Disneyland September

At the end of September we packed up our little family, grabbed our season passes, and drove down to Disneyland to meet up with Grandpa Curtis and Grandma Kathi. They hadn't been to Disneyland in over 20 years...long before California Adventure, that's for sure! I was extremely worried about it (this pregnancy was kicking my butt, especially in any sort of heat) but took one for the team and went along with it. The drive went well, and the weather was in the upper 80s instead of upper 90s of the week before. We stayed as close as possible at the Grand Californian which included a concierge level area with food and with all of that I was able to survive! Only had to take nausea medication a few times and didn't pass out. Winning! So we got there first because Grandma and Grandpa's flight was delayed, but it worked out great because we were able to check in early, get all situated, and miss the hottest part of the day on the hottest day of our trip.

While Trevor went to pick up his parents from the airport, we had snacks and did a craft in the concierge lounge! So fun. 

Ready for California Adventure!!! Cora and I hung out while they went on California Soarin' first. We bought fan spray bottles immediately. 

Bumper Bugs! 

We had a great night, ate dinner in Cars Land, saw Aladdin-which we had been wanting to do for forever! Jasmine is Shelby's favorite princess and we had recently been watching the movie Aladdin almost daily because they had been showing it often after Robin Williams passed away that month. So the girls definitely knew the story. It was an awesome show! Loved it. 

The next day was time for Disneyland! Hooray! We had breakfast in the lounge and then made it in the park for the awesome Magic Hours. Cora and I were in the second group on Dumbo. Of course she had to go to the bathroom just as we got to the front but she held it and still had a great ride! While we were at Dumbo, the rest of the group went on the Matterhorn. Shelby had to go to the bathroom too but couldn't wait, haha! Twin bladders. 

I made sure to bring entertainment for the day while we were waiting, Next they all went on Space Mountain while Cora and I went on Buzz Light year-we went 3 times total! 

Jungle Cruise time of course!

The longest line I went in was for the Haunted Mansion. Here's Shelby acting spooky. I like the mansion so much more when they decorate it like the Nightmare Before Christmas, way more fun and way less spooky. The girls enjoyed it. 

Grandma, Cora, and I got to hang out while Shelby, Grandpa, and Daddy went on Splash Mountain. We softened the blow of having to wait...again...with some jelly beans! Yummy! The jelly beans also got us through the thunder mountain wait time. The crowds weren't too bad and Cora had a great attitude about waiting and being too short for everything big! 

After lunch we went back to the hotel, rested and went swimming! It was great. They had fun slides and the water felt great. I've gotten really good use out of my maternity bathing suits for sure! 

The big swim sent her straight to sleep! Zzzzzzzzz. 

Entertaining myself with bump pictures while the crew were on rides at cars land. 

Cora woke up super happy and definitely wanted a picture with the happy fire engine. 

This one did NOT want to take a picture. I LOVE this face so much! Hilarious. She was mad, folks! 

 She was happy again when I said we could take some pictures and text them to her best friends Spencer and Carter. They've never been to any Disney park, and man, Cars Land, was so made for a family of all boys like theirs!!! 

For dinner we ate at the Trattoria with the World of Color passes. 

Great food and then a great show! It was a beautiful night. 

The next morning we headed straight for princess pictures. It was too hot for dressing up this time around, but it was still just as fun in shorts! Hi Snow White! 

It was so perfect that Cinderella was there for Grandma's visit! 

While they were on the carousel, I spotted Brooke White, from American Idol and who I follow on instagram, on Dumbo. Trevor thought I should have said hi or something, but I didn't want to bother them on their family day! 

Next up was Cora's favorite Disney ride. They went on it twice! 

Round 2! 

Next, Daddy and Grandpa went on Indiana Jones, so we played in Toon Town. 

Then, because the ride broke and they had to wait, we got to try the apple berry slushies and treats from the princess area. Delicious! After they were done, we made our way to California Adventure and I cooled off in the Animation area. 

Then we saw Doc McStuffins! 

When we first talked about seeing Disney Jr. characters, Shelby said she was too old. But when we actually saw Doc McStuffins, all of a sudden, she was SO excited. Right during this picture, she was telling the Doc how she watches her show all the time and that she loves it. Don't we all? 

How perfect was Shelby's shirt too??? 

After lunch, Cora, Grandma, and I got to ride the hot air balloons while they were braving the Tower of Terror. So proud of Shelby! And Trevor somehow convinced his mom to go on  California Screamin, she was not too happy with him! 

 The foliage in Bug's Life Land is ridiculous! We definitely feel like bugs in there. 

Next we just had to go see the Disney Jr. show. That channel is practically the reason we pay for cable! Shelby definitely thought she was too old for the "baby show" so a little iphone photo shoot was in order to help make everyone happy while we waited in line. 

But once we were in there, everyone got excited! You can't help it! 

 I sat with the girls while Trevor and Grandma and Grandpa sat on the row of seats in the back and maybe/maybe not won the war against falling asleep. Trevor said he's never been so tired in his life as during that show! Haha! Dim the lights. Zzzzzzzz. 

 We loved it of course! The things that fall from the ceiling are always the highlight for sure. 

It's Pilot Minnie! Hi! 

Having fun on Paradise Pier. 

Then it was already time for Grandma and Grandpa to catch their flight. Fun trip! 

Cora LOVED sharing her bubbles with everyone. We were like a little parade float! 

 Bump Selfies! Baby's first trip to Disneyland. 26 weeks the next day. 

My little helper. Time to pack and hang out while Daddy took Grandma and Grandpa to the airport. 

 I had imagined this awesome Friday night together at the park...we got there in time to see some of the parade which was fun! But then...seriously it was like as busy as when we were there on Veteran's Day a few years ago. We could barely walk through the crowds with the stroller or find anyplace to eat dinner that had seating. So we gave up and ate at Downtown Disney and watched the fireworks from our hotel room. Perfect view! Also, Daddy kept his promise and took Shelby on the Grizzly Rapids that night. They came back so soaked! It was super perfect since the California Adventure special entrance from our hotel is right by the ride. So they were able to drip their way home quickly and hop in a warm shower. Making dreams come true! 

 The next morning we woke up early enough for magic hours and headed out with one mission...to take Cora on the Autopia. It was all she wanted in life and she had been so super patient! It was the only ride we were able to do before packing up and checking out and starting the drive home. It was totally worth it since on the way back from the ride we were able to ride her other favorite...the monorail, and it was the orange one just like she wanted. The stars had aligned for her! And don't worry, I didn't ride Autopia of course. No pregnant ladies allowed! 

Sure love these three! Check mark on this family vacation! Time to go home!