Disney Land 2011

We took a trip down south, to check out Bakersfield and to go to Disney with Grandma, Nani and Abuelita.

Penny chose her first Disney Land princess dress.  We prepared her for Cinderella, but when she saw Aurora's dress, she could not be swayed in any other direction.  Gabby earned a new princess dress because when Grandpa Glenn bit her on the arm, she did not bite him back.

Kaia and Gabby were anxious from the moment they walked into the park, about finding the perfect item to spend their money on.  Kaia decided on a hardcover leather journal, and a Disney Pen.  I wasn't sure that she would be happy about her choice...boy was I wrong.  She micro-journaled the entire day;she wrote something every 3 minutes or so.  The entries are pure GOLD.  Gabby made an impulse purchase, choosing a light up tinkerbell wand, which I'm shocked is not broken yet.  Kaleb chose a buzz lightyear light up, spinning toy(an exact replica of one he has at home).  He wore out the fresh batteries before nightfall, when he could actually see the lights.

The kids did a few rides with Dad, Nani, and Grandma, while Penny, Abuelita, and I sat and rested.  We did Toon-Town as well.  We went to the concentrated princess location. We did the Buzz Lightyear ride all together.  Gabby wanted desperately to meet Ariel with the real fin, but the line was just too long. We had pizza, and then got our spot for the Fantasmic show.  Penny slept through the show, but everyone else loved it completely. 

Kaia wanted nothing to do with these princesses.  She was a bit offended by their makeup, so she let Penny use her autograph book to get their signatures, which Penny was a natural at!  Kaia sat back and journaled diligently.

There were many other highlights during our week in LA.  We spent one day with the Japanese family, enjoying Baby Dean and eating Chinese food. After having been at Auntie Gail and Uncle Randy's house for a couple of hours, Kaleb said, out of the blue, "I don't want to say 'Hi' to THAT Santie Clause...".  As I surveyed the room, looking for a porcelain or stuffed Chris Kringle, my eyes met Uncle Randy, and I knew what Kaleb meant.

We spent one afternoon with The Krudwigs.  Kaia loved playing catch with Travis and the boys.  The kids mostly ran wild with the neighborhood kids while Tina and I chatted in the front yard.

We celebrated Abuelita's 82nd birthday at a mariachi brunch, with the entire Mora family.  The food was great, and so was the company.  We got a chance to catch up with cousin's, and Aunts and Uncles.  Kaia found it amusing to put a fake flower between her teeth and dance to the mariachi music, in addition to lip singing mariachi style with her arm extended to the ceiling. 

After the brunch, we went to the firestation, to meet up with Nino Mando and Uncle Robert and get the tour and firetruck ride. Kaleb had been anticipating this for months, as it was another of his promised rewards for pooping in the potty.  He found the whole experience to be completely sublime. By the way, Nani, if you are reading this, I need the pictures from this event.

Abuelita, unfortunately had a health scare, on the day that we had planned to go visit her at her house for lunch.  We ended up visiting her at the hospital later on, along with much of the family. Thankfully, she is on the road to recovery.

We got a special evening visit from Cousin Lauren, and another one from King Bobby; both were enjoyed by the kids, as they loved the special attention.

Did I miss anything??