We Ran Away to Disneyland

I'm happy to say that we ran away (again) for our yearly California trip.  It was totally nuts trying to cram in all the appointments, injections, appeals, infusions, therapies, etc.. to be able to go, and I had a lot of late nights, but we made it, and that's what counts! 

Today we went to Disney and had a lot of fun.  My parents, aunt, cousin, and our friends Rob and Ethan joined us too.  It was crazy crowded and hard to maneuver in, but the kids loved the rides.  This was Deena's first trip to Disney and, though it was a little overwhelming for her, she really loved it.  She giggled on all the rides, loved meeting the princesses, and did well with the masses of people.  Tomorrow we are headed to California Adventure and hopefully it will be a little less crowded (not likely but one can hope!).

I'll share some photos from our trip, but before I do, here's Deena giggling on her first ride on the Teacups.  If this doesn't cheer you up, I don't know what will!

Here are some photos of the rest of our trip....

Our Disney Day....

Yesterday was Disneyland and the kids had a BLAST!  Unfortunately we thought we would beat the crowd by going in September, but apparently we went on "Dapper Day" and it was crazy busy!  People had amazing costumes on and that was fun to see, but the crowd and waiting times, well, that part wasn't so fun.  We still got in most of our favorite rides, though, so I'm not complaining!

 

The girls had to start the day with the castle and princesses, of course.  Just after walking in to the castle area we were nabbed by a cast member.  They took us in a special side entrance and we got to see all of the princesses right away.  The girls were seriously in Heaven and it made the day so memorable for them.  They couldn't stop talking about it! 

 



 

Princess Mulan and Princess Tiana

 

 

Just look at those smiles....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At some point in time, Madi put down the pink fan you see above and lost it.  She was so upset.  We went to lost and found but they couldn't find it.  We filled out a report, though, because she was very concerned about it.  I called today and it had been turned in!  She was SO happy!  I really didn't think we would see it again and I'm so glad it showed up.

 

 

 

Conner's favorite part of Disneyland was, of course, the rides.  The girls went on quite a few, but their favorites are still it's a small world and teacups.  Conner, on the other hand, rode all the big rides and kept going back for more!

 

 

Why yes we did get matching Star Wars shirts....

 



 

Don't let her face fool you, she really did love the ride....

 

 

 

We met up with my Aunt and her granddaughter (my second cousin???).  Conner hit it off with her immediately and they were ride buddies the rest of the day. 

 

 

 

 

 

The girls loved the parades.  They were all new and the girls got so excited.  Madi blew kisses to all of the characters and they both danced throughout the performances.  The fireworks were, of course, amazing too.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning we woke up and ended our trip with a character breakfast at Storyteller's Café.  They were amazing about accommodating the kiddo's food allergies and they had so much fun getting to see the characters.  There was, of course, lots of dancing too.  Not a day goes by that we don't dance!  Even Conner was happy to see the characters, so I count that a success!

 

 

 

They brought the girls autographed photos from two princesses and told them the princesses had made them a special dessert.  They were super excited!  Conner was also very excited because they gave him their strawberries.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Disneyland can be a bit tricky to navigate when you have extra things to consider, but there are a few things that make it so much easier for us that we are very thankful for.

1. There are bathrooms with cots in the nurses office to help with potty stuff and clothing changes.  They will even give you a disposable chuck if you ask for it.
2. Each dining area offers gluten free options and will accommodate other allergies as well.  All you have to do is request to talk to a chef. 
3. Although there have been many policy changes due to the misuse of accessibility lines and the such, the staff really does go out of their way to help assist you and make your park experience enjoyable. 

We had so much fun and cannot wait to go back next year as a family of 6!!

Joining the (Mini-van) Dark Side

Well, it looks like we will be joining the mini-van dark side.  I always said I would NEVER drive a mini-van, but recently realized that with two wheelchairs in our current car (Acura MDX), I, quite literally, have no where to put groceries.  Forget vacation, there would be no room for luggage either. 

A mom posted on an adoption group I'm on about a mini-van (Honda Odyssey) her elderly neighbor was selling.  It seemed to be a good deal, so we went and looked at it.  Despite the fact that I think he has graced multiple walls, curbs, and poles, the van is in good shape.  It runs great and checked out well at the mechanic.  The outside needs a little work, but they took slightly less than they were asking, so even with putting work in that it needs (new bumpers and new weather stripping on a door), we are still getting a great deal at below blue book.  We think we can sell my car for slightly more, which will give us a little extra to tuck away for a rainy day (and that is always nice!!)

We will be officially buying the van on Thursday!  I will admit, I am sad and will miss my MDX, but I know I am making the right choice for the family, and that is what matters.  I am excited for the extra room and the captain's chairs.  I know this van will serve our family well.  I can fit two wheelchairs, three kids, and even get the dog and/or groceries and/or luggage in there, so that's pretty impressive!  Not sure what we'll do if/when we adopt again, but we will cross that road when we get there ;).  I'll update on Thursday with a few pictures!