Day 3: Newport Beach

The beach is a perfect playground for kids. We stayed for several hours - and they would've happily stayed several more.

Evy was not a big fan of the water. Or the wind. Or the sand. Or the sun, for that matter. Maybe next time?

Sand angels!

Day 4: Disneyland, a Farewell (for now...)

 Here Julia is ready for the day with her
Tinkerbell nightie as a cape.

 

The gift store near our hotel served us well. They love their Mickey and Minnie. 

 

"Wooh-dy!" as Gabe pronounces it.

The Playhouse Disney show was totally perfect for the kids.

Jonny and I took turns on California Screamin'. I do love a good roller coaster.

Evy was a sweet girl but was fussy when overtired. At one point I swaddled and held her while she slept so soundly for a few hours. Jonny and the kids went off while I found a bench in a quiet, shady spot with a nice breeze by the rapids ride in CA Adventure. It was actually a highlight of my trip, holding my angel baby and people watching. I even treated myself to a chocolate-covered frozen banana. (And I didn't have to share!) I eventually put her down in the stroller where she slept a little longer. What is sweeter to see than a sleeping baby?

I have a picture of me as a kid by this little door.
Gabe was a little bummed that it wouldn't open!

Check out the pink mouse ears behind us. And Gabe, try not to look too excited to be at "The Happiest Place on Earth!"

 

Loungin' at Goofy's House

We ended our last day watching "Mickey's Soundsational Parade." The Disney parades are incredible, and so so so fun for the kids. It was a perfect way to cap off our Disney week. 

Overall the trip was just perfect. The kids had minimal tantrums and were troopers on the road. (Evy was the only one who didn't especially love the long rides in the car. We've trained her to sleep so well in her crib she doesn't much like to sleep anywhere else! I expected that.) Disneyland was everything we dreamed it would be for Julia and Gabe. (And the crowd level was low. We walked onto some rides even without a fastpass.) The beach was incredible. The hotel suite was just right for us and we really enjoyed how close it was to the park. I packed very carefully for this trip and was rewarded in my efforts - we had everything we could need or want and then some!  

Goodbye for now, Disneyland. We hope to see you again much sooner than later.