California 2011

We just returned from a fabulous trip to our favorite place in the entire world. California (and Disneyland). And oh did we have fun.

We drove all day Friday and got to our friends house in So. Cal. at almost midnight. The next morning Xander and I got up early and went to the San Diego Zoo with Denise and two of her kids (Jared stayed with the boys and went to a T-ball game).

Then we all met-up and went to the beach.

Xander and Kelsey were instantly best friends:

Xander loved playing in the surf, but never went in past his waist, despite his fathers best attempts to drag him out to sea.

Here Colby is taking Xander on a ride in the surf.

Monday we got-up and went to out hotel across from Disneyland. We started by going to downtown Disney and doing our shopping. At the Lego store there we saw:

Darth Vader

And Woody (both made out of Lego's)
The next 3 days we spent at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Xander got Mickey R2D2 ears, and LOVED them! He wore them whenever he could the next few days:

Jared, well, he got 3 dozen (a Winchels dozen which is actually 14) donuts.

The coolest part of our trip was that Xander got chosen to be part of the Jedi Training Academy. (I am sure it was due to his R2 Mickey ears). They selected kids out of the audience, and put them in Jedi robes, and gave them light sabers. Then they taught the how to fight and use the force.

Suddenly, the ground rose up and in it was Darth Vader and some Storm Troopers.

Then out jumps Darth Maul.

The kids each get their turn to fight these guys off. Xander was, of course, all smiles.

Due to the wonderful draw of fighting Darth Maul, we ended up buying kiddo a light saber (stupid Disney, they always sucker us in...)

Jared's favorite part was the "Turkey Leg", which we are pretty sure was some sort of pork:

Xanders favorite ride:

And of course we met so many Disney characters:

Disneyland and our family:
Truly the happiest place on earth!