Autumn Leaves

Most of the leaves fell off the tree while we were away. Mom promised Brian they would rake leaves and jump in leaf piles today.

Everyone had a great time! No leaves were actually picked up during this time, so...

Day 5, part 2

While Denise, Brian and I went on Soarin' Over California, everyone else went to meet Pluto!

And then on to A Bug's Land, where presumably they are riding on rides while the grandparents kindly pick through trail mix to find raisins for Eli. He loves raisins!

Then when we caught up with everyone, Denise, Brian, and Calvin went to ride the bumper cars.

We were all getting hungry, so we did a quick ride on the chew-chew train and went to get lunch. But, we got sidetracked by Chip and Dale, who Eli just had to go see.

Day 5

On our last day, Denise came to join us!

We went to DCA again, since when we asked Brian what his favorite rides were, they were all in DCA (ferris wheel, swings, chew-chew train). First up, Toy Story Mania! Can you tell we all loved it? This is our third trip to this ride (well, Brian's third trip at least). Then we rode Mickey's Fun Wheel again, but this time on a swinging gondola, and it was actually pretty wild. I was surprised there were no seatbelts!

Calvin and Brian played this midway game, and Brian won a snake. It's hanging around his neck here. Sadly it is falling apart already; I guess he is pretty rough on it. We rode Jumpin' Jellyfish after this, but apparently didn't take a picture.

Then on to the Golden Zephyr, another mild ride that everyone enjoyed.

It was like little rocket ships that spin around. In the background you can see the construction that pervaded DCA while we were there. There will be a large Cars themed area opening in 2012, so we might need to go back!

Day 4, part 3

I just included this because it's so funny. When Brian is tired he passes out any which way!

After naps we went out to dinner at the Rainforest Cafe for Eli's birthday. They brought him some ice cream and did a little song. To his credit, he was not scared of all the singing and clapping.

After dinner we headed back to DCA for the World of Color show. It was mostly images projected on fountains so there were no good pictures. But Mickey's fun wheel was lit up too.

It got kind of intense so I was actually glad that Eli fell asleep about 10 minutes into it. Poor baby! What a day!

Day 4, part 2

Brian and I rode the swings; we got a tandem swing since he was not tall enough to ride alone.

Then over to Flik's Fun Fair again, where Brian and Calvin rode the Fun Flyers.

It was another hot, hot day, so we went over to the Grizzly River Run afterwards. The grown-ups took turns riding while the kids played in the water that the ride splashed up.

Aw, another birthday boy picture. :) He had such a good time playing in the water.

Day 4, part 1

Thursday we went to DCA first thing in the morning. We were quickly sidetracked by Mater and Lightning McQueen.

Then by Duffy the Disney Bear (yeah, I've never heard of him either).

Brian and I went on Toy Story Mania, and in the meantime, Eli got to meet a green army man.

Then Brian and I went on Mickey's fun wheel. Ironically, I think it was the least fun ride in either park.

Look who's 1!

Thursday was Eli's 1st birthday! Here are some gratuitous shots of the birthday boy.