Pooltime

On Thursday, we spent the day relaxing by the pool. The kid loved swimming around and it was a nice break from all the walking at the parks. Fun times.




The kids loved playing search and rescue at the pool.
















That night, Brandon and I went on a date. As I said, we had quite the experience; driving to Hollywood....passing the Star Trek premiere----seeing tons of nerds standing in line for it. We realized when we got to Hollywood to look at the "stars" it wasn't what we expected. We were hoping for a romantic stroll in a beautiful locale. Let's just say we didn't get out of the car. Not our type of place. So, we kept trying a variety of exits closeby and we just got into slummy areas. All the shops were closed down with the metal doors and bars over the windows. We drove by as someone was arrested, and also were able to stop at a light and watch a drunk homeless man yelling at boxes. My hubby kept reminding me of the experience he was giving me by driving by a premiere and all the fabulous cultural experiences. It only took about 2 1/2 hours driving around to get back to Anaheim where we hit a great restaurant and enjoyed some romantic alone time. I would have taken some fun pictures, but I didn't really want to die.

Tower of Terror

Funniest Quote: Little Brandon and his Daddy went on the "Tower of Terror" ride. I waited outside with the four kids (which was an adventure by itself; and I would say it was the SCARIER ride). Anyway, we saw little Brandon running out, but no Daddy. So little Ethan (7) asked little Brandon: "Did Daddy die?" (and he was dead serious!) Little Ethan was quite scared of many of the rides (which surprised me as he is really brave in everyday life.)


Other funny kid things:

Maddie loved chasing the pigeons everywhere, the whole time.

Little Brandon decided he doesn't like big drops because it makes his stomach go up. He really enjoyed going on a "Birthday Date" with Mom and Dad in Disneyland.

Benjamin was not scared of anything. He loved all the scary rides he could go on---including Splash Mountain and the Bobsleds.

Dylan (2) was sitting on Daddy's shoulders and I was ahead of him with the other kids (waiting for Pirates of the Carribean ride). Finally the guy behind us poked my husband on the shoulder and told him Dylan had been spitting on him since we started waiting. OOPS. Talk about wanting to die.

Ethan was scared of most of the rides, even many of the tame rides. He and I agreed we liked "it's a small world" ride.

I have to say a highlight of the trip was Brandon and Ethan being chosen for the Jedi Training.

Ariel's Grotto

We had a Mommy-daughter lunch at Ariel's Grotto. The food was OK, but it was quite pricey, and the experience was not as personal as Goofy's Kitchen. It was still fun though to spend some time alone with Maddie and she enjoyed all the princesses.

Maddie loved listening to the chocolate shell.


















After our date, Maddie was dancing through the Disney streets. I think the Disney princesses just filled her little heart with great joy that needed to be expressed.

Disneyland====Wednesday

What a fun day! It started with little Brandon and I going on the rafting ride. SOOO FUN! Brandon met another kid his age and we went with them for a little while so Brandon could go on some rides with them. Brandon and his Dad (and newfound friend) went on a roller coaster and loved it. We spent most of the day wandering around the Disney California park going on various rides. It was a great day, the day Maddie and I had a date with the princesses. Little Brandon and his Dad also went on the Tower of Terror and were quite terrified. Although, I joked that my ride (keeping an eye on all four kids while waiting for them, was a more terrifying ride.) We had a great family time! Ethan loved the Buzz Lightyear ride that is in the California park. They all did.