Christmas Time 2012

Here's the whole family out for the annual walk to Steveston for some Starbucks. They had no dog-oriented lattes, so in protest I look away from the camera.

Mirabelle, Papa and a rooster.

M & M

Worried about the Grinch.

Happier thoughts.

M2 is always happy.

Christmas time is also known as silly face time. 

I wonder what goodies Santa will leave for me?

The girls in their red Christmas outfits.

We had Annou and Opa over for Christmas this year. A crowded house is a funhouse.

Clearly, not enough presents under that tree.

New baby.

I just found out you can't eat Lego. What's up with that?!?

This Marvel-themed dog toys were my favourite present!

Peek-a-boo never gets old.

Here's a sweet shot I took of the family dinner. 17 people, one table. Nice.

Like I said, also known as silly face time.

More Disney Magic

This weekend marked the official beginnings of the Christmas celebration in my house and soon you will be inundated with holiday-themed pictures, but before we get into that, here's one more trip down the Disneyland memory lane.

Not sure if I would want to stay at this motel, but Madeleine sure makes it look good. 

Mater is certainly good looking.

Family fun!

Monster alert!

M1 and Minnie Mouse.

The three ladies and vintage Mickey.

Yes, that Madeleine sure is a brave one. Here she be on the Hollywood Tower of Terror. 

Goofy actually is a fine chef.

Snow White and Santa.

Howdy.

Madeleine doesn't look like she is having a good time here, the "splash" at the bottom didn't make things any better. Good thing we had a change of clothes.

The whole crew in Radiator Springs.

Second to best shot of the trip.

Winner. Disney should pay for this one and put it on their website.

Darth didn't even stand a chance.

It all started with a Mouse.

No fear.

Disneyland! Again!

Some of you may be wondering when my family will be jetting off to Disneyland again! Well, this past week, they did just that. I, on the other hand, made my way over to the "Penny and Aaron Pet Spa of Treats, Belly Rubs and Couch Snoozes" - all things sorely missing from my regular life at home.

Dad and Madeleine are welcomed by Walt and Mickey to the Happiest Place on Earth! 

You may be checking your calendar right now. Don't worry, it is still only early November. That said, in Disneyland, Christmas is in full swing. 

Could this be our first Minnie Mouse sighting? Nope, it is just Mini Minnie.

After 6 trips in 9 years, my parents know a thing or two about how to have a successful visit to the Disneyland Resort. Their number one rule for success is...

Would you like a hint?

 What do you think it is?

Do you think you know?

Just one last hint...

The answer: Bring four grandparents! A supply of extra arms, patience and souvenir treat buying are key! And most gratefully welcomed!

Madeleine has no fear on rides - if she was tall enough, she rode it. Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain (in the front seat), Hollywood Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, the Matterhorn - she rode them all with a subdued silence. No embarrassing shrieks for her. At the end, she commented, "That was great." Lucky for her, she got to ride most of them multiple times due to the rider switch passes.  On ride photos to be shared at a later date.

I would be remiss to mention that this was Miss Mirabellie's first visit to Disneyland conscious. 

Here she is in March 2011 at 7 weeks old:

Here she is in November 2012 at 21 months old:

She may not be as pleased when her Mama makes her sit in this bed when she is 16.

Mirabelle was happy to see characters at a distance and gave many a kind wave and smile, but up close, she had a favourite = Alice is #1!

Like her sister, she loved the rides. 

At Disneyland, Madeleine was sure to say hello and give a hug to her favourite characters.

Woody

 Sally and Jack Skellington

 Fairy Godmother and Cinderella

 Minnie Mouse

Well, in closing, there are still 400+ more photos to share at another point, but I am sure you don't want me to delay the release of this video, so enjoy!