Gearing Up for Christmas

Disney style!

Mickey looks so cozy & festive!

Did y'all know Santa's reindeer hang out at Disneyland before the big night?

Goofy or Pluto?

I think I'll call him Gloofo, just to be safe.

My latest craving...caramel apples rolled in chopped peanuts.

{My mouth is watering just looking at the picture!}

It's Halloweeeeentime!

This fall season has been so FUN at Disneyland. 

We love all the fall decor, characters in costumes, and of course, Haunted Mansion Holiday.

In September, the Haunted Mansion closes for a few weeks.  The anticipation is palpable, and when it reopens, Tim Burton's Jack Skellington has taken over. 

 Xander's been a little obsessed with Nightmare Before Christmas ever since then.

He's waited weeks to get an autograph from Jack.

 Jack's girlfriend, Sally {who creeps us out in the movie} was actually very sweet & pretty

This nightmare is a dream come true!

I'll admit it.  We're Disney addicts.

California Adventure

We promised the kiddos that we'd go see World of Color on the weekend.It was our first full day @ California Adventure.

We LOVED Soarin' Over California.
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail reminded the boys of scout camp.
This tire swing was wicked fast. Even though Courtney held on for dear life, she got knocked off into the wood chips. Brave little woman--she got right up and insisted she was fine.

Pretty cool view from the top!

I think the adults were having just as much fun on the rope bridges. Some grown men were having contests to see how many jumps it took to get across.

What kind of animal is Darren?

A wolf.

What kind of animal is Natalie?

A skunk.

No joke. The paw print has spoken.

The kids did really well on the rock wall.

Xander's turn!

King Triton's Carousel

He's got that yeah, I might be a little too old for this look, doesn't he?

I think the boys have found a new addiction. The Toy Story ride is a virtual shooting gallery.

{Don't worry though, Bullseye the horse isn't harmed in any way}

Night shots--before I DROPPED my camera on the ground.

{I know! I let go of it, thinking the strap was around my neck. It wasn't. I was so mad at myself!}

We agreed with the kids' observation of CA Adventure.

Disneyland has a more peaceful, magical feel.

We had a really fun {exhausting} day. World of Color was quite amazing! We weren't disappointed.

Wildest Ride in the Weird-er-ness!

That's what Darren's family calls the Thunder Mountain ride @ Disneyland.
And guess who we found there? The Lee family!
Just kidding...they came and stayed with us for a quick end of summer trip.
She made these darling bling Mickey shirts with.....gasp! The Silhouette!
{Mooohooohahahaha! I brought her to the dark side!}

When You're Not at Disneyland...

Pretend that you are!

The kids transformed Courtney's room into their own Disneyland. Our favorite touches were:

Indiana Jones {being chased by a giant ball}

Tiki Room {RH side}

&

Haunted Mansion {complete with tissue paper ghosts}

Day Before School Disney

I woke up feeling blue that this was the kids' last day of summer break.

What better to do?

Disneyland!

{we have reached rock star status in our kids' eyes}

She's in the I don't want you to fix my hair, Mom phase.
This boy is getting too grown up!

Courtney's first time through Indiana Jones with her eyes open!