Disneyland!

We love Disneyland! It is one of the most magical places to create the best memories with kids. I grew up going to Disneyland every summer and it's the best childhood memory I have. So, to be able to give that to them is priceless. I honestly feel blessed that we are able to give our kids some of the things we didn't have a kids and still raise them with all the values and morals that keep them grounded and humble.

With that being said Disneyland was fabulous!

We spent 3 full days at the park giving the kids primo opportunity to meet tons of characters. The excitement and smiles on their faces was worth a million words. It's all so worth standing in those long lines. Even if it makes you a bit silly!

During the Princess story time Holden was chosen as the prince that dances with Cinderella. It was the cutest thing ever.

I always feel as though I need to rush my kids away from the characters so that other's can have their time. Almost as though we're being rude for visiting to long. However, I was told that I should let the kids talk to them and fully enjoy the moment for however long they need. So, I did and when they visited with Rapunzel they chatted for quit some time and even got to paint her room with her. I have to say it was pretty awesome!

I love that Ayla and Holden are adrenaline junkies. They love going on rides especially roller coasters. Their favorite was Pirates of the Caribbean which we went on 10 times and towards the end put me to sleep. This is our third year at Disneyland and this year Ayla was tall enough to do a lot of the bigger rides like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain and Holden was tall enough to ride on Matterhorn. They couldn't get enough. Knowing how they get a kick out of going on rides Steve thought Ayla could handle Tower of Terror at California Adventure. Let me give you a brief on this ride: It's a 199 ft tower thrill ride. Meaning it randomly drops and lifts several time leaving riders to rise off their seats only to be held down by their seat-belt and somewhere in it all the doors open at about 170ft giving you a full view of the park. Not to mention that your stomach manages to rise into your throat and giving you the feeling of a heart attack. Sounds super fun, right? Steve and I absolutely love it but a 4 1/2 year old? Steve was convinced that Ayla would love it and she did...the first time. She wanted to go again so I took her with me and the second she strapped her seat-belt on she death gripped the handle and I knew this wasn't going to be good. The fear on her face is one I don't ever want to see again. She was terrified. Afterwards, I asked her why she wasn't scared with daddy but she was scared with me and her response was "because daddy protects me". It was the sweetest thing because we tell them that daddy's job is to protect us. Needless to say we weren't allowed to go on it again.

We were able to so so much in Disneyland. We ate at some great restaurants, did some premium shopping, ate churros, and got VIP seating to Fantasmic!

Disneyland is truly where dreams come true. As we were watching the parade the Princesses came along and Ayla was waving and blowing kisses at them and in return they would blow her one back. The joy and excitement she felt melted my heart knowing that it made her feel so special made me cry. And to see Holden's eyes light up every time he saw Mickey Mouse was so adoring that all I wanted to do was kiss and hug him a million times over. Not only is Disneyland magical for kids but for us parents as well!