Disneyland 2012

 

I can't believe I haven't posted anything about our vacation until now... a month later!  We had an amazing time on our family vacation this year.  One of the big differences this year was that it was just our family together.  No one else came with us, which hasn't happened for a while.  I think we chose to spend a day or two more than we should have, because we were totally exhausted by the end of it all.  But we had some awesome experiences.  Our vacation consisted of 6 days in Disneyland/California Adventure, a day at Redondo beach (we were huge OC fans and Redondo is where they shot a lot of scenes from the show) and a day at Magic Mountain.  It was a really good time to go.  Crowds were at a minimum, especially at Magic Mountain.  And the weather was perfect!  The boys had both hit height requirements, so it was like a new park for Darek at Disneyland/CA and Alex got to go on any rides he wanted to at Magic Mountain.  And I was really impressed with both of them.  They went on everything!  And with no crying!!!  Darek's new favorite ride is Splash Mountain.  And Alex's favorite ride at Magic Mountain is Tatsu.  

One of our favorite experiences this year was Jedi Training.  Alex did this a few years ago and enjoyed it but wasn't pumped about doing it again.  I told him to try, but also to help Darek try to get selected.  So that's what he did!  He held Darek up, helped him jump up and down and reminded him to wave his arms like a crazy kid.  And Darek was selected!  Alex still tried but wasn't selected.  :(  But he was okay with it.  Darek got up there and did great.  He was pretty nervous, but didn't really show it.  We got some great pictures and video of the experience.

 

I don't have editing software at the moment, but my favorite part of this video is at about the 50 second mark.  They had finished fighting Vader and Darth Maul and were telling them to leave.  Darek saw Darth Maul really close to him and totally started going after him.  It was hilarious!  You can see Darth Maul's back as Darek gets closer to him. 

We also had our usual breakfast at Minnie and Friends.  Alex is getting a little too old for pictures with characters, so we only got one with Alex in it.  But Darek was all about it and we had to go running after Tigger to make sure we got a picture with him.

We really had a wonderful time, but I think we are done with Southern California for a while.  There are so many places that I want to go and show my boys.  So we're thinking our next vacation will be in the opposite direction!  And no, not to Disney World!