SiMpLy BlEsSeD: Experiencing the "Magic" at Disneyland :)

I have to warn you that I am a HUGE Disney fan. I took a lot of pictures and video taped every ride and line we waiting in. This is a very long blog post. I am doing it so I can look back and remember everything and so David and my other family members can feel like they were able to share in her first time!!! Are you ready :)

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David's sister was so kind to invite Gigi and I to go to Disneyland with her and Landon. A friend of hers was able to get us a park hopper for free so we were blessed beyond belief to be asked!! The drive up was pretty good... Evy and I talked the whole time and kiddos slept on and off.

We made a stop just outside of Palm Springs to eat lunch and let the kids stretch their legs while playing near the HUGE dinosaurs!!

Once we got back in we made it to the hotel quite quickly... which was good because the GPS kept taking us in circles and the kiddos were not having it!! After we got all settled in and unloaded the car we decided to take a walk to a little lagoon across from Knottsberry Farm!!

**When we saw how low the prices were we were tempted to take the kiddos but then thought that Disneyland would wear them out enough and didn't want to go only for a few hours. I told David how cheap the tickets were and we decided we will definitely will be taking Gracelyn back to Knottsberry Farm as soon as we can **

We ended up making dinner that night and then went to bed fairly early so everyone would be refreshed for a whole day at DISNEYLAND!! unfortunately Landon didn't want to sleep... he wasn't used to sleeping in a big bed and personally I think he was just too excited ;)

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE!!

We met up with Evy's friend and went to California Adventure first. The kids loved Bugs Life Land... and had fun on the little rides there. Then I took them to a Disney Live show while Evy and Nate went on some big rides. Gigi loved the puppets!! She was dancing and clapping her hands and cheering... it was so fun to watch her get so excited!! After the show we stopped for some snacks :)

After spending some time at California Adventure we headed over to DISNEYLAND!!

We rode Buzz Lightyear's Astro blaster and both of the kids LOVED the bright glow in the dark colors and noise! Gigi kept pushing the button to make our car turn and she loved holding onto the gun!

After that we walked over to Nemo to try and squeeze in one more ride before lunch. I think this was Gigi's favorite ride. She was so in awe of the underwater atmosphere. She was giggling and saying "WWOoooW" and sticking her head as far into the porthole to see everything. She was dancing and clapping and I don't think she took her eyes off of the window the entire time we were under. It was definitely a challenge fitting into a small submarine with a toddler on my lap and my huge belly in the way but I think we liked that ride the most ;)

After nemo we decided it was time for lunch and naps! We didn't make it out of the park before Landon fell asleep. By the time we stopped at Little Ceasers they were both out! Evy and I enjoyed a large pizza for $5 and some yummy breadsticks... so much cheaper than eating at the park and once the babies woke up around 4:45 they had some too!

Sleepy little Snow White :)

The kids napped for a good hour or two and then we packed up dinner in the car and headed back to the park. They were both very happy and much more excited!

On the tram going back to Disneyland!!

We used the buddy harness and it was amazing. She only wore it waiting in line but she loved the freedom of walking around and looking at everything and I loved knowing she was close and safe especially since we didn't have Daddy and his extra pair of eyes :)

We went on Pirates of the Caribbean and Gigi got her first experience of feeling her tummy drop. She was siting on my lap and when we went down the second dip she grabbed onto both of my arms with a death grip and didn't let go! After that we went on jungle cruise, Small world and the rode the Carousel before it got dark. They both LOVED Small World and since the parade was going on we were able to walk right onto the ride... we never waited more than 15-20 minutes the entire time there for any rides... which is perfect when you have little ones :)

She really like the Carousel and got to ride it all by herself for the very first time.

Getting sleepy :)

She got to pick out a stuffed animal with her birthday money and chose Minnie Mouse!! She started eating her nose when we were in the shop looking around... she made it clear that was the one she wanted ;)

I still can't believe how great Gigi was the entire day! She didn't throw one fit or cry on anything. She was great getting in and out of the stroller and she made it such a fun trip. I can't wait to go again with David and Baby Addi next year!!

Thank you Evy for inviting us along! It was such a fun trip and I LOVED spending time talking with you and watching the kids experience Disneyland together!!