The John Family: Disneyland Day 1

It really sucks to go back and journal nearly two months later but Disneyland is pretty memorable so I shold be alright. Ian had a meeting for credit hours at Disneyland hotel. We decided to take the opportunity to tag along and save money on the hotel stay. We traveled up to Aniheim on Sunday after church. Monday morning Ian went to his meeting and the kids and I got ready to go to breakfast and go to the park. We had breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney.

Jade was a little freaked out by the thunderstorms and the animals. The server was kind enough to put us right next the the big tubular fish tanks. The kids were pretty happy to watch the fish go from tank to tank. Pretty much the restaurant was full of grown ups so our kids were very entertaining to everyone. Teagan was being a huge ham trying to get Gauge to laugh.

I think the kids were too excited to eat. Note to self just grab something you can eat on the run next time because a big breakfast is a waste of money for excited kids.

It was really hard to decide whether to do both Disneyland and California Adventure but we decided just to do Disneyland the first day and see how far we get. It was decorated for Halloween which awas really cool. The kids and I walked around a while. We walked through Adventureland and checked out the castle. I was feeling very overwhelmed with three kids in Disneyland without Ian. I felt like we should be doing more than walking but I didn't have any idea how I was going to take all three of them and myself on rides.

I was happy when we found the teacups because I figured it was something the kids could do themselves and at this point Gauge had fallen asleep in the stroller. Turns out that no they couldn't go by themselves on this ride. They held the ride while I pulled poor Gauge out of the stroller and hopped on with Teagan and Gauge but not before I got some cute pictures of them in their teacup. Once I figured out I had to go with them on every ride I was feeling like this wasn't going to work out.

We walked back toward the hotel and just sort of took our time in Downtown Disney. We must have spend an hour in the Lego shop. Look below at this awesome computer they had. I don't know if you can see what is happening but Teagan just grabs a set and holds it up to the camera. The camera scans the box and then shows Teagan on the screen the set animated. It's hard to tell with the picture but the train is going around the track. Really!? Maybe I've been in the small town to long but I thought that was freaking awesome.

Jade liked to play on the computers and I spent most of the hour buiding little lego people with other people's kids. There was a fine line between telling these kids they shouldn't talk to strangers and that the lego guy they just made was the coolest I had ever seen. We ended up leaving with 3 Lego guys. Actually a Lego girl and two Lego guys. Teagan wanted a set but I always make the kids wait until the last day to get souvineirs because they change their minds like a 100 times about what they want.

Right after the Lego shop we met Ian and grabbed lunch and went back to the park. I think these rockets are in tomorrowland. Mostly Gauge and I hung out while Ian went with Teagan and Jade. I got to go on this ride. The kids loved it.

This is the Pinocchio ride. Usually I will tell you my kids are way to fussy about things being loud but this time I really was loud. Super loud. We all went on this one.

Poor Gauge was pretty tired already.

Not a bad picture while we were rolling by.

I think the kid could have done this all day.

Ian took these. I asked him why and he said because he knows I like to take pictures of flowers. How sweet is that?

Gauge and I hanging out while everyone went in the yellow submarine. I wasn't sure what rides would be scary to Gauge and what wouldn't so I just kept him busy.

My guys after the ride.

We all went on the train. We went in one of the cars with the bars. Teagan thought those were pretty cool.

Teagan, Jade and I went on the boat. There are quite a few pictures because Teagan and Jade were saying, "Oh take a picture of that mom." I liked this area. It made you want to get out of the boat and go play with the little houses.

Getting swallowed by the whale. I doubt a whale like this would have teeth but I guess this isn't Seaworld.

Belle's village from Beauty and the Beast. I think.

The rabbit hole from Alice and Wonderland.

Alladin's Castle.

Snow Whites cottage in the woods.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Prince Eric's ship and Castle.

I just had to get a picture of the girl with the Wookie on her back.

The garden at Goofey's House.

Teagan being eaten by a pumpkin.

Mickey's Chicken Coop.

Teagan in Chip and Dale's house.

This was in Toontown. It took some coaxing but I got Ian to get in the pictures and be silly.

Okay so maybe I didn't have to encourage him that much.

I thought the teacups at night were so pretty.

My handsome man while we are waiting for the parade. We really had a full day. There is so much that we didn't get pictures of.

Teagan waiting patiently.

And here it is.

Gauge and Jade LOVED the parade. The music was great and they danced the whole time. The picture is out of focus because Gauge is bouncing up and down. They both had a long day.