Disneyland!!

We had an amazing time at Disneyland! But a few days there and you're definitely ready to come home.  We were lucky enough to get some beach time in at the beginning of our vacation in Dana Point, California.  They have such a beautiful beach there...  absolutely beautiful and Disneyland was a blast! We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful vacation. :)

California, 2012

We got to enjoy the beach for the first two days of our trip. Kyle had a conference in Dana Point.  Did I happen to mention that his conference was held at The Ritz Carlton there?  I think I just might be able to vacation at a Ritz every once and a while, if not for the rest of my life!! We seriously had a blast.  Hayden and I headed down to the beach each day for some fun in the sun. Hayden used to hate the cold ocean in Northern California and rarely ever got in. I could not get him out of the water this time!! In fact, he decided to jump right in after this picture and get soaking wet.

Last day at the beach. Looking for seashells, building sand castles and chasing the waves. What a perfect start to our fun vacation!

First ride at Disneyland... Space Mountain. We had a blast, Hayden was a little nervous, but he was happy he tried it. 

Our good friend Mickey!

One of the favorite rides of the trip... Thunder Mountain!

Of course, you have got to get some swimming time in when you're in Cali. We were so, so lucky to get such nice weather the whole time we were there.

We spent the last couple of days in the parks with our dear friends. This is one of Hayden's favorite "girl" friends from when we lived in California. We had breakfast with the characters before we hit California Adventure Park. We miss our friends so much, but we had such a great time catching up with them and playing in the happiest place on earth together!

Hitting the Toy Story Mania, or as Hayden refers to it, "the Buzz and Woody ride".  We have to go on this ride every time we are in the park... he was so happy!

Of course, mom and dad have to get a few adult rides in while we are there. Here we are in the first row of the California Screamin'. We love this roller coaster so much and we got to ride the Tower of Terror for the first time on this trip as well.  We will definitely be heading back to hit those rides again... so much fun!!

Enjoying some Under the Sea time on the new Ariel's Grotto ride. It's a cute ride!

The ride we rode the most on this trip... Goofy's Sky School. We had a blast- fun for kids AND adults!!

Enjoying the World of Color Water Show... so amazing! Hayden LOVED the Pirates of the Caribbean part of the show. I had to download the Pirates theme song onto my phone for him and he listens to it every day now!

The second most favorite ride of the trip... Pirates of the Caribbean! Who doesn't love this ride???

Enjoying the Indiana Jones ride! 

We had to hit the Tea Cup ride at least once! 

By the end of this trip, Hayden was exhausted. I think this picture in front of the castle is one of my favorites. Even little kids can get tired of Disneyland by the end, ha ha!!

Walking back to the hotel the last night we were at Disneyland. Hayden was out within 5 minutes of walking! This equals success in my book!

Top ten rides of our Disneyland/California Adventure trip 2012

1. Goofy's Flying School- we went on it 4 times

2. Pirates of the Caribbean- we went on it 3 times

3. Thunder Mountain- we went on it 3 times

4. Star Tours- we went on it 2 times (this was Hayden's favorite, next to the Goofy ride)

5. Soarin' Over California- we have never been on it before- so fun!

6. It's a toss up between Roger Rabbit and Monster's Inc. - Hayden loved both!

7. The Gadget Coaster is always a favorite in Toon Town

8. Tower of Terror!!

9. CaliforniaScreamin'!!

10. And last, but definitely not least, Space Mountain! I swear that ride is always closed when we go to Disneyland. I was so happy that we finally got to ride on it again after many, many years!!

* Honorable mention, Small World. What is it about that ride that makes you want to hit it at least once every time you visit Disneyland??? It's just so adorable and it reminds me of my child hood!

By far, my most favorite thing about this trip was watching Hayden start to love all of these rides and experiences- many of which I loved and enjoyed as a little girl.  I think visiting Disneyland is far better as an adult, watching the magic through your child's eyes!

We had such a blast and we can't wait to go back... hopefully soon!

Much love,

Adrienne