trip

Jolly Holiday Surprise Adventure | Intro

For those of you who don’t know – I’m a bit of a Disney Geek. I love the movies and I love the history and I just love it. Once I had children, I think that love has just grown. Sharing these special movies with my kids has been incredible and it has cemented that love for Disney in my heart. Growing up, I was a bit of a tomboy, so I enjoyed Disney movies but the Princesses never meant much to me. Now that I have a daughter, that has really changed and I love it all – especially the Princesses. I love that Disney brings out the magic of fairytales and using your imagination and I love that my kids get to experience that – you know what its even more than that – I love that I get to experience it too. It brings out the kid in all of us – the wonder and the magic – and I think that is a wonderful thing!

I love Disneyland too. I have been there a total of 4 times. The first time was in 1990, when I was 11 years old and we went with my mom’s side of the family. It was a great trip and I will always remember the time we had with my uncle’s family. We didn’t get to see them much so this was amazing to spend so much time together and it just felt really special. I’m not sure how many days we actually spent in Disneyland, but my brother got sick and had to be in the hospital for awhile, so our trip was extended, so I think we spent several days inside the park.

The next time I went was on my Senior Trip in 1997 and it was only one day. I remember really enjoying spending that day with my parents and it was so fun to have them all to myself.

My 3rd Trip to Disneyland was also just one day. I actually went on my sister’s senior trip with her and my parents in 2000. My sister spent the day with her friends, so once again I got to hang out with my parents and it was nice.

My last trip was in 2009 and I got to bring my kiddos and my husband for their first trip to Disneyland! My mom’s side of the family got together again and we went to California – together on a bus! We also did Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Sea World, so we only had 2 days to experience Disneyland and California Adventure. It was an awesome trip and even though my kids were younger, they still talk about it. They loved it and even my husband said then that we should come back someday.

Eight months ago, I decided that this had to be the year that my family went to Disneyland again. My kids are getting older and they might soon grow out of their Disney phase (I hope they don’t). My daughter still loves dressing up and being a Princess and JJ loves Cars and Star Wars, etc. So it just seemed like the time.

I discussed it with Joey and he agreed, so I started planning. I pretty much immediately decided that I wanted to give my kids something that I always wanted when I was young – A DISNEYLAND SURPRISE TRIP! I knew that it would be amazing and I just wanted to do it. And then the next decision – when to go…..it didn’t take me long to realize another dream. I wanted to see Disneyland at Christmastime. Once we made that decision, I have just been so excited! It has been a long 8 MONTHS! I don’t think a day has gone by that I haven’t done some planning or something for this trip. Disboards.com has been an amazing resource! I want so much for this trip to be completely magical and wonderful for my family. Joey and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this year and instead of doing anything, we decided to go all out on this trip. We have scrimped and saved and planned to make this happen. It has been our anniversaries, our birthdays, and will be our Christmas!

There were a couple of things that Joey insisted on that I completely love that we get to do. He wanted to stay in the Disneyland Hotel and he wanted to fly there! Of course, I wholeheartedly agreed to both of those things! 🙂 So we are spending 7 nights in the Disneyland Hotel, 5 days in Disneyland, and we are flying with JetBlue (first class, no less)! Now after all the time and planning – it is finally almost here! In 21 days, we will be at Disneyland and I can’t wait!

Anyways, I can’t wait to share this amazing adventure with you! I hope you won’t mind all the posts in the coming weeks as I share all the details with you!

jollyholidayheader I’m so excited to share my family’s magical Christmas adventure of 2014 with you!
To see all the postings in this series go HERE.

Project 365 | Week 13

Monday, March 23, 2009

We spent the day in Universal Studios-Hollywood. As a family, we love movies and so we had to spend some time here. It has changed quite a bit since I went there 10 years ago. More rides and since the fire last summer, the Studio Tour has changed too. I miss the King Kong – but what can you do? The new Mummy Ride was probably my favorite of the rides. Beth was SO scared on the Shrek 4D Ride at Universal Studios. With her 3D Glasses on – the spider looked WAY TOO REAL. She screamed and screamed and screamed and we had to take her glasses off. For the rest of the trip, every ride we went on started with, “Is there any spiders on this ride?” Poor Bethie. JJ was excited to see all the Spiderman stuff and we were able to get photos with Scooby Doo and Shaggy and Curious George. Beth and her Daddy shared a special memory of going on the Simpsons Ride together. The kids all had a fun time shooting water and balls at the Curious George Playpark. Lots of fun things to do. Since Universal Studios closed at 6 and we were back to the hotel by 7:30pm, we decided to have a date night. My parents watched JJ and Beth (and took them to Denny’s for dinner) and we went with Cody and Becky to STEAKHOUSE 55, a fancy restaurant. It was really nice to have a little time to be together and visit and the food was good, although expensive. But a really great end to the day! We came home to 2 happy and sleepy kids!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

