The Happiest Place on Earth

Thursday November 4, 2011

Back in November we were able to make a trip to California to visit Matt's grandma, Grandma Olsen, and to go to Disneyland and the Beach. After we got there Matt's grandma also surprised us by taking us to Knott's Berry Farm the day after we went to Disneyland. Matt's mom was able to make the trip with us, which made it even more fun for us and especially for the kids.

We timed our trip for a day when the crowds at Disneyland wouldn't be bad and we went on a Thursday. Other then being a little warm (it was unseasonably hot in California that day and was over 90 degrees) it was the perfect day. There were virtually no lines anywhere. The longest we had to wait in line was about 10 minutes for Pirates of the Caribbean, but for most rides we were able to practically walk right on. After almost every single ride Shaylin wanted to go back on it again immediately. Emmalyn was pretty much the same way except for after the Matterhorn. We asked her after if she wanted to go on it again right after we got off and she said ‘no’. It was both of their first experience on a 'big' roller coaster. Emmalyn and Bronson were funny on all the rides they went on because they just had a blank expression with their eyes wide open the whole time.

Here's the standard family picture in front of the park...

Mitzi (Matt's mom), Jayna, and the kids in front of the castle...

Shaylin on the Dumbo ride with her Grandma Hedges...

The girls enjoying the carousel...

Bronson wearing Grandma Olsen's hat...

Jayna making Bronson laugh...

This is from the Snow White ride and is a perfect example of the expressions that Emmalyn and Bronson had on all the rides they went on...


Bronson had a pretty relaxing day. He went on a few rides but for the most part he got to relax in the stroller and eat, which is his favorite thing to do.

Shaylin getting ready to go on the Matterhorn for the first time...

Emmalyn and Shaylin anxiously waiting in line to meet the princesses...

They got to meet Belle, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. They couldn't have been more excited and all of the 'princesses' were very nice, especially Belle who gave both the girls hugs which left them speechless for a few seconds.

Emmalyn and Shaylin had fun walking through Toontown and riding some of the cars...

The next few pictures are from Mickey's house...

At the end the girls got to meet Mickey! We went through the house last time we were at Disneyland but didn't realize that we'd get to meet Mickey this time since he wasn't there the last time we went through...

Of course the girls were excited to meet Mickey but Bronson wasn't so sure...

Emmalyn had fun sitting at the table in Minnie's house...

Shaylin and Emmalyn also got to play on the big boat in Toon Town...

Shaylin even got to drive on Autopia. She was a little nervous to drive at first but ended up doing well.

Family picture after our 2nd straight ride on Splash Mountain. Emmalyn just barely missed the height limit, so she didn't get to go, but Shaylin LOVED it!

Shaylin doing her 'Chicka-wa-wa, chicka-wa-wa' dance that she got from Alvin and the Chipmunks after Splash Mountain.

Grandma Olsen and Emmalyn on the Winnie the Pooh ride...

Grandma Olsen and Grandma Hedges with the kids in front of the Haunted Mansion. We all ended up going on the ride. It was still decorated for Halloween and the kids actually enjoyed it.