California Trip - Day 2

Today was a great day! I love Disneyland! For some reason The picture I had in mind of taking my two young boys to Disneyland seemed to be so much smoother and easier than reality but it all work out. Ricky, not being a huge Disney fan, was a trooper and we all for the most part had a fun day.  I have so many memories from Disneyland and I want my boys to have some too. Thanks to my dear  friend Londi who got us in free! So sweet of her!


Quick run down of the day...
Got there before the gates opened. First ride was Dumbo, followed by several other Fantasyland rides. Next was Tomorrowland which included Lincoln's first time on Autopia. Our highlight of the day was the Jedi Training Show. Lincoln got picked to be a Padawan Learner. The funny thing is that the age requirement is 4-12. Since Lincoln is as tall as some four year old kids I'm sure they never thought he's only 2! If you know Lincoln you know he can put on a show...but not today. The poor boy was hungry and tired but he pulled it off. They even put him front and center and he dueled with Darth Vader. The audience seemed to be on his side as the under dog in the group. We were so excited for him...possibly more excited than he was.


We spent the second half of the day in California Adventure. Lincoln and Logan's favorite is the Playhouse Disney show. We did that, the Animation building, Monsters Inc. (one of Lincoln's favorite movies) the Tough to be a bug show and Toy Story Mania. We met several characters and saw the parade. By 6:30 pm (7:30 our time) the boys were done. It was really cold and windy (it made me grateful for Phoenix heat) and we weren't quite prepared for that. Lincoln fell asleep on  the walk back to our hotel.  Overall the park wasn't very crowded so we really did a lot of things for the time we were there. 

It was a lot of energy and effort to make it happen but we're glad we did. It was worth it! It was a great way to celebrate their birthdays!

 Logan outside the gate was so excited.  There was so much to see.  He was anxious.

 All of the Christmas decorations were up.  It's my favorite time of year to visit the park.

 Our first ride of the day.

 Logan laughed every time we went up and down. 

 This was Logan's first time on the carousel. 

 Let the training begin...

 Nothing like being front and center!

 He was very interested in the Jedi Master.

 Learning to activate and deactivate the light saber...

 Learning the routine...

 duck!...The Jedi said Lincoln didn't have to worry about ducking.  I love that Lincoln's version of duck is to just move his head down.

 Listening closely to the Jedi and being the great Padawan learner that he is. 

 Not sure Lincoln knew what he signed himself up for. 

 The first one up to fight Darth Vader.

 Activate!  I love that Lincoln is so skilled with the light saber that he activated it with one hand and the other one on his hip!

 Left shoulder...right shoulder...

 right leg....Lincoln clearly fought vigorously. 

  Lincoln didn't need his light saber.  He was using the force instead.

 So proud of himself.  He actually smiled as he ran back to show us his Jedi Training diploma.

 Lincoln's favorite Monster.

Lincoln had a long conversation with Sully about his birthday and that he was turning 3.  Monsters Inc is one of his favorite movies.

Logan had no clue who Stitch was but he sure was interested in him. 

 Stitch was really gentle and patient with Lincoln and spent about 5 minutes with him.

 I've given up on trying to make the boys look at me while I'm taking pictures.  

 Pluto

 Logan's favorite character is Pluto.  He has a Pluto doll that he cuddles with and chews on.  

 Logan was instantly intrigued by Pluto and wanted to touch him and he laughed the entire time.

 Logan was sleeping so he didn't get to see Lightning McQueen.  

 Lincoln loves them both!

 Paradise Pier. What an adorable smile. Lincoln and I played hide and seek as we waited to see the Toy Story characters. 

 Oh, so sweet.  He really likes Jesse and this was the first time he met her. 

 Toy Story is Lincoln's other favorite movie.  He talked with the two of them for several minutes.  He has no fear of the characters and he talks to them like they are his friends and human and life like as anyone else.

 Lincoln fell asleep at 6:30 om in DCA and didn't wake up until close to 8:00 am the next morning.  That's the longest he's ever slept.  I would say we wore him out! 

Logan was a trooper.  It was past his bedtime by the time we got back to the hotel but he was as happy as could be.