Disneyland

We went to Disneyland for each kids' fifth birthday. That worked out really well to spread out our visits, but we hadn't been as a family since Ellie turned five. The kids also got to pick somewhere special to go for their tenth birthday. Joey picked Boomers with friends, and Hannah picked Universal Studios, so Ellie decided she wanted to go back to Disneyland. We chose a random weekday in January to try to beat the crowds. 

 As we were driving to Disneyland we counted up the kids' visits. Joey had been to Disneyland six times (including one trip with his middle school band, and one trip where he won a free ticket so he tagged along with the Meisters last November). Hannah had been five times (including once as an infant, and a trip for a friend's birthday). Ellie had just been one time when she turned five. It was definitely time for her to go again!

We got to Disneyland nice and early.

Ellie borrowed these Minnie ears from our friend Abigail for the day.

When Joey went to Disneyland with the Meisters, Amanda bought the girls these matching Minnie necklaces so they were excited to wear them.

We also made sure to stop by Main Street and get Ellie a birthday button.

We got to the park so early that we were right at the front of the line to get into the park. Our plan was to hightail it to Space Mountain as soon as we were let in, but when we got there we found out that it was temporarily closed. So then we ran over to the Matterhorn, which was also temporarily closed. Such a bummer! We finally ended up at Star Tours, which is Andy's favorite ride. After that we went back to Space Mountain. It must have just opened because we basically walked right on the ride.

It was Ellie's first time on Space Mountain. Contrary to what it looks like in this picture, she actually loved it. We immediately went on a second time.

After Space Mountain, Ellie wanted to go on the rocket ride so these four went, and I was the photographer. No spinning rides for me!

Joey and Hannah had been to Galaxy's Edge before, but it was new for Andy, Ellie and me. It was so cool seeing a new part of Disneyland.

We went to both of the new rides in Galaxy's Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. They had long lines, but we loved them.

Of course we had to go on Autopia. 

We packed a lot of snacks so that we didn't have to buy much food, but we did try the famous Dole whip, and the girls all got churros.

I made the Andy and the kids go on "It's a Small World" with me. They were reluctant, but I wanted them to experience such an iconic ride. Ellie, at least, really enjoyed it.

Andy convinced these two to go on the teacups with him.

This time Hannah and I both said no to the spinning ride.

We stayed until closing.

It was a great day!