The first time we went to Disneyland was October 2009, just after Molly's 1st birthday. We went with my mom and Ken, and because they love Disney so much, we were spoiled rotten...getting to stay in the Disney hotel and being able to walk right in to the park. Taking small kids to Disneyland is so much fun b/c they can do ALL the rides they are interested in. Obviously they can't do the big ones, but Will is too cautious to even want to, so we didn't have to say no. Every ride Will went on, Molly went on. She was this little peanut of a girl, held in my arms the whole time we were in the park, riding all the big kid rides. Pirates of the Caribbean was the best ride for her because she fell asleep during it. So, maybe it was the best ride for me.
We loved it so much that about 1 year later, I got the bug to go again. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, that fell right around Molly's birthday again. Her 2nd, September 2010. Fortunately, because what better way to spend a birthday than go to Disneyland, unfortunately, because it costs A LOT more money when you want to spoil the socks off of her. So off we go, with Mom and Ken again, this time staying in their time share. Perfect space to stay over night and perfect location, walking distance. Go in the morning, come home for naps (or on some days, not) and go back again for more fun and fireworks. And to boot, we could see the fireworks from the hotel room balcony...oh, and of course, because they are the BEST, Mom and Ken wanted to go to the fancy breakfast at Ariel's Grotto to celebrate Molly's birthday...but you can't get in...reservations book up months ahead. Oops, didn't think of that. But we HAVE to go...it's ARIEL. If any of you know ANYTHING about Molly, it's that she and Ariel are ONE. Remember that perfect time share of my mom and Ken's? They got us in. Yup...one fancy princess breakfast coming up for the best 2 year old girl on the planet.
Hope you enjoy the trip as much as we did...we'll be going back again...maybe in a year.
Molly greeting Papa Ken in front of the hotel. There is absolutely nothing better than that smile, so excited to get a big 'ole hug from a little 2 year old girl.
We went to Downtown Disney for dinner the first night. This is something I hadn't noticed on our last trip. All the benches were Mickey Mouse ears.
One of the many flags hanging in the square before you enter the park. Of course I chose to take a picture of the Ariel one...that is the theme of this trip, right?
I like this of Molly b/c it's the first time she held the crayon "right," with a good grip. I guess she's all growed up now.
Tell me to stop laughing. This depicts Will's personality so well. The perfectionist. Wonder where he got that from. The hand on the head, thinkin so hard. Chill out Will, it's just a menu.
The rare and wonderful whole family picture.
Believe it or not, this is the best picture I got with the two of them wearing their Mickey Mouse ears. Without fail, one has a great smile and the other has their mouth hanging open or their eyes closed.
Love my totally, adorably, California boy. Blue eyes and the freckles. Oh the freckles.
Don't let him fool ya...
Two peas in a pod. It's okay, Sweetie, we'll get your ears next time we go.
Um..Molly, what are you doing? Why can't she just give me a cute little smile?
The next set of pictures are all of the big letters that spell out C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A at the entrance to California Adventure. Jeremy, Will and I, sat and waited for a friend who was getting us in to Disney free, so we got creative with our time.
Drum roll, please. And now what you've all been waiting for. The fancy, princess breakfast at Ariel's Grotto. You really do have to do it at least once if you have a little girl. And the food is to die for, and you can have as much as you want.
I really wasn't sure what to expect of Molly when it came to being greeted by the princesses...but Ariel was first, right as you walk down the stairs, and you get to spend a little one on one time with her, so I think that was just Molly's style. She was so ridiculously cute with Ariel, I just sat and giggled as I watched. I really wish we had a fancy camera, cuz these pics didn't come out nearly as good as I wanted. But...there's always next time.
Molly is very sweetly, very gently, and very quietly, handing her autograph book to Ariel. I swear the whole process was in slow motion.
Molly walked away with an aura of, "I did it! I did it!"
This is when she got to go back for her one on one time. She sat with her, talked to her and adored her necklace. All the while, the photographer is snapping away, because she DOES have a fancy camera, taking fancy pictures. (Which, of course, you're going to buy later at the ridiculous price of your life savings.)
Oh and I wanted to mention, that brother was given a chance to meet Ariel too, but big, bad, loud, "I'm the man" brother...was too shy. He wouldn't go near her.
Moving on to the table. How it works is that you sit down and they bring you loads of food, like in the movies, when you get to pick out anything and everything you could want. As you eat, the princesses come out one by one and visit each table.
In this picture, Molly shows you, with the expression on her face, exactly how she feels about the princesses. She WOULD NOT look at them. She stared down at the table. Doing the whole, if I don't look at you, you're probably not there, thing. I can't remember which one, but one of the princesses is standing right behind her.
Testing the waters, a slight look up with the eyes.
Molly's thoughts, "okay. I was wrong. This was a bad idea. Stop touching me. Grandma? Help!"
"Wow. What IS she?"
"I'll stand up, just don't touch me."
"Uummm...she didn't listen to me. I said don't touch me."
Brother on the other hand....is in LOVE.
"Okay. Now Belle, I LIKE. She can wrap herself all around me and I'll even sit in her lap." Oh wait, "and I'll smile too." (Mommy note: personally, I think Belle looks a little stunned in the eyes. Anyone else see it?)
HA! Love the feet. I want a hug, but I promise, I will not step on your dress.
Molly got a birthday song too...nothing like a big ole piece of chocolate cake for breakfast.
"Uummm...you're gonna share that right?"
My sweet little punkin. Love the small smile and chubby cheeks. I'd give that face anything in the world.
Hhmm, hhmm, good! That was yummo!!
