The most crowded day ever

Since the North Carolinians were in town, we treked to DLand a few days after Christmas.  Turned out they ended up closing both parks that day due to too many people.  Fortunately we got in before that, I guess.  We did have a great time however, and other than trying to find a place to eat, the crowds weren't all that bothersome.  With the kids we aren't really waiting for any "E-ticket" rides, so there weren't too many lines to deal with.

Uncle Jim checking out the tube

Slide Train

Cousins

Seth's Take a Picture of Me day

Seth really wanted me to take pictures of him this day.  Everywhere he went.  I didn't always have the camera with me though.  But here's a couple.

Citi Blocks

One of the best Christmas gifts, endlessly entertaining, Citi Blocks.  Thanks Aunt Laurie!

Christmas Morning 2010

Christmas Eve 2010

Every Christmas Eve since I was born has been spent with my Dad's family.  He is one of five children, who now all have children and many grandchildren of their own.  We all meet once a year at my Aunt's house and have a great time.  It is astonishing to me every year how many manage to show up, nearly everyone was there this year, including my three siblings and their respective families.  Only one of the first generation was missing, and other than her branch of the family tree, every shild and grandchild was accounted for.  Here are the kids opening their first presents.

A Disney miracle

Maybe not a miracle but something special for sure.  Excuse the iPhone pics.  It poured rain all day, but we decided to go to Dland Wednesday evening anyway, to see the Christmas decor and parade.  So we hoped in the car and arrived around 5pm.  Fearful of rain, I took umbrellas and jackets for everyone, and left my camera in the car.  We walked into Disneyland, and the parade was just about to come down Main street, so we stood and watched that.  Then we went to dinner, no waiting.  Went to Fantasy land, and rode Dumbo (which I never do because of the line, but no line this night!), then the carousel.  Tea cups were closed (too wet) so we went around the corner.  Audrey and I waited in line to see the Princesses (which I also never do because of the line) while the boys went to Toon Town.After having quite the conversations with Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, we met back up with the boys and caught a crazy Christmas light show projected on Its a Small World.  Then we went on Autopia, and as we came off that, an 80's band was playing in Tomorrow land, and we danced, Davis going crazy.  Then we went on the Buzz Lightyear ride, and as we came out, the Fireworks show started.  We watched that and then went back to the car.  In all that time it did not rain one drop.  As we were driving on the freeway, it began to rain again, and poured the whole way home.  Wow.  It was a great night for us!

Protecting the mushrooms from the rain

The Christmas Mall

Perhaps better known as South Coast Plaza, we trek down here once a year to look at the decor, ride the train and make some crafts.

Kids at the toy store

A Wild Thing

Sizing up his art piece, preparing

Choosing colors

 The day was rainy and really windy.  When you cross over between the Plaza and the Crystal Court, they supply umbrellas, but not the weight to hold them down in that wind.