The Magic Begins Here . . .

 Dean and Barbara took the whole family on a Disney vacation . We all piled in the car and made our way to California. David and I hadn't been to Disney Land since our honeymoon and our kids have never been before. We are seriously so lucky to be in such a fun family ! The Ellsworth's are always willing to jump in the car and go on another fun adventure as a family. We spent three days with park hopper tickets and went back and forth from California Adventures and Disneyland . Stratton was just tall enough to go on most all of the rides . Emerson was a little too short for many of them but was able to enjoy several that we all could go on together. My brother in law Justin made the entire trip fun and he had planned exactly where we needed to go in order to get fast passes and stroller passes. The park was packed to the max for all of the Halloween festivities so being with someone that knew what they were doing to get on the rides faster made all of the difference. We were just a few minutes from our hotel so with little kids that was especially nice to come and go from the park as needed. Our hotel was especially nice and right when we checked in our kids couldn't have been more excited . Each room was a suite with two separate adjoining rooms. The kids room had their own bunk beds and their own TV. The kids thought it was the coolest thing to have their own TV and remote in their room .

 One of my kids favorite books is Max and Ruby "Dragon Shirt" . Our first day at Disneyland couldn't have started better. Stratton got on the bus and looked at me with a big smile on his face and I knew just what he was thinking . 

It was Ruby in the "UGLY" purple dress !

Ok, it really wasn't but it did look just like her and her dress.

 We managed to convince Stratton to go on Splash Mountain. What is Disneyland if you don't go on Splash Mountain? I came prepared with a poncho for him to use and he a little hesitantly agreed to go on the ride. He was proud of himself after he did it and decided to give it another try as well ...

 The second time Stratton and I went together and he sat in the very front . He was a nervous and thought that he would get soaking wet . I told him I would make sure he didn't get wet and so not thinking about the fall I pulled the plastic poncho over his head . When the drop came apparently the camera caught that the bag was sucked tightly on his face. This picture cracks me up !!! My attempts of being a good Mom looked like abuse but he was happy and dry after he got off the ride.

 

 Dean had his birthday while we were on vacation and so we celebrated at a nice restaurant . The whole family was there and it was a little crazy after a long day at Disneyland . 

Emerson came up to me before he even got his food and said he was tired and then went and laid down in the nearest booth and went sound asleep.

 Kalvin was too funny and came up with the idea that we would take a picture of each other at the same time . Kalvin this one is for you !!!

  The next night Emerson on our way back to our hotel the boys took turns riding on the Stroller .  Emerson was so exhausted that he was not interested in getting anymore pictures taken. 

 Emerson hopped off and Stratton fell right asleep when he sat down . It was funny because at one point his head was bobbing and his neck went so low he fell completely out of the stroller.

 Emerson was sad that his turn on the stroller was over and so we stopped to cheer him up with an ice cream cone.

 Stratton wanted to get a picture taken with a Disney Character the whole time we were there. It seemed like we missed the opportunity every time. Angie was so nice and while I was on another ride she waited in line with the boys and they got a picture taken with Woody . It made Stratton's day for sure !

 Waiting for the famous Disney Fireworks at 9:00 at night . 

They were totally worth it !!!

 These four little boys were so facinated with these Disney dancers .

 The Tower of Terror !!!

 Stratton decided to sit this one out and especially after seeing everyone's reactions when they got off.

  Emerson still got his thrill on the rides that he was tall enough to go on.

 Charlotte during the Aladdin musical . Charlotte and I stood in the back most of the time . 

She was more entertained with the vent then she was with the music and sitting still.

  The Jellyfish !!! Stratton loved this ride and wanted to do it again and again.

 

 Last but not least this is the story of a Mother's life !!! 

Never any privacy . I was going through pictures later and found this one that Emerson took of me . Does the location look familiar to any other Mom's out there?