Disneyland 2018 - Day 1

We loved our time in San Diego, but to be honest, I think we were all just biding our time until we arrived at Disneyland.  This was really the main event.  With the kids growing older, each year at Disneyland has been even better than the previous trip and I find myself perfectly content to just sit and watch them take in the wonder of it all.  This year we had an especially fun trip and the kids are still telling stories about everything that happened while we were at the park.

We were so lucky to have my parents with us on this trip.The kids love having a bigger audience and we think it is even more fun to share the experience.  My poor mom has had so many problems with her knees and back and knew she would not be able to walk around all day.  We convinced her to get  Jazzy and it turned out to be fantastic.  She could get around so much easier and felt pretty good throughout the trip.  As an added bonus, it got us on some of the rides a little quicker so overall, there was no reason to complain. 

It's tradition for Tim to take the kids to Tarzan's treehouse.

I think we have finally convinced the kids that Splash Mountain is one of the best rides in the park.  Luke especially loved getting wet and hoped for a front seat every time.  He and I went a few times trying to get the perfect picture - I think we succeeded and had the best time trying.

Someone was excited about Pooh Corner

Pluto was the first character we saw when we first walked into the park.  The kids always get confused and call him Goofy, but no matter the name, they were excited to see on the pet doggies.

The jungle ride is so silly, but we still ride it every time. Mostly I just love watching the reactions of everyone in the boat.  Depending on age, nationality, and if there are first timers on the ride, it can be super funny to see who gets scared, who laughs at the jokes, and who is willing just to have fun. 

Cutest girls with the cutest ears!

We didn't see very many princesses on this trip so we were grateful that Esmerelda took the time to make Ruby feel so special.  We were all stunned by her beauty and it seemed that she was just as beautiful inside as what we could see from the outside. 

We had just finished riding the Pirates of the Caribbean and walking through the French Quarter when Jack Skellington came popping out of one of the shops.  We quickly got in line and loved the chance to visit with him and Sally.  They absolutely loved Luke and Ruby and had fun playing with the Mickey Jack and Minnie Sally.  Luke and Ruby still talk about how funny they were.  I'm not sure if my mom ever quite knew who they were, but she was still the best sport.

Did we mention that he loves Jack???

The wildest ride with his Grandma

The sucker seemed like a fun idea....just watch as Ruby's face progressively gets messier.  Initially I tried to keep her clean, but I quickly gave that up and just embraced the fun of a lollipop. 

The carousel is always a good idea

Winnie the Pooh's world was completely ready for winter and we were excited to discover that Santa has a cottage in the Hundred Acre Wood.  Santa and Disneyland turned out to be a pretty magical combination.  We all had a chance to sit on his lap, even Grandpa and Grandma.

I think I'm the only person in Disneyland that didn't try on a hat

We love Alice in Wonderland and were hoping to find someone home

By about 5:00 p.m. each day it started to get dark and it wasn't very long before the entire park was full of color and lights.  Last year we missed seeing all of the Christmas decorations.  This year it took a little extra planning, but it was definitely worth rearranging some dates for this trip to be there after the lights are officially turned one.  With all of the lights, the park became even more magical. 

Every day ended exactly like this -  so grateful for a soft place to crash.