Disneyland 2011

This was the "day of all days" for our Christmas visit to California. Our gift from Grandma & Grandpa was a trip to Disneyland!! Lily LOVES the Disney princesses and we thought this year would be the perfect year to give her a chance to meet them! Although we went on one of the busiest days of the year (Dec. 26th), we all had a great time! Thankfully, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Bill have Disney passes and knew when and where to go. So we had a plan and were able to see and do much more than we would have otherwise. As I looked at Lily's face throughout the day, her expressions were priceless. As we were riding on Casey Jr.'s train, she said "Mom, this is the best day ever!" As an adult, it's easy to forget what a magical place Disneyland is for kids. Watching her experience it for herself brought back so many memories...

Here they are, cousins in matching track suits, ready to tackle Disneyland!

Beautiful Christmas decorations! The tree was enormous and so pretty!

Grandma is ready! Waiting for the park to officially open on Main St.

Riding It's a Small World. Although he doesn't look it here, Jackson really enjoyed the rides.

So excited!!

First mission was to "meet the princesses". Here's Lily, waiting in line (she was 4th!). Wonder what she is thinking?

With Grandma and her autograph book and pen from Aunt Sarah.
Funny thing, both Grandma and Aunt Sarah got emotional as Lily approached the front of the line. And I did as well when she was talking to the princesses! It must be the "little girl" in all of us that knows how special this was for her.

She immediately gave Ariel a hug, her favorite princess.

Talking with Ariel about Christmas

One final hug!

Meeting Belle

Such a sweet picture

Mommy & Daddy got to go on Space Mountain

On the Mark Twain boat
Riding Winnie the Pooh...he loved it!

Riding Casey Jr. train

Even Daddy had a good time!

It was nearly impossible to meet all of the princesses in one day, so we decided to take Lily to the "Princess Coronation" ceremony so she could at least see some of the other ones. Here we are waiting for the ceremony to start.

This was funny. This is "Sir Frederick" and he was just pacing around the stage before the show started- probably to let the parents know there would be a show going on. I didn't think he was anyone of importance, in the princess world, but Lily did not agree. She was convinced he was a Prince and needed to have her picture taken with him and an autograph.
And here is "Lady Maryann"...I think. Can't read her autograph very well :-)

Learning how to "princess wave" and dance

Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty

While Daddy, Lily, and I were at the coronation, the rest of the family saved seats for the Christmas parade. We headed over there straight after the ceremony and they had great seats! Lily and Jackson loved seeing all of the characters!

With Aunt Sarah...eating a little popcorn snack

This was the souvenir that Lily picked out. It's amazing what varieties they now have of the "Mickey ears". And, of course, Lily wanted the princess ones! It even has a veil attached to the back :)

As we were leaving the park, we got to experience "snow" on Main St.! It was a fun way to end the evening!

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa for a very memorable trip to Disneyland! Lily continues to talk about it and I'm sure she will for years to come!