While Michael was enjoying (or actually working in) London, the kids and I went on a southern california road trip. First stop was Amy's house where we hung out, went on a slack line, ate homemade tempura and posed for couch shots. (See previous blog post.) Since it was going to be my last night of peace, I slept at my mom's house while the kids stayed with Amy and Eran. The next day, after some more Marcus merriment, the kids joined me at 12th street and we hung out, played basketball, chess, and hangman. We also watched some golf with my dad, who is pretty much back to normal except for the big piece of machinery sticking out of his chest and the the many pills he takes. It's rather astonishing considering the condition he was in less than 9 months ago.
Bright and early the next morning, we drove off to Disneyland. We got there pretty fast despite the traffic.
We were staying offsite this time so we took the tram from the parking lot to the main entrance. We immediately got in line for a fast pass for Space Mountain and then went on Matterhorn, star tours and thunder mountain without much wait at all. As the day progressed, the lines got longer. But, we kept busy and the kids did very well despite the heat and massive crowds. (Note to self, never go on any school break again.)
Here they are on Tom's Sawyer's island where they more fun than they should have.
Some of the food at disneyland is surprising good. I had a caprese sandwich and the kids had soup and sandwiches.
The sunscreen wasn't cutting it, so I got them all Disneyland hats that I'm sure they will never wear again.
They were ready to retire to the hotel about 2 so we drove the 3 big blocks to it. It was a pretty lame-ass hotel, but I was ready for it. I wasn't ready for the ice machine and elevator right outside our door, so on day two I changed rooms, something I should have done immediately. The pool was tiny, but the kids didn't care.
This shot makes the pool look much larger than it was.
Then it was back to Disneyland with matching dresses and matching stupid mickey necklaces.
And ears.
They wanted to go on space mountain again, so before we went to the hotel, we got another fast pass that allowed us to basically walk right on. Parker and I got the front seat and I wanted to puke the entire time. I kept my eyes closed, as noted below. It is now their favorite ride there.
We got back to the hotel using the shuttle service and everyone (but me) was asleep by 9. The next morning, we were back at the maingate by 8am but went immediately to California Adventure where we first got fast passes for the Cars ride. With two hours to kill, Miranda and Parker did the giant roller coaster while Elizabeth and I did the Toy Story ride. They tried to get me on the ferris wheel (which Michael did last time and said was pure evil) but luckily it broke.
They did the swing ride and a couple other small rides and then it was time for us to head back to Radiator Springs where the Cars ride did not disappoint.
David joined up with us around lunch time at Disneyland and we got more fast passes and did more lines. Before we rode the Pirates of the Carribean, we ate at the Blue Bayou inside the ride. It was massively overpriced and not that great, but the kids got glow in the dark ice cubes in their "lemonade" and were very happy. David and I...not so much. Then on to more rides like Haunted House and Space Mountain again with David. I sat that one out.
We went back to the hotel to swim and nap and then headed back to the park. There was some fecal issues that I will leave out but that left me in a not so nice mood. We did a couple more rides and then grabbed some corn dogs and a place to sit to watch the fireworks. It was 9:30 at this point and Elizabeth was falling asleep. Then they made an announcement the fireworks would be delayed. Kids were upset and starting to lose it.
But we waited and waited and then finally started. The kids were thrilled as this was the first time they had seen real fireworks. They didn't even care that it ended early due to a technical delay.
We said goodbye to David and then went to wait in the line for the shuttle with the 15 thousand other people. The kids were super cranky at this point and Parker kept saying we should walk. After waiting about 20 minutes, I agreed and made an announcement to the crowd (that we had grown close to by then) that we were sacrificing ourselves for the good of all because I knew once we walked away the bus would come. They all laughed, but then hugged us when just three steps away, it turned the corner. Three cheers for the three kids. One man even held the door open for us to ensure we got on the bus despite the huge, and now angry, mob.
We left around 10 and arrived at a La Jolla beach at noon to meet up with Ashley and Quinn who moved there last year. It was cold and windy but sunny so the kids had fun digging and burying.
Parker likes to dig holes.
Susan and her family joined us a few hours later and then we all head to the hotel. She stopped for Tacos for all which was delightful.
The next day we explore a playground....
And then went to this crazy Mormon Historic site that was all about Jesus Christ but so well done the kids loved it (I guess that is the point). Susan and I kept rolling our eyes.
Free old timey photo.
Panning for "gold"
Parker got some too. He also bashed his eye in at the pool earlier the day before and it was black and blue for a while.
After a rough time finding a good lunch place earlier in the day, we had a great dinner at the Italian joint. I had Risotto (of course) and caprese salad.
On our last day, we went to Balboa park where the kids climbed on art, trees, and in fountains. It was all very lovely.
In the afternoon, we met up with Ashley and Quinn again, first at the hotel pool and then later at the beach where the kite was a big hit with everyone as it went up immediately and didn't crash. Even little Annabelle could do it. There was more digging and building and frolicking.
This was some kind of sea plant. Ick.
After this lovely day, we had a great dinner at this milk shake/burger joint. It was just the ticket!
The next morning we took off early for Magic Mountain on Parker's insistence, but after only three rides, the kids all agreed they were tired and just wanted to go home. Luckily due to our season pass, it was all free so I said, "sure" and we drove all the way back home arriving by 8pm. They were all happy to see Michael as was I.
