A Vacation Video

Keeping with our Disney vacation theme this week,

I'm sharing a video that Carrie made documenting our road trip last week. ♥

Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt - Round 1

For the fifth summer in a row, I am participating in Rinda' s Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt. In previous years I have found that a road trip is the perfect opportunity to check off a few items on the list of 21 things to find and photograph.

Our road trip to California provided said opportunities, and today I have six photos to share with you.

:o) ♥

 

#6 - a metal bridge

Seen at California Adventure.

#9 - a tent

Seen in Disneyland while waiting in line for Autopia. I am hoping to photograph a real tent at some point this summer, but at least I have this photo as a backup if a camping trip does not materialize in the next three months.

#12 - a public restroom, bathroom, or toilet

I've been known to photograph wallpaper in a public restroom because I loved the pattern and was inspired to remember the design for future doodling. So when I saw this tile floor in a restroom in Disneyland I thought about photographing it for future reference for a tiled bathroom floor. And OOH! It's one of the items on Rinda's list so I snapped a photo.

#13 - a merry-go-round or carousel

Seen in California Adventure.

#17 - at least two people wearing matching outfits or uniforms

When we entered Disneyland, I was surprised to see people standing in lines just to get a photograph with a Disney character. The line for Mickey was super long, as were the lines for Cinderella and Goofy. When I saw these two headed toward me I was so excited to see them available for a photo. "Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum! I love you guys!" I said. "Can I get a picture with you two?" They giggled and said, "Sure" as I continued, "And there's not even a line!"

Carrie snapped the photo and as we walked away she admonished, "Mother. You do know those aren't actual Disney characters, right?" eh-hm. Turns out they were two other park guests who came dressed in costume for the day. ~sigh~ and oops. Anyway, even though I didn't snap the photo myself, it was surely my idea (for better or worse) so I'm using this one for #17.

#19 - a ticket booth

Entering the park at Disneyland. Best day ever.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Six photos down, 15 to go...

You can read more about Rinda's scavenger hunt by clicking here.

♥

Disney Weekend Recap

Good morning, my friends.

♥

We had SO much fun this weekend! This morning finds me with tired feet from walking so much, sore smile muscles from smiling so much, and a happy heart from playing and laughing and loving so much.

It had been over 20 years since Doug or I had been to Disneyland. Carrie has been asking begging us to take her to Disneyland since we've been a family (12 years now) and this year she convinced us to take a vacation there for her birthday. She's such a smart girl, that one.

We drove to northern California on Friday and spent a few hours in California Adventure, and then Saturday morning we hit Disneyland. The weather was absolutely perfect, and for the most part the crowds weren't all that bad (until later in the day/evening).

I'd forgotten how much I love Disneyland. Or maybe I love it even more now that I've been there with three adults(-ish) and no toddler to accommodate. We had the best time!

This is Disneyland's 60th year anniversary! The park was decked out in sparkly diamond decorations, and the electrical light parade is "bigger and better than ever" except that I didn't see that part. Too many people by that time of the day, but I did catch a glimpse of a few floats over the top of the crowd of people. Carrie and her beau stayed late enough to catch the second showing and she said it was fantastic!

So yeah, Carrie has a boyfriend ♥, and when we invited him to join us at the last minute (Friday night) he moved mountains to make it happen. He drove from Arizona that morning and met Carrie at Disneyland's gate and the four of us had the best time. By the end of the day we all agreed that it was the most fun any of us have ever had in Disneyland. :o)

 

We rode a whole bunch of rides, including the Buzz Lightyear ride where you shoot little laser guns at targets. Carrie and Andrew beat our combined score by 100 points...because everything is a competition, you know. ;o)

All day long I kept seeing little kids with these really cool battery operated bubble guns. I wanted one! So on our way out of the park we braved another long line and purchased one as a souvenir. It lights up and shoots out lots of bubbles and came at a time when I was so tired I couldn't take one more step. Totally perked me up for the walk back to our hotel. :o)!!!

~sigh~ Awesome, awesome, AWESOME weekend. I really should have prepared this blog post last night, but I fell asleep on the couch at 7:30 p.m. At some point I made it to bed and woke up at 2:00 a.m. fully clothed, on top of the bedspread, with my contacts still in. Sheesh. I was tired! Deliciously tired.

Time to switch back to work mode and maybe eat something healthy today. Maybe.

Have a great week, my friends.

♥