We visited Knott’s Berry Farm today. It was a nice change of pace. A lot less people and not too hot. We mixed it up a lot and went on all kinds of rides. I went with Cody on the BIG ride – the Xcelerator and it was a blast! I really enjoyed that one. Joey got to go on one of his favorite kinds of rides – this one was called the Supreme Scream. JJ really liked the rides and got to play with some remote cars for awhile. Beth went on the Ferris Wheel TWICE. It was her favorite ride for the whole week! And we went on the famous log ride and a Stagecoach ride. Lots of fun things!

We got back early to the hotel again so we decided to use our extra ticket and head over to Disneyland. Unfortunately, it was SO CROWDED, that we just got really frustrated, so we ended up just seeing the Castle and riding the monorail to Downtown Disney and walking home. Kind of a waste of a trip, but the kids got their first glimpse, so I guess it was okay.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

We went to Sea World today. Beth completely loves dolphins, so we watched the Dolphin Discovery Show the very first thing and both the of the kids really loved it. We also visited several of the aquariums, including the amazing Shark Encounter where we walked underneath the Sharks – really neat experience. We also saw the Clydesdale horses, the Sesame Street Lights, Camera, Imagination 4D Show, the Wild Arctic, Shipwreck Rapids, and my favorite ride, Journey to Atlantis. It was a cross between a roller coaster and a raft ride and I loved it. I wish I would have had the time to go on it again! The last show we saw was the Shamu BELIEVE show. It was amazing and I am just in awe of what they can do with these amazing sea creatures. Beth spent the next few days going around the room doing the “Shamu Slam”, which they taught us at the show – except Beth keeps calling the whale “Shampoo” – and when the show ended, JJ said “Dad, I don’t want to go on anymore rides, I just want to watch Shamu again.” Unfortunately, that was the last Shamu show of the day. We finished our time at Sea World at the Sesame Street Bay of Play with a couple of kiddie rides and running around.

Before leaving San Diego, we made an impromptu stop at Mission Beach for a little walk in the ocean. Most of the kids had never seen the ocean so even though it was dirty and messy, I’m glad we did it. We arrived at sunset and splashed around for about 45 minutes. The ocean at sunset is a beautiful sight to behold and I’m so glad that JJ and Beth were able to have that as their first beach experience!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

We headed out bright and early for Disneyland. As we were walking to the bus stop, Beth put her right arm forward and said, loudly, “Disneyland, here we come!” From a 3-year-old this was just hilarious. We got in line early and we were one of the first groups of people into Disneyland. We headed straight to the Finding Nemo Submarines. We were able to use JJ’s special access pass at the Fast Pass Lanes and/or exits to get on the rides sooner. This truly made our day so much better as JJ was overwhelmed. We went on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Autopia, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, the train, and the Winnie the Pooh rides, as well as toured the Sleeping Beauty castle. I also took Beth to the Princess Faire where we were able to see Cinderella, Aurora, and Pocahontas, while JJ and Joey went on the Indiana Jones ride. The longest line we encountered was at the Princess Faire. We waited in line for almost 2 hours. Bethie and I were definitely tired and my feet were killing me by the time we actually got to the Princesses – too bad we couldn’t use JJ’s pass for that. 🙂 But it really was worth it to see Beth’s face as she hugged the princesses. The Cinderella was the same Cinderella we met at Goofy’s Kitchen and she recognized Beth! Out of all the little princesses she sees everyday – what an amazing moment to have her remember our little princess, Beth! We also got photos with Buzz Lightyear, Pooh, and Tigger. My only regret is that we didn’t get to go on some of the other rides like Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Dumbo and the rides in Toontown, but still a really great day. We were starting to really feel tired and worn out so it was good that we didn’t push it too hard. I think we could have used just one more day in Disneyland to see everything. We took time to have some pizza in the park and even went back to our room for dinner (we ordered chinese food) and had a nap for about an hour before heading back to watch the amazing firework show. We picked a wonderful spot right on main street, in back of the Walt Disney and Mickey statue. I think it was the perfect spot to have the best experience because it was right in the center of the action and we had fireworks going off around us! Truly magical!

