Mirror Mirror on the Wall... -Day 3

Day three was basically Princess Day. Neve and I saved all the princess fun for this day so we were looking forward to dressing up, meeting princesses and fairies, and watching princess shows! Uncle Derek joined us this day too...so the boys spent their day riding Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, and Star Tours 12,000 times each. :)

 

We started down in Pixie Hollow with Tinkerbell and friends.

 

 

Then we headed over to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for her head to toe Princess makeover. The first year we came she picked Sleeping Beauty, last year was Belle, and this year she picked Snow White. If anyone is planning to try this for the first time, let me know! I have learned some tips and tricks to do this on a budget every year. It costs a pretty penny to raise a Princess, ya know! :)

 

 

 

 

 

She loved every minute of it. