Disneyland

[This post is going to be long and have a lot of pictures, so get your scrolling finger ready.]

Dan's work had a health incentive this summer. Anyone who walked or ran 647 miles (the distance from here to Anaheim) before a certain date was entered into a drawing to win tickets to Disneyland. Dan was the first to complete the distance, so he automatically won two 3-day tickets for us. I knew all that exercising would pay off!

Anda is free until she's 3, and I am now in my (much easier) second trimester, so we decided to go sooner rather than later. We drove out to CA last Sunday and got back on Friday. (And I have to say: Anda was surprisingly well-behaved in the car.)

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were nonstop Magic Kingdom fun. We warmed Anda up with the familiar carousel, and everything was smooth sailing from there.

With a 3-day pass, we ended up seeing her favorite attractions multiple times. She especially liked "Pirates" and this ladybug ride (similar to the teacups).

There was a Little Mermaid ride in California Adventure that we would take her on whenever the big kids were doing big kid things. I think she ended up doing that one somewhere between 10 and 15 times, and she still was not thrilled when we told her "last one."

She even loved this little roller coaster in Toon Town. I know it doesn't look like she's enjoying herself, but let me assure you, she begged to ride this roller coaster no fewer than 5 times.

The only thing she didn't like was the Matterhorn. It had a "scary monkey".

We stayed at my aunt's house, and since she and my cousin have season passes, they were able to come meet us at the park on Monday.

My sister, Amy, came out on Tuesday and got a two day pass so she could play with us too.

We got to meet lots of celebrities, including the Mouse himself.

While Dan was on the big kid coaster, I told Anda she could ride the carousel or meet Buzz. She chose to wait in line to meet Buzz. The same thing happened with Woody.

But she was even excited to meet characters she didn't know.

The princesses were probably the biggest highlight for everyone. I don't think I've ever seen her so excited before.

She even loved the princesses she'd never heard of.

Although she was not too sure about this fellow. Frankly, neither was I. I don't get this Pixie Hollow thing.

All in all, we could not have a had a more successful trip. She fell asleep on the way home every night and was raring to go every morning. She even ate breakfast and wore jeans, when the promise of Disneyland was looming. I sure am going to miss that incentive.