We just got home from our family vacation a few hours ago and by golly I am going to document that sucker here before it goes the way of my trip to Michigan when my nephew was born and our family reunion in Palm Springs, which is to say, unrecorded.
It's sad about Palm Springs really, Marc lost his wallet and Jonathan had appendicitis. This summer has been full of good times.
Anyways! Family vacation...it's a bit different now that our kids are getting grown up. Maddie brought her husband, Kenny and Katie brought her partner, Jarret. So there were seven of us. Jonathan had to stay home because his school started earlier than everyone else's and we totally spaced it. Poor kid. Luckily he got to be the center of attention on our last vacation what with the appendicitis and all. He was a hoot on pain meds, winking at all the nurses and singing silly songs.
On our first day we went to Chocolate Chair, a place Ellie found online. That girl is dedicated to visiting unusual dessert places in L.A. and this one pretty awesome! They serve this thing called "Dragon's Breath;" it's like Captain Crunch berries that have been frozen in liquid nitrogen. You stab one with a skewer, dip it in flavored sauces, and then when you bite it all this smoke comes out of your mouth.
Here are our videos:
The next day we went to Disneyland. Also it was Marc's and my 26th anniversary. Last year we went to Hawaii just the two of us. It's totally cool, I like both kinds of trips.
One of the best things about Disneyland with older kids is that NO ONE CRIES. Honestly, Marc and I were marveling on the drive home from the park at how easy and stress free it was. We just followed Maddie around and did what our kids wanted. Peasy!
In line for Pirates
In line for Peter Pan
In line for Mr. Toad (I don't know why we went on that one.)
About to get in line for Small World
Entering Story Book Land, my favorite ride because of all the tiny trees and plants.
In fact, another great part about Disneyland with older kids is that Marc and I left the park and went back to our hotel around 8pm and left all our kids there! Because they can drive themselves-and their little sister-home!
I can't even really describe how great that is.
The next day Katie and Jarret had to go home and back to work :-(
The rest of us went to Universal Studios and HARRY POTTER WORLD! It was glorious.
During the Olivander's Wand Experience Ellie was picked to have her wand chosen by an Olivander's witch. And while we didn't have any crying at Disneyland, Maddie may have shed a tear that was a combo of happiness and jealousy for her sister.
The best part of the flight of the Hippogriff is getting to see Hagrid's cottage while you're waiting in line.
Hogwarts Castle and the ride inside it were completely magical.
I kept making Ellie point her wand at me while I took pictures. She's the youngest, she has to humor me.
She was most interested in visiting Honeydukes!
She was most interested in visiting Honeydukes!
Maddie was in love with the giant Pygmy Puffs and the adorable sound they make that is a cross between a giggle and a purr.
I got really hot and made out with my pumpkin juice.
We thought Harry Potter World alone was worth the price of admission to Universal. It was super fun.
And that's about it. Oh, just for fun I want to list all the things we lost on our trip:
Maddie left her phone The Simpson's Ride
Ellie lost her wallet somewhere in Disney and it turned up at the lost and found
Katie and Jarret lost their keys and wallet respectively on the drive down. Jarret found his wallet, Katie is still looking.
There is something about being a Fosse...
