Last Day at Disneyland

Our last day at Disneyland started out with a breakfast with Mickey and his friends at Paradise Pier. I think little Clara was done at this point because she wasn't impressed by the characters and there were quite a few tears from her. The boys loved the food and couldn't wait to meet every character that walked out in the dining room! I was torn because I knew it was our last day at Disneyland and we were having to leave early to catch our flight but the kids were having so much fun at breakfast. 

Once the boys said they were ready to go I loaded them up in the double stroller and literally booked it over to California Adventure to make the most of our day. My first stop was of course Cars Land so I could get fast passes for the new Cars ride. After I was successful with that I knew it would be a good day! While we waited for my family to meet us I took the boys on a few of the rides in Cars Land and let them wait to meet Lightning and Mater. 

After we met my family we decided to go on Toy Story and Screaming California. I couldn't believe the lucky day we were having because we never waited more than 10 minutes in a line. We grabbed the famous turkey legs to eat while we headed for the new Cars ride. It was seriously worth it and we all fought over who got to go a second time with the stroller pass. Tower of Terror was next and didn't disappoint, although Brods might disagree! 

I was so sad to see this quick trip come to an end! We honestly had a perfect three days at Disneyland and experienced everything we wanted to! I can't wait to bring my littles back!

If only the flight home would have been as perfect! When I arrived at the airport I learned that our layover in Arizona had been delayed and we wouldn't be making it home until midnight. Flying alone with three kids was already stressful enough without this sad news. The kids did great on the first flight and even during our layover. We ate pizza and watched movies in the terminal. By the time we boarded the second flight I was sure the kids were exhausted and would sleep the rest of the way. Especially considering it had been delayed so many times that we wouldn't even land until 3:00am. 

Sadly I was very wrong! Luke refused to sleep and just watched shows on his Kindle. Brody was beyond exhausted and it wasn't easy getting him to sleep while holding Clara. He was literally delirious and had no idea why he was crying. I knew everyone on that airplane hated me. All he wanted was to sleep on the floor but Luke refused to let this happen because Brody was at his feet and it was also unsafe. Good hell I could have cared less at this point. Luke was yelling at Brody, Brody was screaming uncontrollably and Clara was crying in her sleep. It was definitely pure hell! Finally at the end of the flight they all gave up and fell asleep.

The flight attendant knew that it had been rough and came over the intercom to remind everyone to be kind to one another. I knew it was meant for me sadly. Of course the kids were passed out and wouldn't wake up. How was I to get three kids of the plane by myself?! Luckily the nicest guy ever helped me gather everything up and carry kids off the plane. He even got down on the floor to make sure we hadn't left anything. Such a blessing! 

We were honestly the last people to leave the airport. When I got to the luggage claim our bags were sitting by the door and not a soul in sight. I asked Luke if it was worth three awesome days at Disneyland and he replied, "Of course!" I wasn't so sure at that point...all I wanted to do was have Mark hold me and cry! 

Disneyland Day Two

Day two at Disneyland was all about strategy. We made sure to be there right when the park opened and everyone had their assignments. I was to run straight to Jedi Training and get in line for the boys with the two babies. Everyone else ran straight for Star Tours to grab fast passes and jump on the ride. Everything worked out great minus Bo screaming in line with me because he was sure his parents had left him forever. 

When it came time for the boys to do Star Wars training Brody got major stage fright and didn't want to do it. I kept trying to convince him because I knew he would regret it but it wasn't until he saw Luke getting his robe on that he decided he would give it a go. I am so glad he did because it was honestly the cutest thing I had ever seen. The boys ate up every second of it and I was so grateful they were experiencing it! 

The rest of the day was spent at Disneyland enjoying the rides, food and gift shops! All three boys were on a Star Wars high!!!

Disneyland Day One

As soon as we landed in LA we ran to Aunt Rach's work so she could grab her badge...aka free entry to Disneyland lucky lady! Then it was on to Disneyland woot woot! Clara was a little trooper the whole day and just slept on the go. The boys had a blast and I think were still in shock they were actually there. 

That night we stayed until the park closed when my dad and Mitch came and met us to go back to the hotel. To say we were all exhausted was an understatement. We had an early morning flight and an entire day at Disneyland. All I could think about was getting my kids in bed, finishing my orders for the day and off to bed before we did it all again the next day. When we arrived at the hotel we dragged all our luggage up to the suite but instead walked into a one king bedroom. That definitely wouldn't work for my family, my parents and Mitch's family.

My dad went down to the front desk and tried to figure out the problem. The only room left had two queens and a sofa sleeper. Definitely better than our current situation. I got my kids bathed and put to bed. Clara and Brody were in the sofa sleeper with me and Luke was on the floor next to me while I worked. It didn't take long for them to crash. 

Just when I thought I couldn't keep my eyes open for one more second I finished my orders and closed my laptop. Luke then made a funny cough that worried me as it should have. Puke soon followed. I started scrambling to contain it in a blanket and keep him in one spot. I had to get him showered which wasn't easy since he was delirious and didn't know what was going on. After he was showered I cleaned it up the best I could, bagged up the puke textiles and got back in bed. 

The miracle of the night was that no one woke up or even had a clue what had gone on the night before. I of course stayed awake all night stressing about more puke and everyone else getting sick. Luckily it was a one time things and we were able to go puke free the rest of the trip. 

Disneyland Surprise

On Thursday my mom and I were in yoga and she was talking about their upcoming trip on Tuesday for Disneyland. I told her I really should have gone with them because it had been so long since my kids had gone. She said, "Well why don't you come?" Um because you're leaving in a few days. She said she had buddy passes, a big van rented and a suite that we could all fit it. After I left the class I called Mark and he said go for it!

Since we were flying standby I decided not to tell the kids just in case it didn't work out. I spent the next few days frantically running around gathering Disney shirts, packing bags secretly and preparing for the trip. We had an early flight so it would be the perfect way to surprise the kids. 

Mark and I woke the kids up and brought them out to the family room where their Disney outfits, backpacks and a letter were waiting. Luke read the letter to Brody. It was one of the funnest things to witness. Luke could hardly contain his excitement and kept asking over and over if we were really leaving. Brody was very worried that it was still dark outside and there was no way we could get on an airplane. I think he was still a little sleepy. I was nervous about traveling with three kids and no husband but there was no turning back now! 

Clara Turns One

Poor Clara woke up so sick the morning of birthday. It broke my heart that she was so miserable at her own party. Her little eyes showed how sad she was and it made me sad to see them. She had fun seeing everyone and put on a happy face. Present time was fun for her and she enjoyed looking in all the bags. This little princess was definitely spoiled. 

Clara has a sweet tooth but wasn't feeling it today. When it came time for cake she loved everyone singing to her but wasn't a huge fan of eating the cake. There were plenty of little hands that wanted to help her. 

I know it wasn't Clara's happiest day but I sure hope that she knows how loved she is. I can't imagine our lives without our little sweetheart. She brings so much joy to our entire family. Happy Birthday Darling Clara!