"Adults are only Kids Grown Up, Anyway..." - Walt Disney

During our September California Trip, we spent one day at Disney's California Adventure Park.  We started off the day at Ariel's Grotto.  We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and while we were eating, Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Tiana and Belle came to our table and visited with us.  It was a magical way to begin our day.  And well worth it, having all the princesses come to us...instead of waiting in lines for hours

Sienna was MOST excited about Princess Belle from Beauty and Beast.  Gracie was her inquisitive self - asking the Princesses all sorts of questions.

Gracie was really excited about pushing Sienna in the stroller around the park.  I didn't think she would last - but she pushed her for a long time, and Gracie walked almost the entire day and never complained.

Riding Mickey's Fun Wheel with my Sweetheart

It was not busy at all the day we visited.  We walked on to rides.  In fact we rode again and again without waiting on some.  Gracie's favorite rides were: Jumpin' Jellyfish, Luigi's Flying Tires, Radiator Springs Racers and Toy Story Mania.  

I got to ride with her on Toy Story Mania.  It was one of my favorite moments.  She was wide-eyed and giggling with unbelief the whole time!  The 4D virtual effects had her laughing and squealing out loud.  She was so cute.  

Sienna loved: 'Ariel's Undersea Adventure' and Disney Junior - Live on Stage.     

We went to 'Turtle Talk with Crush'.  Crush picked Gracie out of the crowd and talked to her forever during the show.   He even gave her a nickname: "Groovy Gracie."  She still refers to herself as that.  

Cars Land is so fun!  Disney never overlooks the details - and the main street in Carburetor County is no exception.  Such a darling place!! 

This is one of my favorite pictures - Gracie and Grandma Wiscombe are laughing so hard - trying to control this 9 foot inflatable tire!  

There's my favorite ride in the background:  Tower of Terror.  I love it.  I love the anticipation, the drop, the thrill - SO fun.  I didn't ride it during our visit.  Funny how that happens when you have kids and just one day at the park - your priorities change....and you only have time for select things.  Tower of Tower also happens to be Michael's favorite ride!!  I stayed with the girls while my parents and Jody took Michael on the ride. (It takes a few people to hold him from each side on that ride.)   My mom had even purchased a foam pillow to place under Michael to pad his hips.  The workers let Michael ride it twice without getting off.  He LOVED it - laughed the whole time.   While Michael and the crew were riding Tower of Terror, I took the girls to meet some of the classic characters.  Notice how Gracie is holding Pluto's leash tag to make sure it's showing.  It was super cute to watch her meet Pluto.  She loves Pluto! 

*The girls with the One and Only: Mickey Mouse*

After we met up with my parents, Michael and Jody - we knew the park was closing soon.  The girls really wanted to visit "A Bug's Land" where they have lots of rides for little kids.  So that's where we went.  

Soaring in the Sky on 'Flik's Flyers'

               Riding 'Francis' Ladybug Boogie'

We ended the day by riding Toy Story Mania once again and watching the 'World of Color' show (from the back).  It was really fun.  Gracie was dancing to the music, and there was no one around.  I was dancing with her!  Another really fun moment I will never forget.  Spinning, Twirling and Taking it all in!