Disneyland

During our trip down south we spent two days at the Disneyland Resort. This was Nicholas' 4th time there and Lexi's 3rd, although this is the first time Lexi had gone where she really had any idea about what was happening. None of us had ever been during Halloween time, and it was fun to see the park done up in pumpkins. The first day at Disney we did a lot of one-on-one time with the kids. I took Lexi off to meet the princesses, while Jeff took Nicholas on some of the bigger kid rides. Then we went to California Adventure and Jeff and Lexi took off to experience a Bug's Land, while Nicholas and I went into Paradise Pier to ride some of the rides that Lexi wasn't tall enough to ride.

The second day was spent with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Jennifer, Uncle Mark, Hailey, and Matthew. Nicholas and Lexi had a fabulous time experiencing Disney with the rest of their family. I think Nicholas' favorite ride was the new Star Tours and Lexi loved them all (including the Matterhorn, which she rode twice!). After a fun day, we met up with my sister, Rachel, and her boyfriend, Chris, for dinner in downtown Disney. The kids were exhausted and passed out on the car ride back to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We always have such a fun time at Disneyland and I love nothing more than seeing the pure excitement and joy on my kids' faces.

Anytime Lexi sees a pumpkin now she says, "Mickey Mouse pumpkin!"

Lexi was so excited to meet Cinderella...she is going to be Cinderella for Halloween

The fairest of them all....times two!

"It's Sleeping!" Lexi screamed.

Strongest woman in the world...okay, strongest 2 year old

Pluto!

She seems confused, but Jeff said she was excited to meet Stitch

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at California Adventure

Tire Swing Slide...Nicholas loved it!

Not so funny story about Nicholas' cool new R2-D2 ears...the next day Nicholas (and Lexi's) ears were lost as someone took our rental stroller while we rode Big Thunder Mountain. The ears were in the basket of the stroller. Nicholas only got to enjoy his new ears for one day. :(

An afternoon treat...a Jack Skellington caramel apple

R.I.P. Lexi's ears...we bought these for her when she was only 5 months old. :(

She loved the Sleeping Beauty's Castle walk through

Lexi also liked viewing the pumpkins carved as some of her favorite Disney characters

Day 2...all of us (well, most of us) are happy to begin another fun filled day!

Jeff and Lexi rode the Astro Orbiter while the rest of us went on Star Tours

Pooh and Tigger...meet the Daems grandkids!

Tarzan's Treehouse...Hailey's attempt at climbing the rope

Now Matthew's turn

And finally, Nicholas

The three kids asked to pose for this picture...that never happens!

Last ride of the trip...the carousel with Grandpa