We're back! And we survived our first "official" family vacation. We have traveled a lot together but this was our first big vacation not visiting family. We had a blast and were sad to have to leave the happiest place on earth! We have over 500 pictures of our adventures so it was hard to choose to what to share, but here are a few of the highlights.
Arriving at our hotel - Paradise Pier! I have to say that I wasn't sure when I first booked this vacation if it would be worth it to stay in a Disneyland Hotel. It was! We had some nice perks and it was wonderful to be within walking distance of everything. And, they had a great pool!
The first day we took a bus ride to San Diego to visit SeaWorld. Ella could not wait to see Shamu!
The aftermath of sitting in the soak zone at the Shamu show. I had a hunch before we left that I should buy ponchos for each of us. Lucky for us, I packed them in our backpack and they helped to keep us from getting completely drenched. After the show, we were able to go and have lunch with Shamu. I highly recommend this for anyone going. The food is fabulous and we had a great time getting to see the whales up close and talk to the trainers.
Ella and I getting ready to see the Muppet 4-D show. Ella loves wearing the special glasses! The rest of our day was filled seeing the sea lion and otter show, playing in the water at the Muppets playland area, and strolling through exhibits. When I asked Ella at the end of the day what her favorite thing was, she had a hard time deciding. In the end, it was getting wet at the Shamu show.
On our way to Disneyland! It's a good thing that we got Ella good and tired at SeaWorld or I don't think she would have slept. She was so excited to dress up like a princess and get to meet the princesses.
Disneyland was all decked out for the holidays and looking so beautiful! I have only been in the summer before so it was fun to be here close to Christmas time! And this is definitely the only time that we will come back again. The weather was perfect and there were hardly any people. The longest line we waited in was about 1/2 hour to meet Tinkerbell. Most of the rides we walked right on to and were able to circle back and ride our favorites 2,3,4,5, 6! times.
Ella was in 7th heaven and on sugar overload for most of the trip. I figured there would be plenty of time for broccoli and carrots later, right? And we were working it off anyway with all of the walking we were doing. She was fascinated with the huge lollipops so we got her one just before the Fantasmic show. It kept her entertained while we waited. She wasn't able to finish it but definitely but a nice dent in it!
While we were at California Adventure, we took Ella to have lunch with the Princesses at Ariel's Grotto. Ariel, and four other princesses, come to your table while you are eating lunch to meet you and have your picture taken. I was actually suprised at how shy Ella was when they came to our table but she loved it!
I love this picture! So, Ella, just how excited are you?! :-)
We didn't buy this hat but it definitely fits!
It's a Small World was closed and not supposed to reopen until after our trip. But we got a wonderful surprise when they opened a few days early and we were able to go.
Another time when my hunch to get ponchos came in handy. Grizzly Gulch is a great ride but the rapids flood the boat. Ella loved it and we rode 3 times! 
Hanging out in Chip and Dale's Treehouse
Goofy had just pushed Ella's hat on her eyes and she thought it was the funnies thing!
Goofy had just pushed Ella's hat on her eyes and she thought it was the funnies thing!
Ella loved a Bug's Life at California Adventure. They had this little water play area and despite Ella's best efforts to avoid the jumping water, it got her. As you can see though, she's not too upset about it!
The End! This is how we found Ella when we got home from the airport. I think we did a great job of wearing her out - and us! Disneyland is a workout but well worth it. It was so much fun for us to see her experience all of the excitement. We had a few meltdown moments (she is only 4!) but they were quickly remedied. As I always say, there's nothing that a little chocolate can't fix!
5 comments:
Whoo-Hoo Murphy family!! You deserved to have a fun family getaway! I'm glad you guys had a BLAST! 500 pictures..wow Becky! I'm sure they add up quickly. Ella looked darling in her princess dress! Cinderelly will DEFINITELY have the tree up before you get to your parent's house. We love you guys!
P.S. Becky I am so LOVIN' your hair! :)
Hey Becky this is Amber MIles, Che's wife. I can't remember if we've met already but I saw you had a blog so I added you to my family list :) I just wanted to drop in and say hi. You have such a cute family. Anyway our blog is amberandche.blogspot.com. Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving!
It looks like you guys had SO much fun... and you were right... NO CROWDS! When we go back, I guess that's the time to go.
What an adventure!! You can tell it was well worth it. I love the pictures of Ella with Cinderella and Tinkerbelle best and the picture of all of you with Goofy. We can't wait to see the other 475, so bring the CD!
Josh may have the tree up (lights included...thank goodness) by the time you get here, but we are waiting until you come to decorate it. I'll make the hot chocolate, well, maybe it might be Dad. I look forward to being downstairs by then and around my family. Nothing could be better!!! I can't wait!
It looks like you guys had so much fun! I can't wait to take Jane to Disneyland, but Brad isn't quite so excited to go. I love how she dressed up as a princess to go!
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