First Disneyland Trip

We took our first family vacation to Disneyland at the beginning of January!  It was truly magical for Ella. We stayed at The Grand Californian as many friends had suggested, and although the central area was stunning and the location was practically in the parks, will probably give another hotel a try next time. Not sure the price was worth it!

 Grady enjoyed himself, but didn't have the same level of excitement for the characters and princesses as Ella did.  Her first character was with Minny Mouse and she was in such awe.  She almost didn't know what to do; she at first hesitated acting slightly shy, then, as soon as she was close and comfortable she wrapped her arms around Minny and gave her the biggest hug!

The days were long and we had a blast, but sleep was non-existent.  Ella tossed and turned with excitement the first night, and then slept like a log the next 2 nights.  The problem was that Grady slept great the first night, then was up almost all night the next 2 nights with a fever!  We pushed through and made the best of it!

A few other highlights include:

1.  We got to spend the first day with Carrie and Beau!  They drove up and met us for the day and it was so much fun.  Chris and Julie were also there and so we all got to explore the magical kingdom together.  I greatly miss Carrie and wish we could hang out with them more often.

2.  Ella met most of the pricesses; Rapunzel, Ariel, Aurora, Snow White and Belle.  We went to Ariel's restaurant for lunch, so Ella got to talk and take pictures with all of them! 

3.  Ella refused to take a picture with Rapunzel unless Flynn Ryder went away.  She was so upset that he was there.  Maybe next year she will warm up to the princes.

4.  Ella and Grady's first official ride at Disneyland was Pirates of the Caribbean!  We went on it 3 times with no lines!  The crowds were thin which made for a great time with short lines.  Our longest wait was Cars which took 20 minutes.