Disneyland 2008

Tamsen and I went with my parents to Southern California to visit my brother and his family for a week. We were looking forward to warm weather and getting far, far away from the two feet of snow and freezing cold that we've been having all winter! I packed for 70-something weather, but it was almost as if we brought the cold temps with us! Each day we stayed was colder than the one before... then the rain started. Even with the less than perfect weather, it was still fun to get away and spend time with family!

On Monday, we went to the beach in Santa Monica. It was pretty cold. Tamsen was so excited to be there and wanted her swimsuit on. She was disappointed that she wasn't going to get to play in the water, but she went right to work in the sand. We probably spent 20 minutes on the beach before everyone was freezing and we headed back to the car. Tamsen wasn't ready to go and wanted to stay and play in the sand.

Tuesday, we got up early and headed to Disneyland. Tamsen has been so excited to go, since Christmas. We spent most of the day riding rides (and waiting in lines) and then it was finally time to head over to California Adventure for the Princess luncheon at Ariel's Grotto. Tamsen was so excited to go the the Princess lunch and meet several of the Disney princesses. She could hardly contain herself when she saw Cinderella.

She was so excited to see the princesses and have them come and talk to her and take pictures with her. She said that her favorite princess to see was Cinderella. She also got to see the Fairly Godmother, Snow White, Jasmine, and of course, Ariel (since it was Ariel's restaurant).

It was so fun watching her reaction to each princess and to hear the cute little conversations she had with each one.

After the Princess Luncheon, we rode on a few rides at California Adventure, then headed back to Disneyland for the parade. I was really surprised at the rides Tamsen liked. We went on one called Soarin' over California. You're strapped into a seat and then lifted in front of a huge screen and it gives you the sensation of flying over different areas of California. It was AWESOME. Definitely my favorite. I didn't know if Tamsen would like it, but she's talked about it quite a bit and loves to pretend that we're flying over the trees ("Lift up your feet, mommy!"). Another of her favorites was Splash Mountain. I'd never ridden on it before, so I figured it would be similar to the log ride at Knott's Berry Farm. Boy, was I wrong! The drops were much bigger. I was worried that it would scare Tams, but she loved it! She said it was her favorite ride at Disneyland. It was such a fun day, and I can't wait to come back!

The rest of our trip was pretty low-key, which was fine with me. It was nice to be away from the old routine and just relax and not have to be anywhere! Each night we were there, we watched several episodes of seasons one and two of The Office. I'm HOOKED! It just cracked me up -- and I keep laughing everytime I think about it. I'm tempted to go buy season three so I can get caught up! I guess I'd better just find a "slow" week and go rent it and watch it after Tams goes to bed!

The week went by way too fast and before I knew it, it was time to head back home. Tamsen was quite the little trooper on the ride and did great. She was upset that we weren't staying in Mesquite on the way home. She said that St. George was scary and she didn't want to stay there. But once we got to our room, she changed her mind and said she liked St. George.

We stopped and had lunch with my brother, Brett and his wife, Britney, on the way home. It was good to see them and get to spend a little bit of time with them.

It was such a fun trip. I always love getting to spend time with my parents and my brothers and their families. I'm lucky to have two awesome sisters-in-law and the cutest niece and nephew in the whole world!