The Mouse's House

Ella started getting a little jealous that Gavin was taking the attention (and Mom) away from her, so Adam and I planned a special outing with just the three of us to Disneyland.  Gavin stayed with Grandma while we spent 2 nights at the Happiest Place on Earth.  It's been a long time since we've been to Disneyland, and Adam is notorious for not liking the place at all, so we weren't quite sure what to expect.  It turned out to be one of the best trips we've had, and Ella loved every single minute of it.  It was great being able to stay at the hotel and having the freedom to go back for naps.  Plus, we didn't realize how much time you can actually spend at the parks when you have a child in tow.  As a teenager, we'd go just to go on the rides.  But with a toddler, everything took longer and we experienced things we never did before we had kids.  We really liked the perks of being able to go into the park earlier than regular admission (they call them "Magic Mornings"), though it was tough getting out the door early enough to truly take advantage of the extra hour.  

I think we enjoyed it as much as we did because we got to experience her joy of going to an amusement for the first time.  She reminded us of the innocence and wonder of being a child and it really was beautiful.  She definitely taught us to take our time and just enjoy everything, seeing it all for the first time all over again.  From the rides to the food to the room service, Ella was in heaven.  It was her happiest place and it was great fun for us all.  

Getting comfortable in the hotel room and waiting for room service to arrive.  Ella excels at vacationing.

Waiting to get into the park.

She knew we were going into somewhere special and was so excited when we started walking down Main Street.

The Jungle Cruise was one of her favorite rides.  She also loved Winnie the Pooh and The Little Mermaid (which was her first ride, and left her in tears when it ended).

Ella is good about letting me do her hair, but usually dislikes headbands and hats.  So we were super surprised she wanted to wear ears around the park.

Getting the hang of rides.  Here she is going "Woooo!" on It's a Small World.

We went on these right before her nap and she almost fell asleep from the motion.

Adam and Ella's car.  I tried hard not to bump them.

She had her first churro and loved it so much, she ignored Mickey Mouse, who walked by at that moment, so she could continue eating her treat.

California Adventure was new for us all.  We greatly enjoyed the theme.

She loves her carousels! 

So happy.

She fell in love with "MinMouse" (as she calls her).

Really excited to meet Minnie, though she doesn't look it here.

Lovely family portraits.

On our way out and heading home.  I'd say she had a blast.

We are definitely looking into our next trip to D-Land, and can't wait for Gavin to be old enough to experience his first time there, too!