Our Disneyland Trip

I realized that my last few posts have just been about Ryan's seizures and have not talked about all the fun we have had. I thought I would share a few of our pictures and stories to show that our life is not just about recovering from seizures (thank you God) but about Disneyland and riding bikes and growing like weeds.

So, first was our vacation.
Our flight left Denver at 8:30 am so we left our house around 5 after staying up until about 2 trying to get everything ready. The drive down to Denver, parking, and security was smooth as expected with four kids and lots of luggage. This was the kids first time flying since they were little and the first time they will remember. Shaylee and Ryan sat next to the window and were able to get a great view of everything, including the Rocky Mountains, Grand Canyon, desert, and the landing. Claire and Luke did much better than I had expected. Luke slept though most of the flight and Claire was busy lap-hopping from Grandma and Father Michael's laps. I packed lots of books, coloring books, toys and water bottles for the kids.

We landed and found Nana and Papa (my Mom and stepdad) waiting for us at the gate. Collected our bags, and eventually got our rental van to head to the beach. The kids had never seen the ocean so we had to take a trip. It went great. The kids loved walking in the water and running from the waves. By the end, they were soaked! I had just pictured walking along the beach and didn't change them out of their traveling clothes. My mistake! We looked very silly in our jeans when everyone else was in swimsuits or wetsuits so we stuck out like a soar thumb. We had lots of fun and by the end the kids were drenched and covered in sand.

Ryan running from the waves. I just love his smile in this picture.

The beach girls. They both loved it. I finally had to pull Claire away from the water because she did a barrel roll in one of the waves and got soaked. She got covered in sand. It was in her hair, her ear and all over her face. Then it was on me from holding her. She also got very cold and was shivering but refused to get out until I had to take her on a walk along the beach to let her warm up.

Luke was okay with putting his feet in the sand but hated the water. He screamed when we put his feet in the ocean but now we can say he touched it.

Love this one!

Then we checked in to the hotel and tried to put the kids down for a nap. Claire had fallen asleep in the car and was out. The others were wide awake after their short power naps so we just let them watch a movie to keep them still and quiet while other people were sleeping. That evening we went swimming over at Grandma and Grandpa's hotel. They stayed at the Paradise Pier hotel. The pool is on the roof of part of the hotel and it started getting very chilly when we got there. After swimming for a little while, everyone went up to the room to change and visit. Later we took four very tired kids back to our hotel and put everyone to sleep.

The next day, we got everyone ready and walked over to Disneyland. The kids were very excited to see it all but were a little overwhelmed. We walked through the castle first but did not realize that it is a little scary- another mistake. Then they were freaked out so we took them on the carousel and the Peter Pan ride to calm their fears. By then, they were excited and ready to do more. That day we rode the rides in Fantasyland, ate our packed lunches, and I took the kids back to Grandma and Grandpa's hotel for naps. It was awful! They were too excited to lay down and be quiet. Finally, Ryan and Shaylee passed out but Claire was trying everything she could to wake them up and keep Luke from falling asleep. I finally gave up after letting the older two sleep for awhile and working myself up. Christopher came and helped walk the kids back to the park for lots more fun. (Claire, of course, fell asleep in the stroller during the walk back.)

We rode more rides and watched the parade that night.

Grandma and Claire watching the parade. Note the dropped jaw. Alice was their favorite because she made a point to wave and blow kisses to each one of the kids.

Luke and Sarah (Aunt Rebecca's niece who's about one) sharing kisses and hugs.

Next day- more fun! Christopher walked over early with Ryan and Shaylee and Mom, Tom and I walked over with Claire and Luke when the park opened.

Ryan and Shaylee got to meet a few of the characters before the crowds got there and rode a few rides. Later, Mom and I took the girls to meet the Princesses. Little did we know, the line would take two hours! Christopher took Ryan on a few rides while Mom, Tom and I took turns walking the girls and Luke around while someone else stood in line. When we finally got in, we met Belle, Pocahontas, and Ariel.

Shaylee loved meeting Belle and Claire did not want to leave Ariel.
Later, we walked over to the California Adventure park and saw the Playhouse Disney show,, met Lightning McQueen, and rode lots of rides. Big people got to go on big people rides and the kids had a great time in the Bug's Land area and Soaring Over California.

Day three, we went to Toontown and met Minnie and Mickey,

the kids rode their first rollercoaster, and we found Buzz Lightyear!! Part of the group had seen him on Day 1 but we couldn't find him for Ryan, so on day 3 we ate lunch around the area of the first spotting. We had almost given up when he walked out. Ryan was thrilled but acted very cool.

Is it just me or do they look a lot alike?

Bob and Marie took Ryan and Claire back for a nap while Christopher took Shaylee on Splash Mountain and the Matterhorn. She was so excited to go on the big people rides and she was "Brave Shaylee".

It's hard to see but Christopher is in the very back and Shaylee is in front of him wearing a poncho. She loved it!

After naps, we met back up with Ryan and Claire, met Tinkerbelle,

and walked over to California Adventure to see the Pixar Parade. The kids, especially Ryan, really enjoyed that parade because it had a lot of their favorite characters in one place.

Everyone had a great time overall, and the kids are already asking when we can go again.