Some of the pics I took on the trip aren't of the best quality, we were in a hurry a lot of the time, and I didn't have time to always think of what setting was needed in each pic; this includes pics in all four posts. But I did try. I didn't get a pic of everything we did, if I had, this would be a never-ending post. ha But the few pics I am including and the description of what we did at various times throughout our stay, should give you an idea of what the trip was like.
Her first plane ride. We flew on Southwest Airlines. They don't let people with young children board first like they used to, I'm not sure why, but we were able to get on at the last of the first group of passengers. We took along her carseat, which we found out wasn't necessary, but it was a good thing we did since it gave Caitie a sense of comfort and security by sitting in something familiar while on the plane. She loves to fly! That was a big relief.
Her first drink, which was apple juice.
Getting off the plane at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
We got the rental car then headed out. We stopped at an IHOP Restaurant parking lot so I could change Caitie's diaper and put her swimsuit on; we were heading to the beach before checking into the hotel. We decided to use the trunk of the rental car to do all the changing. She looks like she's being kidnapped in this pic. ha
Voila! Here she is, all ready for the beach, except for the socks, that is.
It didn't take her long to fall asleep. We got up early to make our flight after having been up most the night getting ready for the trip. We do most everything last minute; you think we'd learn. It was time to wake her up and slather sunscreen on her.
It looks like Huckleberry Finn and friend on their way to view the ocean. ha Or I guess it could also look like a flashback to the 50's... gotta love rolled-up jeans.
Exploring...
Enjoying the view...
Testing the water...
Soaking it all in...
Time for me to join them...
She reminds me of the coppertone baby; so cute.
My hand... so you know I'm there... ha
Lovely sea kelp.
Sea kelp fun.
Getting a good look at the never-ending ocean...
Time to build sandcastles in the sand.
Looking for seashells. This was the biggest one we found; most of the ones we collected were really small.
Time to head to the Disney Grand California Resort.
This was our parking space. We got lucky, there were people waiting for a parking space, but we drove on and spotted this one. It's right on the beach.
I got a pic of the sign on the way out.
She's excited to be at the resort.
When we arrived at the resort, Michael went to check in. Caitie and I waited in the car since we were still wet and had sand on us from the beach. When he came out he was carrying some balloons. The staff had given him the balloons, a signed Mickey and Minnie picture, and a pin with Caitie's name on it that said Happy Birthday that she was to wear while at the Disney parks. She wore it all three days and got free desserts, and lots of people wishing her a happy birthday as well. That was nice.
They offered valet parking, but we chose to park the car ourselves in the parking lot across the street from the resort. We are now heading back to the resort.
Had to get a pic of the sign.
Here is the resort. It's located at the Disney California Adventure park.
We got a room with a view of the California Adventure park. We're sitting on the deck that overlooks the park.
Here is some of what we saw. We didn't have the best view, but it wasn't bad. This is a bear made of rock and boulders; it has to do with the water ride at the California Adventure park.
This is another ride we could see from our room. It's the Tower of Terror located at the California Adventure park as well.
We could see the Disney Monorail from our room; it went by every ten minutes or so while the parks were open. Caitie loved that.
After we all got cleaned up, having to scrub the sand off from our visit to the beach, we headed to Disneyland. Caitie was excited.
We stopped in Downtown Disney, which is a place with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. It's located between the California Adventure and Disneyland parks. Michael wanted a snack, so we stopped at this place to grab a quick bite.
When we arrived at Disneyland, there was a parade going on; I snapped a quick pic of this Mickey and Minnie float.
We didn't watch the parade, Caitie was wanting on the Disneyland Train, it takes you around the park. She couldn't wait to get on; she loves trains.
We did a couple of other rides, then headed to the Blue Bayou Restaurant. We had a reservation for 8pm. This is part of the Pirates of the Carribean ride. You can hear people going by on boats. Michael and I used to love this restaurant, it has a great atmosphere, and the food used to be really good, but the food wasn't as good this time, and the service wasn't all that great either. We had reservations for each night we were there, but didn't go back.
When they saw Caitie's birthday pin, they brought her a free dessert with a candle in it. That part was nice. She wore the pin each day to the parks, so she got a few freebies.
They did fireworks on Sunday night, just for Caitie... well, not really, but they did do fireworks. We didn't stop to watch them, but would take a look every so often as one would go off; I got a quick pic.
We spent some time at Downtown Disney, so I decided to take a pic of the sign.
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