DISNEYLAND

Hello all - we're just back from our fantastic Disneyland Adventure. We had a magical time. We started our lovely trip in the Economy Parking Lot at the Portland International Airport - PDX. Matt's truck was parked in a light rain in W-3. We got to ride the first of many buses to the terminal where Owen asked, "why Matt's truck not coming with us?" We waited in NO line at the check-in, got our tickets without incident, checked our bags and proceeded to security. This is where the only meltdown of the entire trip occurred. We got in line, removed our shoes and were at screening in no time. We placed all our items in the bins and put them on the belt. Owen then started crying crocodile size tears - "I don't want Elmo to go in the shoe place." So of course Elmo goes through and the security guys are very nice and one gets on his knees to comfort him and they rushed Elmo through and walked him over to him, I thought that was pretty nice. We got some lunch and purchased a plane for O, then got to get right on ours. The flight attendants let him meet the captain. We got settled into our seats and Matt's internal anxiety set in along with O's hatred for being detained. It was a short wait and we were taxiing down the runway - with a "Bye Buoy's Airplanes" we lifted off with ease. O loved it and had his cheeseball grin and wanted one more time. Matt quietly held in all of his uneasiness.

The flight down was pretty smooth with only about 2 minutes of mildly rough air. O slept most of the way and Matt calmed down too. We landed and proceeded to get our bags and car. My bag got misplaced somewhere, but they found it quickly for Matt. I was busy using what little feminine wiles I have to procure our chariot - aka PT CRUISER!

So we're off to meet my parents at the hotel in our fancy car and we got to drive on the 5 for about 10 minutes - the whole trip took about 30 minutes, not too bad considering. After we got settled in and had dinner we went for a swim and Owen kinda hated it. He didn't want to be in it for more than about 5 minutes. I kept in him for 15, but it was pulling teeth.

Thursday we woke up early and thus the Disneyland adventure began. We got to the happiest place on earth via a shuttle bus, which incidentally we could have rode non-stop for three days and O would have had just as much fun. Thursday was great, we didn't have to wait in line for too long anywhere. We rode teacups, Mr. Toad's wild ride, a carousal, the Matterhorn, roger rabbit's something or another, and a few more. The boys all went back to the hotel for nap time and mom and I rode a few more rides.

Friday proved to be much busier everywhere. There were more crowds and it was hotter. We rode more rides and the Disneyland Express and the Monorail. In-between we - wait for it - a dramatic pause is needed - we had lunch with Ariel the Little Mermaid. Not only did we get to meet her, we got to meet, Snow White, Cinderella, Belle and someone else. To add to the amusement, Owen was the ONLY little boy in the whole place. He ate it up, he loved seeing all the ladies. He told them all how pretty they were and gave them kisses and hugs. It was super cute.

Later that night we went on Pirates of the Caribbean and also saw the fireworks, O and Matt both liked them a lot.

Saturday was pretty low key, we packed and loaded up the cars first thing and then headed to the bus again. On our last day we rode the old time firetruck and pirates again. Then O got to meet Lightening and Mater. We had to stand in line to meet them (big surprise), we took pictures. Then he forgot to give them their loves, so we waited in line again. This is when it got super cute. He went right up to them and gave them kisses and hugs - all of the locals, "ahhhhhed" and swooned. We also went and saw a 4D show called "it's tough being a bug." He was pretty blown away but the 3 of the 4D's.

This picture was taken during the "princess lunch" Matt learned this look from my father - it is affectionately know as the "Disney Face."