Ride Photos

 And now, for your viewing pleasure, the many faces of the Bradshaws.

Space Mountain: love the kids' faces in front of us.

Cars Raceway Take 1:

Tower or Terror Take 1:

Tower of Terror Take 2:

California Screamin'

Buzz Lightyear - Logan and Mom:

Buzz Lightyear - Benj with sister Bryce (they took the game very seriously):

Cars Raceway Take 2: Logan shutting his eyes, but it was one of his favorites, we promise. :)

Things we learned while in Disneyland:

-If you go with young kids, take an extra adult with you!

-It helps if that extra adult doesn't mind sitting with your kids while you hit the big rides.

-Get at least a 3 day pass. There's so much to see and do. We did 4 and we still didn't do it all.

-Use the Fast Passes!

-Go the week before Thanksgiving. They have it decorated for Christmas and it'll be the least crowded during the whole holiday season.

-Use the ART passes and take a shuttle to the park. Much cheaper than parking.

-Pace yourself and take breaks. Especially with young kids.

-Eat at Cafe Orleans and get the Monte Cristo sandwich. Amazing!

-The parades and fireworks are a must see!

-Height requirement for most of the big rides - 40 inches.

Our Favorite Rides:

Toy Story Mania

Cars Raceway

Ariel's Undersea Adventure

California Screamin'

Thunder Mountain Railroad

Haunted Mansion

Tower of Terror

Small World

Peter Pan

Logan's biggest ride:

Splash Mountain!

 

Disneyland - Part 3

 Phew, last post on our trip. This includes the next 3 days we spent in Disneyland, so make sure your seatbeats are secure and enjoy the ride (sorry I couldn't resist).

We spent our 2nd day of Disneyland at California Adventure. Its safe to say this was probably one of the best days of Logan's life. You'll see why coming up.

We were proud of Logan for going on some of the "scary" rides. He loved the swings with Dad (don't let his face fool you. This was before the ride started).

This band found out it was Norah's birthday and sang her a little ballad. She seemed to know they were singing to her and clapped along to the music.

Ok, the reason Logan had the greatest day  . . . Cars Land!

It was absolutely incredible! We were immediately transported into the movie.

Logan and Benj on one of our favorite rides: Cars Raceway. 

We got to see Mater . . .

  and Lightning McQueen himself! Logan spotted him a block away and we ran over to get a picture with him!

We let Logan meet him first.

He cozied up to him like they were old friends. One of the cutest things I've ever seen.

Later we got a glimpse of the Pixar parade. Logan's face says it all.

 Benj about had a heart attack when he ordered this popcorn. Apparently the novelty popcorn is $12!

The ferris wheel and California Screamin' roller coaster.

Riding the Tractor Ride with cousin Chase.

Benj and I had a romantic spin in the tractor too.

Luigi's Tire Ride. Kind of like bumper cars but you steer by leaning. I got quite the workout.

Dancin' in the street with the other kids. After this we watched the World of Color water and light show. Definately a must see!

Day 3 in the park and we met up with our other cousins!

That night we watched the Holiday Parade. The kids LOVED it. 

The pictures are dwindling. Haha. The last day we tried to ride all of our favorite rides again. We also got a picture with Duffy the Bear. Bonus point if you know who he is. I wasn't sure if Logan would like the characters, but he went right up to Duffy and gave him a big hug. Super cute.

On the Raceway ride - you race with another car around the track. Everyone but Norah and I are in this picture. Logan is hard to see - he's in the blue car front.

 We kept putting off meeting Mickey so late that night we went to meet him. Logan was literally asleep when we took this picture! He was so exhausted. Kind of sad because I know he would've loved Mickey.

Another favorite activity that isn't pictured is the Fantasmic Show. It is a character/light/water show. It was so cool and we got a great spot to watch. 

Whew! After a fun week we were ready to head home. 

We had such a fun, memorable trip! I hope the kids remember at least a part of it. I completely fell in love with Disneyland and all its magic. We hope to go back again soon!

Disneyland - Part 2

 Part 2 includes Norah's birthday and our first day at Disneyland!

 so sad these pics are grainy . . .

but we'll remember the little things.

Like this cute little bug who was trying to figure out what was going on.

And wondering why everyone was making such a big deal of her eating.

She initially dropped a piece on her lap, then proceeded to take dainty little bites. We wanted to move on to opening presents so she didn't get to finish it!

She mauled both of the dolls she received. The Snow White from Grandma B. and the Jasmine from Mommy and Daddy. She's been a bit deprived of girly toys at our house.

We got to bed at a decent hour so we could all be rested up for Disneyland the next day!

Benj and I hadn't been to Disneyland since both of us were about 10-11. I think we may have been more excited than the kids. It really is such a magical place and I was instantly transported to my 11-year-old self. 

We started doing the classics like Peter Pan, the Carousel, and Dumbo.

both kids weren't sure to make of all this craziness.

On to the teacups. Here are the boys.

And the girls.Let me say here that my dear mother-in-law and nephew were such amazing helpers the whole trip. We definitely couldn't have done this trip without them. 

Taking a little break on Momma's lap. Both kids really did great in the stroller.

We found a rogue pirate and decided to take him home. :)

After the pirate got a haircut, we treated him to a Mickey ice cream bar (which broke in half and landed on the ground. Sad sad day). I ended up sitting on part of mine, making for a lovely brown mess on my pants. There was another brown mess by my oldest that occured in a particular restaurant. Lets just say it was everywhere and we may not dare show our faces there again. It was BAD.

Anyway, we went on Small World, which proved to be a favorite of almost everyone, especially Norah.

How could you not love it with scenes like this with every turn.

Main Street Disney at night.

We finished the day with the lighting of the castle and fireworks (complete with falling snow). LOVED it. This is the reason we went during Christmas.

 So so magical.