Disneyland! Part 1

Here are the billion Disneyland pics as promised (Just for you Jana! I am happy that you requested them :))

We had such a fantastic time at Disneyland. It really could not have been more perfect. Well except for the throwing up, big D, and Jace waking up at 5 am parts-- everything else we would do over next week if we could! My sister planned this trip about a year ago for our family because it is something we have talked about for years, but never done. We wanted to have a family trip particularly for my Grandma. Well, she was as excited as can be about the trip, but then she fell ill with an pneumonia at the last minute and her doctor would not allow her to come. It was really sad that she didn't make it, but the good news is that Mari Ann and Hailie got to come in her place. We are going to make a book of pictures for Grandma of the trip so I am the lucky one who has pictures from everyone (well almost everyone...cough, cough, Cortney), so I get to showcase them all on the blog. Yippee.

We spent four days at Disneyland/California Adventure and had a great time. Hallie is the perfect age for everything and Jace actually really enjoyed it, too. The only thing that was hard with him is that he still needs a nap during the day, so if we couldn't get him to nap in the park (Devin would ride the train around and around with him until he fell asleep), we had an ornery child on our hands. We went back once to the hotel (just down the street from Disneyland) and let him take a nap and that worked great too.

We decided to have Flor stay home with Devin's parents (Thanks M/D for taking her!). I was kind of wishy- washy on that decision leading up to the trip, but in the end I can say wholeheartedly that we made the right choice. Disneyland would have been too stimulating and overwhelming for Flor and she would not have enjoyed it. Flor does best with quiet routines and structure, so this type of trip is just not ideal for her. We will have to come up with a low-key family vacation of some sort for her to go on next time.

One of the coolest parts of the trip was meeting up with a friend who I have only met online up until this point. I met Christy and her husband Michael through the Ecuador adoption group, even though they are now pursuing an adoption in the DRC. We have emailed back and forth for the better part of a year (at least) and so it was really fun to spend a day with them in person. They have a daughter, Aliana, who is just younger than Hallie. Aliana has such a sweet and outgoing personality; she made Hallie her best friend right away.

Steve took this picture for us and tried multiple times. He made a comment about "someone" not cooperating but pled the Fifth when asked who-- ha..I wonder, Hallie? She was tired and kind of grumpy at this point, but I am glad we got the picture anyway. This was our first day and we had been up since 5 am to catch our flight, so I think she was just a bit sleep deprived! 

Our little family was the first to fly in...we got there at like 9:30 giving us an almost full day at Disney that day. Che' and Brad and families flew in later that afternoon and Jennifer/Cortney/Mari Ann flew in from I.F. in the afternoon as well. We were thrilled to see them all and to meet up for a lot of playing Clark family style. 

Brad and crew. He left Charlie home with his mom.

I just think this picture is the cutest- Hudson looking up at his dad. Cute. cute.

California Adventure. I have been to Disney a lot of times in my life, but never California Adventure...let me tell you something...I LOVED it!! 

Jennifer, Steve, and Sadie. They left Brookie home with my mom. 

Much of the crew...minus us and some of Brad's crew. I think we were at dinner with my friend camille at this point, which was another highlight...seeing one of my BFF's. No pictures of that meeting, though..boo. 

Uncle Lynn made it for one day. He was supposed to be working in Vegas but snuck away and drove over for the day. He is the biggest kid of all...Disneyland season pass holder, right there. He was fun to have around because he is such a Disney fanatic, he knew all sorts of little fun facts and trivia. 

Waiting in line to go on the Cars ride in California Adventure. One of our favorites! Looks like I am a  Polyandrist, eh?

 We went to the "World of Color" show one night and it was amazing. Loved it.

So, I think there are going to be two more posts just FULL of pictures. Don't get bored now.

Recommendations:
Go to Disneyland as a huge family. You won't regret it.

Parts 2 and 3 are below this post, just FYI. :)