2013/11/15 Friday: Turkey Bingo

Our Village had our annual Family Portrait Event/Turkey Bingo night.  Nick couldn't make it, so we didn't have family pictures, just kid pictures.  But then Gigi wouldn't go anywhere near Santa, so it's just Henry pictures.

We enjoyed our first Bingo experience with Turkey Bingo.  The Shreeves came along for the fun of it.  For each round, the first Bingo received a frozen turkey, then several secondary winners won side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.  For all the money we all dished out on Bingo cards, we left with a grocery store cherry pie and a can of olives.  The kids got prizes in the rigged children's game, because all the kids won. 

2013/11/14 Thursday: Leaving Disney

We were able to spend just two hours at Disneyland before leaving for the airport. 

 

Henry and Gigi were thrilled with the toys that Toots let them pick out at the Emporium.  Henry picked Planes figures, and Gigi chose a Minnie Mouse purse.

2013/11/13 Wednesday: Happiness Continues

 

We took a break in the middle of the day.  Gigi napped and Henry swam.  He was happiest in the 6 inch deep baby pool (shown.)

Then we headed back over to the park, rode McQueen again, got to meet the man himself (Gigi wouldn't go near it), and we shut the park down as the last people to go on Toy Story Midway Mania except the employees who went on their way out of the building.

2013/11/12 Tuesday: Happiest Place on Earth

We had a wonderful day at Disneyland.  I was sad that Nick couldn't come and he had to miss the magic of seeing his kids enjoy it, but I was having too much fun to dwell on that.

Both Henry and Gigi thought that the Chip 'n Dale roller coaster in Toon Town was the greatest ride of all time.  We went on it more than once.

We did not wait in any lines to meet characters, but by serendipity, Gigi was able to give Belle a hug when they crossed paths.

The Smith grandkids, after riding Winnie the Pooh.

My favorite part of the day was probably the Christmas parade.  The parade was spectacular and cute, but the real magic was watching my kids' faces as they watched the parade.  And I loved that Gigi was perhaps even more excited to see the Toy Story characters than she was to see the princesses.

2013/11/11 Monday: Dreams Come True

We went to California Adventure.  Henry was "just" tall enough to ride the Lightning McQueen ride.  He was a little nervous but really wanted to ride.  He was startled a few times, but loved it and couldn't wait to go again.

2013/11/10 Sunday: Happy Birthday Liz

Flew to LA.  Gigi was so terrible on the flight that I told Nick I was moving to California just so I never got on a plane with her again.  Katie and my mom picked us up.  Liz and Toot's flight was delayed, so we took the kids to the park and had time to make Liz a Happy Birthday sign to greet her where the limo drivers wait for their passengers.

2013/11/09 Saturday: The Kids are Helpful

The kids "helped" me pack for our trip by emptying their drawers into the suitcase I took out of the attic and left in the hall.