Day 3, Part 1

First thing in the morning, Brian and I went to ride the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, an old west roller coaster. I think Brian would have liked it, except that it started out by plunging into a dark tunnel with glowing bat eyes. Then we went back to Autopia, which was clearly the favorite ride in Disneyland. While we waited for our Fastpass time to go to Space Mountain, we met Buzz Lightyear!

Eli was really fascinated by him.

While Kermit and I rode Space Mountain, Calvin, Brian, Ian and Kelly went to ride the Peter Pan ride. I like how this picture shows the terror that seemed to grip him on all the dark rides. He really did not like the indoor rides.

He rode the Matterhorn with me, but was scared because it went through a dark tunnel with a Yeti. Thanks, Disney.

Day 3: Character Breakfast

Wednesday morning we went to Paradise Pier Hotel for our second character breakfast. Here's Brian dancing with Mickey

And Eli curiously checking him out.

Pluto came around to our table too, and Eli fed him some yogurt.

And we got to hang out with Stitch too! It was so much fun, in fact, that I don't think Brian ate a thing!

Day 2, Splash mountain

Last but not least, we went to ride Splash Mountain. Brian was once again just barely tall enough, so we had been to look at it the day before and he said he wanted to do it. This is the view from the sidewalk... after seeing it, I wasn't even sure I wanted to do it!

But what the heck, we all got on anyway.

Brian was a little scared on the inside part of the ride, where it's dark and there are animatronic animals singing. But look at that smile as we go down the plunge! He's braver than most of the adults, I think!

All of us, 3 of us soaked, in Critter Country after the ride. After this we headed home for naps, which didn't happen and so we didn't go back in the evening.

Day 2 continued

After riding Autopia twice, we all went on the storybookland canal boats.

It was one of the few rides Eli could go on and I think he enjoyed it.

This is what it was like, lots of little miniature scenes from classic stories. It was peaceful after driving around with my little self-proclaimed "crazy driver".

Then we went on the circus train, another ride that everyone could do. We rode on the "Wild Animals" car, pretty appropriate!

Autopia Utopia

Finally, at 10am Autopia opened. First Brian went with Calvin...

...and then with me.

He's in heaven.

This is what Eli did in the meantime. Poor kid spend a lot of time uncomfortably scrunched up asleep in the stroller.

Disneyland: Day 2, Eli walks around Tomorrowland

On Tuesday we got to enter the park early as part of a Magic Morning. Once again, my plans were thwarted. I had wanted to take Brian on Autopia first thing, since he'd really wanted to drive the cars but there was a long wait the day before. Unfortunately, it wasn't open. So, I took Brian on the Finding Nemo Submarine voyage while Calvin and Eli waited. There was lots of open space to walk around in!

Then Calvin and I took Brian on Astro Blasters while Eli waited with grandpa.

So much fun walking around!

Day 1, part 2

In toontown we rode Gadget's go-coaster; both of the older boys loved it!

We also went through Mickey's house, but I don't think any of the kids found it that interesting. It culminates in a photo-op with Mickey, which was a lot more fun than than the house. Eli was always fascinated with the characters. After this we headed home for lunch and much-needed naps, after the late night from the day before.

An unexpected role-reversal. Actally we mostly did use the stroller for Brian. Here we are returning after naps, off to Disney's California Adventure. We rode Soarin' Over California, which Brian was just barely tall enough for. After some initial panic when the ride lights went down, I think he really enjoyed it. Then we went over to Toy Story Mania, and finally to the food court for dinner.

Grandma helps with feeding Eli his applesauce!