How do you spell Mickey Mouse?

We’re going to Disneyland!

Last March our family went to Disneyland for the first time. There was some anxiety and a couple of sleepless nights on my behalf about taking five kids to a crowded park. Dear Cameron took care of that by flying Lica (Grandma) from Virginia to come and join in the fun. It was the BEST vacation ever. Disneyland really is one of the greatest places on earth! We had such a great time that we are going again – yeah!
We had three options to choose from this year.
1. Cam and Jo trip: cruise or fly to England
(Cam had been working on me with that option for months).
2. Big screen TV and a tread mill.
3. Family Disneyland trip.

Option 1 did not appeal to me in that I would have to leave my precious darlings and travel out of the country. The fact that I would have to prep 6 freezer meals, organize life/home for Grandma to take over, and get a passport did not help.
Option 2 – who needs a big screen TV when we have ONE 26” television downstairs? Now that we have a converter box attached, we get more channels then we know what to do with (no cable). Besides, Makayla’s argument was, “We don’t even watch TV – why waste the money on one?” Good point. Although the thought of a new TV is fun and tempting, we shall refrain. As far as a tread mill…spring is just right around the corner – right?
Option 3 won hands down!

We decided to celebrate by heading to the Disney Store to buy our souvenirs now instead of at the park – big price difference. It just hyped us up and we are counting the days. My souvenir is the latest greatest Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2009. Yes, I do have somewhat of nerd characteristics in me. It was such a great resource/guide last year that I will be using it again. We will miss Lica this year!
M – I – C – K – E – Y - M – O – U – S – E

Jarin's proclamation after waiting three whole days for us to be 100% sure that we were going to Disneyland. He went into the den and wrote on Cam's huge white board and then took a picture - he's not excited, is he?



Last year's fashion purchase. Unfortunately, the Disney Store mostly caters to the young and not so much to the young at heart. Lala will trust her luck at Disneyland. Perhaps she will find something cute on the net instead of paying full price again - too much like her dear ol' mom.



For a mother who donates stuffed animals to charity monthly, I don't know what I was thinking here. Jarin has always been my big bear since he was born - fitting that he would fall in 'like' (his word, not mine) with a big Pooh Bear.

Trevor just LOVES dogs. His array of stuffed animals on his bed consists of mostly dogs. He even still has his first and ultimate favorite little puppy he received at a baby shower, named appropriately as 'Puppy 1'. Bolt just took over the roost and claimed a large part of Trevor's territory to his delight.

Our true princesses.

Rebekah and Kerri KNOW that they are enchanting princesses and they tend to live life that way. Makes everyday magical in our home. They chose Princess Jasmine and Princess Pocahontas dolls to add to their collection. The tiaras came as a bonus for being princesses.

Just for fun...

To give you an idea of park prices compared to mall prices. Mickey and Minnie are booty from last year and cost exactly the same amount as Pooh Bear and Bolt (the dog) did together.