Undone

So on Wednesday…

We got all princessed up and headed over to California adventure! Scott and Drew rushed ahead to get World of color fast passes. This ensures you a spot. Which I think is great. No camping out. I mean we camped out a little… anyway, after they got that, I was on the phone in the morning since Audrey did not seem to like her princess dress. I was hoping to find her something else to wear in the park, but she settled down after a while. We headed over to Tower of Terror where Scott, Erika and I took the girls and they were ok, until we got into the basement of the ride. It’s pretty thematic. We went onto the ride, and We loved it. Katie was a little freaked out afterwards but if you ask her now, she loved it.  We took the kids on a few small rides in Bugs life world…whatever it’s called… while Drew and Erika went on Tower of Terror again. (Scott and I normally don’t buy the pictures on these rides, but we bought one here. Because we LOVED Katie’s expression) Then we had lunch, road the Ariel ride (again) went on Screamin’ Over California. Since it was lil’ P’s birthday I sprung for candy at one of the stores. I am not above bribing children. So we all downed some lollies while Drew and Erika Screamed Over California. I love that ride. We got that picture too (of Scott and I) even though i look terrible. Scott has a great expression. So we got it. Then we went on the Monster’s Inc ride (it was cute!) and then got to meet Sully. Katie and Ivy got their pictures taken. Audrey was scared (as per on par) she was like “uh no thanks” and held onto me. Then we HAD to take pictures with Lightening McQueen. (Ka-Chow) Katie used to be a bigger fan, but instead she was just a moderate fan, we have some pretty cute pics of them together though.  (I’m getting things out of order!) The kids got to go on the Ariel carousel, which they loved. It’s one of Katie’s favorites. Drew and Erika’s extended family was in the park, so we parted ways to do some of our traditional Disney shopping. We got some Mouse ears (I got minnie ones that look like I’m wearing Minnie’s skirt on my head) and got names on them. We also got our Silhouettes done (the girls) and I love them. They look so grown up now, it just makes me want to cry! We did a bit more shopping and then headed back to the hotel to relax (we actually may have put our feet in ice water… it works!) until World of color. Audrey took a nap (a small one) and we went back to Disney California for World of Color. I bought the girls some Candy (because post nap Audrey has to have SOMETHING to eat because she gets all grumpy low blood sugar pants after napping) and a drink or two (obv. a diet coke!) The show was exciting. I think it would have been better if everyone had stayed flat on their butt instead of standing up. It made me wanna cry sometimes. I full on cried at the park later on. It’s sad that the magic of Disneyland isn’t an every day thing. I suppose the magic would be lost if I could go whenever. But who couldn’t use a little bit more of Disneyland? I know I could.

On Thursday, we were still separate from Drew and Erika, they had a few more people to hang out with. We understood. We got RIGHT on the train and went to the back of the park, to hit up the Princesses! (WHOO!) We got to meet Snow White, Aurora, and Jasmine. I of course was stoked to see Snow white. I got my pic taken with her, but only by a Disney Photog. (our camera was …dying, so we saved it for the girls) Audrey actually went up to people. She has SO much of my personality it’s not even fathomable. So we finished up there, got some new batteries and then headed to toon town. We took Audrey on her FIRST roller coaster. Seems like she liked it, but was a bit scared, it’s short (Gadget’s Go Coaster) but she seemed glad to get off. We played around in Toon Town, and met Mickey. Once again, Audrey was resistant. We got on the line for Roger Rabbit’s … Uh whatever that ride is called. the line seemed short, but it wasn’t. Audrey fell asleep while we were in line, and made it a bit like a torture chamber. We woke her up before going on it. I tried to keep the ride pretty straight, non-spinny time. Then we went on the Carousel (King Arthur’s!) and had a good time. I believe we also went on the Tea cups. Which is my favorite non-roller coaster ride. It’s a perennial favorite. Then we stood in line (which was fairly short but slow) for Rapunzel. We waited, and waited… then we got in! YAY. Katie was estatic, but Audrey (whom I was holding) said to me “That’s not Rapunzel.” AND SHE WOULD KNOW. As much as Katie CLAIMS to love Rapunzel, Audrey watches it FAR more. We chatted with her. and decided Audrey MUST needs have more food, and ordered her something at the adjoining restaurant.We went on Astro Blasters, which is a FAST moving line. I loved it. Audrey and Katie had a good time. We met up with Drew and Erika and left the girls with them for a while, so we could have a small date night. We went on Indy (yay) and had some Gumbo (new for me, and tasty!) at a small store. WE also picked up a Ornament replacement for Audrey, who smashed her “baby’s first Christmas ornament” last year. We sat waiting for the kids in the Partnership circle, and I looked at the castle and just thought “I’m not going to be able to remember everything about how wonderful this is.” Which made me feel down and this is when I started to cry in the park. Luckily it was dark and no one could see! haha. But Disneyland is the time when I remember what it’s like to be a child, and it makes me feel innocent and light hearted. It’s not something I get to feel every day. I was trying to Relish it while I could. I don’t recall much else from that evening. I think we may have just gone back to the Hotel.

