Disney Magic

I secretly wish every Washington day was a sunny California day that Ben and I could spend together running around chasing Disney characters around a Disney amusement park.

I LOVE DISNEYLAND!

Seriously, it's magical and I feel perfectly fine being an adult and saying that.  This was Ben's first Disney adventure and he agreed it may in fact be the happiest place on earth.

Our first Disney day we spent at the original Disneyland Park.  When we walked into the park the first thing we saw was MICKEY MOUSE!  I told Ben it was his dream come true and to run over and get his picture with him!!!

Unfortunately, Mickey didn't seem to notice the 6'3'' man trying to take advantage of the photo-op and turned his back every time Ben walked over.  COME ON MICKEY!  I told Ben to force it a little, but he refused to take Mickey away from the sweet kids.  {Syl - I told Ben to give Mickey a big kiss - Mickey must have knew it was coming cause he did not want any part in us!}

I guess this is as close as Ben and Mickey are going to get.

Ahhh, the Disney castle where dreams really do come true.

Love me some carousels! 

Waiting in line for the Indiana Jones ride.  We only had to wait about 15 mins!  Our fav ride of Disneyland!

I have to be real with you.... I don't know this Toad guy.

Look Ma'.... No hands!

The Matterhorn!!! I was officially smashing the life out of Ben.  Sorry sweetheart!

Woody was not interested in having a picture with Ben either.
What's with the Disney characters not wanting a picture with a grown man?!?

Just playing some tunes in Mickey's house.

Minnie's House - I not so secretly LOVE Toon Town! 

All tuckered out... Ben took a little rest on the bench while I enjoyed the sun and people watching...

I told Ben that EVERYONE has to have their picture taken here.  It's practically a Disney rule.

Our second Disney day we spent at Disney's California Adventure.  If we had to choose, we prefer the rides at California Adventure to Disneyland, but let's be honest - both parks are amazing!

I love the California Adventure Pier - it feels so old school carnival to me even though we
both refused to go on the ginormous ferris wheel.... no thank you!

Ben was ecstatic to find a Monsters Inc. ride.  He LOVES that movie.
Avery and Ella should be prepared for a Moster's Inc. post from Uncle Benni.

Tower of Terror.... That's what your face looks like as you drop 10 stories!!
We loved this ride and went on it about 4 times!

Hands down my BEST moment at Disneyland.  As I was walking out of the Tower of Terror
Chip and Dale were hiding behind a wall and jumped out and scared me to death.  I had to
have a picture.  If you haven't figured out I love the characters for some reason.

We chose our favorite Disney character to stand by.  Read the definition.
Demure = Reserved.  Yep!

Ben and I couldn't help but notice all the people walking around with amazing looking ice cream cones.  We decided we needed one too and as we were sitting down eating our sweet goodness you will never guess who walked into the park.  None other than Ben and Tasha!  {We had just been to their wedding a couple days before.}  We decided to hang out and go on a couple rides together.

THE NEWLYWEDS!

Aviation Minnie

Ben chose Goofy.  I agree 100%.

 We now invite you to experience Ben's very first roller coaster ride.... I tried to ease his nerves with stories of my very first roller coaster ride as a little girl and how he would be just fine going upside down.  He actually wasn't nervous, but it really was his FIRST time!

Scared stiff

HERE WE GO.....

We made it!  AWESOME!! 

I went on the swings alone while Ben played photog.
Swinging in a circle isn't very appealing to him, but for me it brings back such fun
memories as a little girl riding the swings with my  Mom.

And of course, cruise ship Mickey?

We really had such a wonderful time at Disneyland together. Our entire California trip was exactly what we needed to make it through a few more weeks of a rainy NW spring.

Amber's trip highlights - 

- Fashion Island.  Seriously if there is an entire Island devoted to shopping how could that not be amazing?  Plus they had an Anthropologie and a giant bunny there.  My dreams had come true.

- La Fogata.  Probably some of the BEST, freshest, grease-less Mexican food I have ever had.  We ate their twice in a row!  I wish I could go back right now.

- Being the navigator.  This is my secret way of being able to be a backseat driver without being bossy.

- Disneyland. Duh.

- Spending all my days with Ben.

- All the sugar I consumed probably was probably equal to my body weight.  Heaven.

Ben's trip highlights - 

- Sun.  The sun is amazing.

- Watching professional beach volleyball players practice in Huntington Beach.

- Sun.

- La Fogata, what Amber said.  It was incredible.
- Good food, good friends, good fun.

- Spending time with my awesome wife!