When two in the family have a birthday over a long weekend and one of them is turning the big 4-0 then there's nothing better than jumping on a plane for a weekend at Disneyland!!
We left Friday night, played at Disneyland for two days and then flew home on Monday (which was a day off from school)
getting energized for a day at the D with a morning run.
and a beautiful sunrise.
Such a nice break for the cold Cache Valley weather.
Some times these kids melt my heart. This girl sure loves her big brother.
Happy Birthday. Our first day was Ethan's 14th birthday.
Ethan and dad seeing who can make the best face on Space Mountain. Ethan likes to have a contest to see who can make the best face on the roller coaster pictures. I think he had this one in the bag. The next day when him and I rode space mountain he nailed the picture as well, but we were blocked by the people in front of us for the picture.
Thunder Mountain w/ the birthday boy.
We strutted around with our birthday buttons, receiving a little extra attention from various workers and other tourists. 14 years ago this sweet boy made me a mom. 14 years later we’re celebrating him achieving another year and me about to head into my 4th decade. He was reluctant to wear his pin, but when he did he received lots of birthday greetings. What better place to celebrate than in the Happiest Place on Earth.
6th visit to Disneyland and 1st time ever riding the teacups.
Figured I'd do it before I turned 40
Ellie decided it was one of her favorite rides.
Next up, Ellie's favoritest ride
One of Ellie’s favorite rides is, It’s a Small World. I love it mostly because she does and I love to watch her be mesmerized throughout the ride. We were happy to find that this attraction was still all decked out in Christmas decor so it was extra fun to sit and admire the magic of the ride. (And try to forget the creepy dolls)
Busted by a storm trooper.
As we were walking through Tomorrowland Elisabeth was stopped by a few stormtroopers (not really, we saw them and stopped to watch) they ended up noticing her and wanted to check identification. She was recruited to join them, we told her she was a traitor to the rebellion. She thought it was “weird” that she was the only girl.
It won't be too long and this kid will be driving for real, WHAT!?!
The lines at Disneyland were not as bad as we were expecting (being a three day weekend and all). Even in the long lines this girl never complains. She seems to always be in deep thought about something, or people watching carefully.
Family tea cup ride.
For dinner that night we went to Downtown Disney and had dinner for Ethan's Birthday.
Happy Happy Birthday to this amazing young man!! So glad we got to spend this special day in the Happiest Place on earth! We had his birthday dinner at Naples in downtown Disney. Love this sweet 14 year old more than he knows. Here are some stats on this kid: Favorite Color: blue FAVORITE FOOD: steak FAVORITE SPORTS: to watch-football, to play -soccer FAVORITE TV SHOW: don’t have one FAVORITE SONG: Imagine Dragons (songs) FAVORITE MOVIE: Maze runner FAVORITE MEMORY BEING 13: I don’t know, I have a lot WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Architect or an entrepreneur WHERE IS A PLACE YOU’D LIKE TO GO? Philippines
After dinner we headed to the Lego Store.
Ellie loves the LEGO friends. In fact, she has memorized a Lego Friends song and has been around the house singing it over and over (best friend forever). So when we saw this friend she had to get a pic
Toward evening Dad and Ellie got tired, but Ethan and I wanted to get every ounce of happy out so we stuck around for a few more rides and a little more magic.
The next day we headed to California Adventure making our way first to Cars Land for the Radiator Springs Racers. The line was already huge and Ellie still would not ride the Radiator Springs Racers, so we tried out the single rider line. Not too bad of a wait. First Ethan and I road, then Dad and Ethan went and road.
Who's excited for Radiator Springs Racers? Dad!
Luigi's Dancing Cars
Ellie really really wanted to see Oswald. She says he’s her favorite. We found him at his favorite place near the entrance of the park. She also remembered her autograph book and got his signature.
This monster literally almost ran into Ellie as we were strolling through Hollywood (of CA adventure)
Gardians of the Galaxy entertainment while waiting form Dad and Ethan to ride their ride.
Most of the board walk of Paradise Pier at CA adventure was shut down for maintenance work, but we were still able to ride the King Titan's carousel and do the Toy Story ride.
Running in to Dale.
Finding Minnie Mouse our last evening at Disneyland.
and Pluto
and of course a trip to Disneyland is not complete without saying hello to Mickey.
“It’s a Small World” at night. Our last night we had to take one more ride in Ellie’s favorite. We loved that the holiday lights were all still up. Even more magical.
Love making family memories
Family selfie time in front of the castle.
We had such a great weekend at Disneyland. It was a super short trip, but such a memorable birthday for both Ethan and mom.
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