Family Trip to the Grand California Hotel

Earlier this month, our family took a mini-vacation to the Grand California Hotel, one of the new(ish) hotels located right at Disneyland. It was originally supposed to be part of Ian's 30th, but we found our schedule (and the hotel prices) better in November, so we delayed until then. We still told the hotel people we were celebrating, and they sweetly included a Happy Birthday button for Ian, as well as a great photo of Mickey. AND, because it was a slow time of the year, when I asked for a free upgrade, they upgraded us twice to a room with a king bed, a small balcony and a view of the pools! We were supposed to be overlooking the parking lot, so we considered this pretty special. =) Ian wasn't even embarrassed when I asked for the upgrade, either.

Anyway, we had an AMAZING time. The hotel was spectacular  and if you've ever been to Disneyland, then you know they pride themselves on their customer service. The hotel was no different and we are already scheming of ways to get back there.

The hotel is fashioned after a craftsman style California home, just on a very grand (see hotel name) scale. The lobby is truly the biggest I've ever seen. Here is Ruthie, standing in front of one (yes, one) of the fireplaces.

One of the benefits of the hotel is that you get early entrance into the park while you're staying there. On our first morning there, my mom graciously came to babysit so we could take advantage of this perk. Here is California Adventure, just a few minutes after we got in. As you can see, it was empty. We made straight for the new Cars Land, which had a ride we really wanted to try.

And here we are, in line at said ride. It was Radiator Spring Racers and it was super fun. Normally, that line is about 120 minutes, but in our early hour, we only waited about 15. We really enjoyed our adult time in the park - we also rode Hollywood Tower of Terror, Midway Mania and of course, Grizzy River Run. Because if you're staying at the hotel, you should do the water ride so you can go back to your room and change your clothes! (Plus, it was 95 that day.)

                                    
Here is Ian and Ruthie on the Golden Zephyr - a rocket ride that actually goes pretty fast. They require everyone to be in their own seat, but Ruthie did great. She loved being out at night, and we felt like we could stay out late, since our room was just a short walk out of the park. Don't you just love that cheerful Mickey in the background?!

Of course, Ruthie took several naps in our room. Here I am, reading to her, trying to calm her down. She was SUPER excited about being in a new place.

And here is Ian and Ruthie watching a new parade. Don't they look so much alike, enjoying the sights and sounds?

It was really a great time. My mom came a second time and meet us in the park and then took Ruthie out and back to her house, so we could enjoy a few more adult hours there. We got to ride all the big ones (that were open) - Space Mountain  Matterhorn, Big Thunder, plus a few of our favorites - Haunted Mansion, Mr. Toad's and more!

I don't have any pictures of it, but on the day it was 95, we also took Ruthie to the pools at the hotel. They have three beautiful pools, plus a big water-slide and a small one for kids. Ian and I tried out the big one and Ruthie went down (with help) the toddler one several times.

It couldn't have been more fun - thanks to my mom for giving of her time so generously and to the many gifts from siblings of Disney Dollars for Ian's birthday. We spent EVERY ONE OF THEM on delicious snacks - corn dogs, popcorn, Dole whip, churros, pretzel, frozen lemonade, ice cream...if they sold it, we bought it!

Two thumbs up from this Disneyland lovin' family!!

Do You Know Why?

Do you know why Ruthie's blanket looks like that? Because the blanket was touching her pacifier and she pulled it toward her so that the blanket would move the pacifier into her hands. And it totally worked. Ian and I are a little worried that we might have a crazy master mind on our hands.

Ruthie's Day in Photos

I like to call these Ruthie's "work stations." She sort of makes her way through the house, going from room to room, "working."

Here is the aftermath of her work day:

1. Diaper bag contents, all over the living room floor

2. Living room book shelf middle row, emptied

3. Commentaries from the hallway bookshelf, read and discarded

4. Every book minus two from her bottom shelf flung off; most of the books from the middle shelf also casually cast off

And here, you'll note, is her actual toy box, with each toy still in place. I guess it's true what they say - there's no need to buy toys because kids will make a toy out of anything.

And now, to clean it up. Ah, the joys of parenting. Maybe if I sit at this computer long enough, Ian will finish it all...=)

Getting a Jump on Things

Ian and I talk frequently about having our kids do chores and pull their weight around the house. We also talk about when is a good age to start that - I know you have to start before their "help" is actually helpful, but obviously, for at least a few years, it seems they are too young.

However, I was recently cleaning at my parents' house (one of my many part time jobs) and I thought I'd go ahead and get a jump on things. Ruthie was REALLY into it. Looks how she's bending her knees so she can really get in there and clean the toilet. =)

Water Works

This face, and all the water works, are because I wouldn't give her a second bite of my pear at lunch today. Seeing as she spit out the first bite, I felt justified. Apparently, I was wrong.

Halloween!

I hope everyone had a happy Halloween. We did, though it was very busy since I was organizing the carnival for our church. And I'm not talking a few people wandering around making wreaths and drinking cider (though that does sort of sound nice). I'm talking 4,000 people, 300 volunteers, 7 huge inflatables, 14 carnival style games, a whole list of food, more than a ton of candy and a live DJ, playing Thriller, because what else do you play on Halloween?

Anyway, my mom watched Ruthie all day and when Ian got home they feed her, got her in her costume and brought her to the carnival. She loved looking at all the people and hearing the music. This girl really does love getting out at night. Too bad for her that her bed time is 7:30.

I digress.

Here is the whole fam, dressed as Waldo, Wenda and Wendy. (Those are real people; okay, Waldo and Wenda are real - we made up Wendy.)

Those Child Safety Locks

Yeah, the ones I bought about two months ago? It's really time to install those...