Disneyland -- Tuesday, Part I

Our second day at Disneyland was just as fun as our first! We decided to hit up some of the rides we hadn't gotten to ride the day before. Nana and Grayson at Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters

Buzz greeting us as we got on the ride to BLAST!


We stumbled upon a cute show with the characters in front of the castle. Donald Duck was the only character we had not yet gotten a picture with... so, as soon as the show was over, the characters all loaded up in the fire engine and headed down Main Street. We followed them!!

And, Grayson was first in line to pose with Donald!!

In front of the castle... it even has snow on the rooftops!

Goofy was out in Town Square so we took a pic with him

Pluto was there, too. We just couldn't resist! =)

After eating lunch at yummy California Pizza Kitchen, we headed over to Disney's California Adventure. Grayson stopped to talk with Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater.

I had read about Turtle Talk on mouseplanet.com and it was amazing!! Crush (the turtle) interacted with the audience the entire time. We were mystified as to how Disney pulled this one off. =)

Crush talked, swam, danced, asked questions, and joked with the audience. What fun!

Disneyland -- Tuesday, Part II

While we were still over at California Adventure, Goofy was roaming the streets in his Christmas/Hawaiian gear.

The Christmas celebration at Disney happens for quite awhile... we were glad to take part in it!


On our way back into Disneyland, we got to sit up front in the Monorail with the driver.

Cool!! The driver told us that the Monorail goes 30 mph. Just in case you were wondering...

Truly one of the most beautiful aspects of the Christmas decor was "It's a Small World" at night. The lights were absolutely amazing!!

Grayson wanted to make one more stop in Toontown that evening, so we headed back to Mickey's house. Here's Grayson at his piano.

Shaking Mickey's hand

Mickey loved Grayson's ears... he really is quite the Mouse. =)

Grayson remembered his mailbox from when we went to Florida

As we were leaving, this is the view from the train station. There is a huge Christmas tree amongst all the lights on Main Street. So pretty!!! We can't wait to go back!!

Disneyland -- Monday, Part I

We had a fast, fun-filled two days at Disneyland this week. Mom, Grayson, and I flew to California to spend a few days with my Aunt Laura... and of course, visit our favorite Mouse. We started off on Monday by having brunch at Goofy's Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel. We found Pluto in his chef's hat and apron as we were heading to our seats...
And, then Chip found Grayson at the buffet! He made a point to show Grayson his favorite thing there -- peanut butter and jelly pizza. Yum!

Mickey-shaped waffles and pancakes

Grayson with Cinderella

With Goofy at our table

Then, we headed to Disneyland. Grayson wanted to ride the Tea Cups first!

Then, he and Aunt Laura rode Dumbo. They're in the green elephant!

Everything was decorated for Christmas... so pretty. We went to Santa's Reindeer Roundup where we saw...

REAL reindeer!!

Then we met up with Pluto in his Santa hat =)

My fave: a Mickey-shaped salted pretzel with cheese. Yum.

Goofy, complete with his snowflake sweater

Giving hugs

We couldn't wait to see Mickey in his house in Toontown

Grayson loved all the little cars in Toontown that he could "drive"...

Disneyland -- Monday, Part II

Grayson loved wearing his Mickey ears!

Posing with Minnie at her cute house in Toontown

Steering Donald's Boat

The back view...

"It's a Small World" was all decorated for Christmas, and they alternated singing "Small World" with Christmas carols during the ride.

Grayson and Aunt Laura driving the cars at the Tomorrowland Autopia

Sleeping Beauty's castle at night... the lights were gorgeous.

We found Mickey that evening in Town Square in his Christmas sweater =)

And, then Minnie came out and joined him. She looked so festive, too.

The Mickey as you walked in the park that's made of flowers... this time complete with a Santa hat made of flowers and the Christmas lights on the train station. What a fabulous day!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Sixty-three years ago my sweet Dad came into the world. He is the most generous person that I know. He is quite opinionated, however he is always up for a good discussion. He loves trains, geography, his Denali, the 'Hawks, car washes, grain elevators, and anything at IHOP, Cracker Barrel, or Bonefish Grill. He has been a great supporter of Grayson with all of his sports endeavors, and we feel so blessed to live in the same town.

Just ten years ago today, Jerry actually took Dad out to lunch for his birthday AND to ask him if he could marry me. Fun!!! (Well, maybe scary for Jerry, but Dad did say yes...)

Happy Birthday, Dad! We love you!!

Just in case Bill Self reads my blog...

This video reminds me SO MUCH of going to watch my brothers play basketball at the Y. The kids think they (sort of) know what's going on, but they don't have a clue! Here is a peek at Grayson's defense strategies, and then he goes for a shot. (He has on a white jersey with a green armband.)

And, then... he shoots! And he scores!! =)

You've got mail...

Our Fairy Godmailer came through with flying colors!! Grayson was so, so, so excited that Mickey sent him a postcard AND knew his address. =) "This is awesome!!" Grayson commented.
Thank you, Fairy Godmailer!!!