We just returned from three super days at Disneyland, meeting my parents, sister, and brother with his family. It was such a wonderful time to be down at the park, all decorated for the holidays to really get you in the mood for Christmas. The weather was perfect, and we even escaped the rain storms that were expected to roll through Tuesday afternoon - we had our rain ponchos, just in case, but thankfully didn't have to use them! Our boys had such a great time seeing everything there is to see at Disneyland and California Adventure, and Chris and I loved watching them experience it.Hayden has been once before, though was not quite two when we took him. He still remembers some of it, but this visit was truly more memorable for him. He was tall enough to ride some of the 'bigger' rides, including Thunder Mountain Railroad (which was his first roller coaster ever) and Tower of Terror (which he states he will never ride on again ... poor kid, hope we didn't traumatize him for life with that one!) If you ask him what his favorite ride was, he will tell you the carousel; he and his cousin, Ashley, rode on that a few times together and were pretty much inseparable the entire three days. The highlight for Hayden, and us too, was seeing his two favorite "guys" in the parades: Buzz Lightyear and Lightening McQueen. Watching his face as he saw them both was pure joy - he waved at them as if he was waving to a best friend, with a smile on his face that radiated total happiness. It's something both Chris and I will tell you was one of the best moments of our entire visit.
Noah, on the other hand, (whom we are convinced is going to be our daring child), had fun riding the rockets in Tomorrowland, telling me to "go highewr mama," loved leaning forward to see the little town scene on Peter Pan's Flight, and was not at all fazed by the loud noises or sights in either Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion. He also happened to enjoy looking at, and using, every "bahtich" can in both parks (surprise, surprise), seeing what would happen when he kicked Mickey Mouse's shoes, as well as splashing my parents with fountain water in Toon Town. It's the little things that make us the happiest, right?
In our three days, we were able to fit in everything we wanted to do, and create some wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime. Whenever I go to Disneyland, I instantly remember all the previous times and am transported back to a time when it's okay to "just be a kid." Even as an adult, I still get excited about being in Disneyland and love all of it. To now be able to experience it with my boys just adds to the wonder, and seeing it now through their eyes, is something to truly cherish. 
Noah, on the other hand, (whom we are convinced is going to be our daring child), had fun riding the rockets in Tomorrowland, telling me to "go highewr mama," loved leaning forward to see the little town scene on Peter Pan's Flight, and was not at all fazed by the loud noises or sights in either Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion. He also happened to enjoy looking at, and using, every "bahtich" can in both parks (surprise, surprise), seeing what would happen when he kicked Mickey Mouse's shoes, as well as splashing my parents with fountain water in Toon Town. It's the little things that make us the happiest, right?
In our three days, we were able to fit in everything we wanted to do, and create some wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime. Whenever I go to Disneyland, I instantly remember all the previous times and am transported back to a time when it's okay to "just be a kid." Even as an adult, I still get excited about being in Disneyland and love all of it. To now be able to experience it with my boys just adds to the wonder, and seeing it now through their eyes, is something to truly cherish.
