Last Chance Day

Today was our last day at Disneyland, and we had to leave around lunchtime to catch our airplane. So we tried to cram as much as possible into the morning! As much as I have enjoyed spending time with the big family, it was nice to have the "no clumping" rule today . . . we were able to do a lot before we left!

We started off in Toon Town. Not many people were there yet, so we got to explore Minnie and Mickey's houses alone. And we just happened to be first in line to meet Mickey as he walked up to his house!

Elizabeth picked this Rapunzel hat for her souvenir

This is the only roller coaster in Disneyland that Elizabeth is big enough for. She LOVED it, so we let her go on it 4 times in a row!

After Toon Town, Ryan and the boys went to Tomorrowland . . . we can't leave without doing AstroBlasters and Star Tours again! Elizabeth and I went to see the princesses again. When we were there the other day, we stood in line for an hour! Since we were going at the beginning of the day, I was pretty sure it would be better today. But I did ask her if she wanted to wait to see princesses again, since it could be the same ones (they rotate which ones are there, but you cannot see who is there until it is your turn). She told me she doesn't mind standing in line for an hour -- she wants to see them! Luckily, we only had to wait about 10 minutes. It ended up being the same princesses as last time -- Ariel, Belle, and Tiana -- but she was just as excited as the first time!

waiting in line

 The movie Brave just came out a couple of weeks ago. We have already seen it, and so Elizabeth was excited to hear that we could stand in a different line near Small World to meet Merida! Unfortunately, the excitement wore off and the tiredness kicked in while we were in line. When it was our turn, she wouldn't smile or talk to Merida -- she wouldn't even let me put her down, which is unusual! Ryan and the boys found us and we all went on Small World together.

Any guesses how Nathan feels about having his picture taken?

We finished the morning with one more turn on Thunder Railroad, lunch, and then ice cream on Main Street -- a family tradition we started last time we were here.

Elizabeth and Joshua got one more churro while waiting for everyone who was on Thunder Railroad.

Here we are on the shuttle bus from the hotel to the airport. We may be tired, but it is a good tired! We had a wonderful week full of family, fun, and great memories!

Disney Dancing, Shows, and Legos!

Today was our last full day at Disneyland. Everyone wanted to go on Radiator Springs Racers again, so we started the early morning in Cars Land. We also went to the rest of the rides that we had not gotten to yet in California Adventure, like the Tower of Terror, Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc, and the Muppet Show 3D.

classic Mickey cartoons at 6am in the lobby, waiting for the last family members to join us

 It's time to start the music, it's time to light the lights . . .

Later in the morning we stopped for the Phineas and Ferb Dance Party. Benjamin and Elizabeth joined in the dancing fun, while Joshua and Nathan sat on the sides and watched.

 Aqua shirt day makes it easy to spot Megan, Katelyn, and Benjamin!

 High five, Ferb!

After lunch we spent "quiet time"  in the musical Aladdin -- such a well-done production! The rest of the afternoon was spent in Bugs Land and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

excited for Aladdin to begin

Joshua and Megan are best buddies

After 4 days in Disneyland, we were all getting tired!

Tuck and Roll's Bumper Cars

Grandma and Grandpa had done a cute Muppet theme for our trip. Each of us secretly chose which Muppet we were before arriving at Disneyland, and Grandma took the time to make sure we had no duplicates (a big job when you have 28 people)! During the week we worked as a family to try to figure out which Muppet each person was. Tonight at dinner, everyone's Muppet identity was revealed. We also have been doing daily Disney trivia pages designed by Grandma, and we couldn't use any electronics to help us with the answers. The winners were announced, and although Ryan and I gave it a good effort, we came in 4th place. I'm sure we'll brush up on our Disney knowledge before we come next time, just in case!

After dinner our little family returned to Downtown Disney. We went to the Disney Store and the Lego Store to get the souvenirs that each child had decided on. Not surprisingly, all 3 boys spent at least some of their money at the Lego store!

At least Elizabeth had something to do (besides running around like a tired crazy child!) while waiting for her brothers to decide what they wanted!

Joshua and Nathan both selected a small bucket that you can fill with whatever Legos you want!

Benjamin went with the Master Builder Academy set

Yes, Prince Phillip, the horse, dragon Maleficent, and the fire are all made out of Legos! Amazing!

Tea Cups and Jedi Training

Today was Disneyland day. We took advantage of our early-entry in Tomorrowland at the AstroBlasters, Star Tours, and Space Mountain. Then we headed over to Fantasyland, starting with the tea cups. Although the tea cups make me sick, just about everyone else LOVES going on them! This morning they went several times in a row since there was no line.

Throughout the trip, Grandma and Grandpa have been rewarding the grandkids with Mickey Money. Whenever any adult in our group sees a kid being good, especially waiting patiently in lines, we can reward them with Mickey Money. They can save up the money and spend it on various things with Grandpa. Our kids have gravitated to the churros!

Next on the agenda was Splash Mountain, Winnie the Pooh ride for the little kids, and lunch.

Katelyn, Benjamin, Joshua, Jennifer, Megan, Chris

 Nathan, Chase, Kaley, Scott, Blake (hidden in red), Brett

after Splash Mountain -- Chase wins!

After lunch we went to Indiana Jones. The little kids all decided it was nap time!

We went to Tomorrowland Terrace to catch the last 2 Jedi Trainings of the day. All of the grandkids wanted to be chosen. Since the Arizona family has been to Disney more often for dance and such, they have been able to do Jedi training before, and some of them multiple times. I secretly hoped that our 3 boys would get a chance to do the training, even if the other cousins would not get a chance this time. Fortunately, between the 2 Jedi Trainings, the force was with all of the grandkids who wanted to be a Jedi!

Nathan getting chosen

Nathan training

Nathan fighting Darth Maul

Grandpa and Hyrum watching

Katelyn, Benjamin, and Joshua

in training

Joshua fights Darth Vader

Benjamin -- I think Ryan was jealous!

We finished the evening at Small World and riding the train and monorail.