California Day 5

Today was Disneyland! We started things right by getting the kids some mouse ears with their names embroidered on them. Jacob chose classic black and Ella chose Minnie Mouse.

The kids had their picture taken with Minnie Mouse and the Queen of Hearts.

We explored Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

We hit up the gift shop where Jacob picked out a sword and shield and Ella picked out a princess dress...only... it was $65. She had been promised said princess dress since her birthday, but I didn't realize that they'd be any more expensive at Disney than they are at the Disney store. After talking her down from her disappointment, she decided on a musical jewelry box and a bracelet with all the princesses on it.

We met up with the Kidds and the Bullios and headed for the teacups. Ella was still bummed about her dress so she and I sat this one out while everyone else rode.

Next stop: princesses! Jake went with Hope to ride a ride with the boys (Peter Pan?)

After Autopia, we headed indoors for some lunch. Happiest place on earth!

Next was Small World. Ella wasn't interested in this one either, but I wasn't going to miss out on TWO iconic rides so I dragged her along. Once inside, she really enjoyed it. She liked looking at all the dolls and she enjoyed the music. Towards the end, she saw three veiled dolls and yelled, "Ninjas!"

Later we waited in line for 100 years (or at least it seemed that way!) to get pictures with three of the princesses. I was really surprised that Ella would have anything to do with meeting strangers, but she was really happy.

Meanwhile, Jacob attended Jedi school! We had gone to an earlier showing, but Jacob didn't get picked. The next time, Kris made sure Jacob was front and center and Kris even held him up above the crowd. Jake had some Jedi lessons and successfully defeated Darth Vader! I was with Ella in the princess area when Kris texted me, "I wish I had the camera." Bridget said, "Go! You can make it!" so I left Ella with Bridget and racewalked (no running in the park!) over to the Jedi training. I was just in time and got tons of pictures.

We rode the jungle safari, the Pirates of the Carribean, saw Minnie Mouse's house, rode the train, ...and I've already forgotten everything else! We wrapped up the evening by watching the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty's castle.