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!

Halloween

Because one costume is never enough...

 R2 and Leia are set for some candy.

 What a family!

 Trick or treat.

 Pumpkins designed by Miss Madeleine.

 Counting up the loot... Any doggy treats in there?

The force is strong with this post.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

 Help me Obi wan Kenobi, you're my only hope.

 Beep, woop, beep.

 Do or do not, there is no try.

 The force will be with you, always.

 Your powers are weak, old man.

 Who's scruffy looking?

 The chances of finding a better group of costumes in Steveston are 357 - 1.

I love you. 
I know.

I really don't see how that is going to help! Surrender is a perfectly acceptable alternative in extreme circumstances!

Pumpking the Pumpkin Patch

One of Madeleine's favourite holidays is almost here and wait until you see what see has planned for this Halloween! This weekend the old pumpkin patch was open. This of course has been an annual tradition since M1 was born. Since I love nostalgia, here is a walk down memory lane, or memory dirt path to be more accurate.

Zero years old.

One year old.

Two years old.

Three years old.

Four years old. And yes it is October and yes Dad is wearing shorts. We have been having just the most amazing weather. And yes I know that every year I get further away... 

Cowgirl takes a break.

Madeleine practices for Disneyland and loving the pumpkin patch. hula pumpkins.

Line dance!

Raining hay.

Mamma and M1.

Tractor driving.

Looking for the perfect pumpkin.

Born to be a farmer?!?

Mamma and M2.

Special family moment.

Cuteness.

Dad and M1

Dad and M1 the sequel.

Oh, and it was also Thanksgiving. Check out this sweet auto-timer shot of the whole family. Too bad I'm the only one not looking, but what do you expect when there is turkey on the table?