On Friday (last day in the park) we headed straight for Fantasyland, and got in line for Dumbo. We sent the men folk various directions for fastpasses (Indy, Splash) and we stood in line. Audrey and Arthur argued. They were at each other’s throats the entire trip, I swear. I think it’s the proximity of their age. Also similarities in personality. It’s nuts like that. We went from there to Alice. Which was slow starting up, and the kids were going crazy. it was a little… anxiety inducing, but after we started going, it was MUCH better. We all knocked on the White Rabbit’s door. Then it was time for Splash Mountain. In case you havent’ sensed a theme, we have to go in shifts, because of the 5 kids between the two families. So Scott was worried that our fastpasses would expire and they wouldn’t let us on. I wasn’t worried at all (see that role reversal?!) So I had Most of the kids (four, Ivy was on the ride with her parents) and I was in line for Winnie the pooh. And Scott was not able to make it back to me in time. I Think I may hold the trip record for taking the most kids on by myself (four, of them… 4, 3, 2 and 1 in age) and yeah. It was interesting. Also … I think I may hate winnie the pooh. I’m just saying. We got off the ride and waited for Drew and Erika. Scott and I went on next, we took Ivy and Katie iwth us. And I tried to let Katie know when there was going to be up/down parts. but… I failed. Still, we had SO much fun. Katie claims to not like it, but I think she’d go again. I got only a little wet, and I appreciated that! We went over to go on Indy, but it had shut down (again) for being broken. So the girls went on Tarzan’s Treehouse. Which is a non-fav of mine, because 1) I don’t like climbing stairs. or going down them It’s just an opportunity to fall. So I avoid it. Also I don’t like the movie much either. We went on It’s a small world (again) and got stuck… FOR 10 Minutes!!! I feel like I should sue for emotional damage. Worst ride ever. We watched the parade that came through, and I invented a new game… wave at a character (any character) until they wave back to  you. It can be exhausting– but SO fun. And great when a character waves at you! We went back to main street and watched “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” well most of us did, Erika’s Son got a little boisterous and so she left. I should have left for her since she’s such a history buff. Seriously, it’s a must see, IT WILL FREAK YOU OUT! Anyway, there was a bit of an accident, so I had to go off for a bit with Kate. i feel Miserable tht she didn’t get to meet minnie with everyone else that evening, but I think it may be impossible to do EVERYTHING in Disneyland in 4 days 🙂 Indy was back up and running, so Erika and I went on Indy, and she is SO much fun, I wish I had gotten to ride on more with her. Scott and Drew took the kids on the jungle cruise while we were in line. Then we met up with them… and SWAP! 😀 Audrey Fell asleep.We headed over to Space mountain (we had fastpasses!) and Drew and Erika went first with Ivy. Katie didn’t want to go. So, Scott and I jsut sat down, because at this point– we were TIRED. So we sat down, and headed towards Dreamland. Audrey was out, Katie fell asleep. We helped lil’ P fall asleep (with the aid of Scott’s Jacket) and Then Arthur drifted off to dreamland. (Good Times!) Scott and I went on Space mountain, and I screaaaaaaaaaaaaamed. So much fun! I desperately wanted an Agent P to snuggle with, but Refrained! WE bought the girls a couple of dolls, I got a shadow box (mickey) and Scott and I bought each other grape Soda pins. I’m sucha schmutz that I wanted to start crying when he gave me mine. I love mine. 🙂

We had a good time. we were glad to come home.

Derringer Meryl [Good times!] Out