Travis's. At this point, we are not the most popular people on the plane. Super embarrassing. Liam is ready for a nap and starts fussing. Basically, the whole plane was delayed because of our lack of communication and some less then helpful ticket agents. Oops. After what felt like FOREVER, pilot finally said they got it figured and we are good. I was half wondering if we would be hauled off the plane or if Travis was a person of interest in a Disney character stalking suit. Once in the air, both kids were angels. The risk payed off again and somehow Liam got his own seat for free. We opted to ignore some dirty looks from other passengers, funny how you get skilled at that after your first kid. Arrived safe and sound and Travis and I are signing up for communication 101 :)
I guess he is comfortable enough with his masculinity to use a girl blanket.
All in all, it was such a sweet trip. Getting to introduce my three favorite people to Disneyland, countless memories made, happy faces, great pictures, much needed Vitamin D...worth every penny. So thankful we were able to do it!
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