Disneyland Take Two

This year we decided to splurge and get Disneyland annual passes.  It was a last minutes decision when we were there in January.  We realized we would be back in So Cal for my brother's wedding this summer and thought why not throw in a couple more quick trips during the year.  So, to make sure we get good use out of our passes we took a quick trip at the beginning of March.  It actually happened the same day we got home from the snow. 

We came home from Tahoe, went to church, and then headed to Disneyland.  We drove straight through the night and arrived around midnight.  Luckily, Ava slept even though she was excited about this surprise trip.  We went straight to bed and got ready to have some Disney fun for the next 2 days (really only a day and a half) before we had to drive home.  Even though this trip was quick it was much more relaxed.  We already made sure to hit all the important things when we were there in January.  This time we went on our favorites and a couple things we normally would skip.

I was proud of Ava for going on Star Tours.  Last time she didn't go on the ride.  While Rich and I went on Star Tours she would hang out with Papa & Nonna.  This trip they weren't with us, so it wasn't an option.  I told her I would wait with her while Rich went on the ride, but she decided to be brave.  She was so nervous and cried a little in line.  I kept asking if she wanted to wait outside, but she insisted she wanted to go on the ride and be brave.  During the ride she was fine.  She had fun and we even went on it again the next day.

The most exciting thing was Ava meeting Elsa & Anna from the movie "Frozen".  Last time I refused to wait in the 3-4 hour line to meet them.  Since our last trip Ava has talked about being sad that she missed them.  Since I love Ava so much and know how much she loves Frozen I decided to wait in line.  I did not wait in a 3-4 hour line....I'm still not that crazy.  Instead Rich and I came up with a plan.  We used the magic morning (1 hour early entry) to get in line.  I walked with Ava while Rich ran to the line.  Luckily he was the 5th person in line.  Next he took Ava on rides while I waited a hour for it to open.  Then we had to wait another 25 minutes just to get in to meet Elsa & Anna.  It was a long wait, but worth it for Ava.  She was so star struck she barely talked.  She got a picture with them and then we took a family photo too.  Ava loves looking at the photo on our refrigerator.

On our last day it was hard to leave.  We had to leave after lunch to get home at a decent hour.  Rich had to go to work and Ava had school the next day.  We made sure to buy some delicious bread from Boudin's for our drive home and then we were off.  It was a crazy, fast, and fun few days.  I was exhausted from the long 5 days of going from the snow to Disneyland and not sleeping in my own bed.  It was fun though and a time we will remember.

Driving off into the sunset on our way to Disneyland.  At this point Ava was just guessing her surprise.  She had no idea I already packed her clothes and got everything ready for the trip.  She was really excited!

Waiting in line to meet Elsa and Anna.

Both Elsa & Anna liked Ava's pigtails.  They kept playing with them.

Ava was so excited!

I decided I wanted a family picture since I waited in line for so long.

Ava and Rich at the Disney Junior show.  It was our first time seeing the show.  Ava loved it.

Ava trying to pop bubbles during the Disney Jr. show.

Ava and I on the spinning ladybug ride.  The only way I was able to go on this ride and not get sick was with a seasick patch.  I wore it the entire trip and never felt sick.  I'm never going to Disneyland without one again.

One of our family favorites.

We all squeezed in once.  Rich and Ava shot while I controlled the spaceship.