Disneyland 2013

As I mentioned in my earlier post we went to Disneyland the middle of May and had an absolute blast. Thank heavens for my parents who came strictly to watch Carter and Jimmer and just hung out at the hotel the whole week.  We were so grateful to have them there, so we could spend some good quality time with Ava at Disneyland.  I was most worried about traveling with two small children, but they did surprisingly well on the plane ride there and back.  Ava was a big helper which made for an enjoyable time.  

This was at the airport in Edmonton after checking in.  Jimmer was being lazy!!

Kids were all so good and everyone on the plane was super accommodating.  

This precious little boy is too cute.  He had fun at the hotel with Grandma and Grandpa. 

A little bit of down time with the IPad. 

Heading to Disneyland for Ava's first time.  She's all ready with her Minnie Mouse shades and autograph book.  

The first and only time I went to Disneyland was when I was Ava's age, so I think that this may have been just as exciting for me to see her react to all the Princesses.  

Our first ride inside the park...the train ride. 

This was our second day at the park.  Jimmer and daddy hanging out while Ava was getting made over at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  He was less than impressed with most of it except the carousel and just doing his own thing.  

This was one of the funnest experiences for Ava and from start to finish they truly make you feel like a Princess. Once the transformation was complete Ava got her own photo shoot followed by a chance to meet some of the Princesses without having to stand in line. Her Fairy Godmother took her through the park announcing to everyone to make way for the newest Princess, Princess Ava.  All of the staff and random people in the park made her feel so special the entire day. It was well worth every penny paid. 

We ate lunch at Ariel's Grotto and once again Disney did not disappoint.  Everything was so delicious and Ava was made to feel so special along with meeting the Princesses.  She was so happy to get all of their autographs.  

This is right after Jimmer woke up from his nap and Belle referred to him as her Beast.  

This is right before going on Radiator Springs Racers.  We all agreed that this was one of the most enjoyable rides in all of Disneyland.  

Third day at the park...Splash Mountain was number one on the list.  I wasn't sure who was more scared, Ava or myself.  

While Ava and I were on Splash Mountain Shane took Jimmer on the Winnie the Pooh ride and introduced him to the characters.  He was terrified, so when I had the chance to take him I left him in the stroller and he warmed up a little bit.  He was still quite hesitant, but did OK.   

Getting ready to fly Dumbo.

It doesn't look like he enjoyed flying Dumbo, but this was one of his favorites. 

This was our last day at the park and one of the best days.  We wanted to cram as much as we could into this day, but had a hard time because there were a lot of ride closures first thing in the morning.  We still managed to have a great day and make it a memorable one.  Our favorite this day was when we went back in the afternoon to California Adventure.  Soaring Over California, Big Bear Rapids, Indiana Jones and the Swings on the Pier were among the best of the day.

We missed this little boy while we were at the park...love those squishy cheeks!

Before leaving our fabulous hotel.  The Marriott was about 1.5 miles away from Disneyland and right across from Target.  The had the best continental breakfast and even served dinner in the evenings.  We would stay there again for sure and would recommend it to anyone.  

Had a run in with Mike Holmes at LAX.  After a stressful time checking through security it was a welcome surprise and he was very nice to stop and take a picture.  He said that he was shooting a commercial with Allstate Insurance and heading home with his wife.