Friday, March 27, 2009

We spent most of the day in Disney’s California Adventure. We were pretty tired today as it has really been a busy week. So we definitely took it easy today. Today was our Red Shirt Day, where all 34 of us wore our red shirts that has my castle design on it. We got some great photos taken in front of the Mickey made out of flowers. We took in the Playhouse Disney and the Aladdin Shows in Disney’s Hollywood and they were amazing! We had great seats for both and the kids really enjoyed it! We spent some of the day with my parents, brothers, and nephews and I really enjoyed that. We also did the Monsters, Inc, Muppet Vision 3D, Grizzly River Run, Toy Story Mania and the Soar ‘n Over California rides. We got photos with Sully, Pluto, Lightning McQueen, and Mater. The Soar’n Over California ride was a big hit. It is a simulator attraction that has you lifted up into a huge movie screen and you feel that you are gliding over some of California’s beautiful scenery. It felt so real to Beth, that when we glided over the ocean, Beth put her feet up on her seat because she didn’t want to get her feet wet! We went on the ride TWICE! We had the perfect seats for the Pixar Play Parade. We sat on a bench and watched the fun Pixar Characters go by and the kids just really took it all in with joy! We then did a little shopping and returned to Disneyland for the Fantasmic Show. While Joey saved our spot for the show, JJ and I took my brothers and went on the Indiana Jones ride, since I didn’t get to go yesterday. I didn’t have very good seats for Fantasmic, but Joey lifted JJ up on his shoulders and it was still a really awesome show – in one part of the show, Capt. Hook and Peter Pan sail by on a boat, and this must have made a really big impact on JJ because he spent the next few days using Capt. Hook as the “bad guy” in all his imaginary games with his sister. Sadly, Beth missed the entire show because she fell asleep in her stroller before it started. When it was over it took a long time to get out of the park since the fireworks were going on, but we finally made it. We were all so tired, but really so excited and happy that our trip has been so wonderful!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

It was kind of sad to be packing all of our bags into the bus again. I can’t believe that our trip is over! I think even the bus didn’t want to go home yet, since we had a delay of about an hour since the bus driver locked the keys inside and we couldn’t get in. But we were finally on our way. We started our vacation with a buffet dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen and we stopped in Las Vegas and ended our vacation with a buffet dinner at Circus Circus. We arrived in St. George in the dark and my parents and brothers and sisters still had to drive home. But the Bakers side of the family and us stayed in the motel for a night. The kids were beat and went to bed with Joey and I went over and played some games with my Aunt and Cousins until past midnight before finally turning in.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

We stayed at the Rodeway Inn in St. George again and then finished traveling home. What a trip! I’m so glad we were able to do this as a family. I hope that my children will remember this. We had such a wonderful time and did so many fun things. I wish it wasn’t over, and yet it was good to see home again too. Joey and I plan to save up some money and go back in a few years. We really had a great time!

Here is my Weekly Layout:

I used my Believe in the Magic & Digital 365 Kits to create this layout.

Project 365 | Week 12

Monday, March 16, 2009

JJ was still a little sick, so he stayed home from school today. The kids were actually really good today and played together all day. I thought this was the cutest candid photo. They were sitting in the rocking chair together – sipping their water and watching movies.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

We went for a walk after dinner tonight and it felt like Spring. I think it is actually coming. I captured this adorable hug between my kiddos and I really love the moments when they are so good to each other. Unfortunately, Joey got our sickness now and he was really miserable today. He stayed in bed all day – I hope he gets better soon.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Our vacation is almost here! I am rushing around like a crazy woman trying to get laundry done, get packed, and clean the house. Beth was my little helper today as we got the bathroom cleaned and laundry done. I so can’t wait until Saturday!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

I made some more yummy Red Velvet Cookies today to take and share with everyone on our trip. They turned out great! I also finished all the laundry and the cleaning of the house today! Yay!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Everything is ready! We are set to go on vacation tomorrow morning! Our countdown is down to one chain and our bags are all packed and ready to go! I can’t believe it is finally here – less than 24 hours and we will be on the bus. I’m a little nervous about all the stuff I have – but I think I have everything that I could possibly need. I think I am even more excited than the kids – is it Saturday yet?

Saturday, March 21, 2009

We are on our way! The bus picked us up about 11:30am and we joined the Baker side of the family on the bus. JJ really loved riding on the bus – he just sat there staring out the window, so happy! When Beth first boarded the bus, her first words were “Where’s my cousin, Whitnee?” Unfortunately, she would have to wait one more day before Whitnee would come on the bus. We traveled to Nephi, Utah – had some lunch and then continued to our hotel in St. George. We were able to meet up with Lucas, Heidi, Jacee, and Landreth Alfred for dinner at Denny’s and it was so awesome to see them and visit with them, especially since it has been a few years since we have been able to be with them. Joey and the kids hung out in the motel room before bedtime, while I was able to visit with my cousins, my aunt, and my uncle for a couple of hours. A great start to our vacation!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

What a day! It began about 7:30am when my parents and brothers and sisters arrived with their families. We had a total of 35 people on the bus (including our bus driver) and it was a good drive with all of us visiting, some sleeping, and watching DVDs. We had lunch in Barstow, California and we were able to go to In-N-Out Burger. YUM! We finally arrived at our hotel. We stayed at the Best Western Stovalls Inn. We could see the roller coasters at Disney’s California Adventure across the street. Then the highlight of the day came, when we walked to Downtown Disney and had dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen. It was a lot of fun for the kids. We got to see Goofy, Pluto, Geppeto, Chip, and Cinderella. Beth was so excited to see her favorite Disney princess. She even got to dance with her! The kids enjoyed tasting Goofy’s Kitchen’s specialty, Peanut Butter and Jelly Pizza and lots of other food. After dinner we walked back to our hotel and went swimming. The kids enjoyed splashing around in the children’s pool and Joey and I enjoyed the Hot Tub.

Here is my Week 12 Layout:

I used my Digital 365 Kits to create this layout.

Project 365 | Week 10

Monday, March 2, 2009

We got out the kids travel cups today as I am starting to put things together for our trip. Just looking at things and starting to plan out what I want to do and what I want to take. The kids like to play with these cups because they can put it around their necks. Pretty goofy kids – but I’m glad they can find delight in the little things!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

JJ’s school is having a read-a-thon this month. Each student who reads at least 500 minutes (or is read to) will receive a pass to a local water park and also a pass to a family fun center. I’ve been really slacking off lately with reading to my kids, so this is a great opportunity to get back on track. We decided to start with The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A Milne. This book was one of Joey’s treasures, until we had kids and now it is worn-out. I am going to have to purchase a new copy for Joey someday. But so far the kids are really enjoying being read to EVERY NIGHT!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

We got some light snow, but of course it melted later in the day. Today was spent on the computer trying to finish up a new kit. I also had my wonderful Over the Hump Chat tonight. I really love meeting with the members of the Digitals community!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

I decided to get an impromtu hair cut today. I had a coupon to Fantastic Sam’s and suddenly felt like I’d like to have a haircut before our vacation. So off Beth and I went and I cut 7 inches off my hair. It feels really great! We also took a trip to Costco and got some snacks for our trip!

Friday, March 6, 2009

I finished my kit today and I think it turned out pretty well. I am definitely excited to be able to use this when I get back from California! The kids and I hung out while Joey did his Friday activities of racquetball and recording of his podcast.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

The kids and I took a day trip to Richfield today to watch my brother play in the State Tournament. Valley took 3rd and I was very happy for them – though I wished for them that they wouldn’t have lost yesterday – they definitely should have been the champions this year – darn it. But they played extremely well. I can’t believe my little brother is 16 years old – he’s gotten so tall! I’m very proud of him!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

When I was growing up – Sunday was always pudding night. My siblings and I would make hot Vanilla and cold Chocolate pudding and fight over who got what! LOL I made some chocolate pudding tonight and the kids LOVED it. I think I am going to carry on this tradition for Sunday nights. It’s a great memory of when I was growing up.

And here is my Week 10 Layout:

I used my Digital 365 Kits to create this layout.

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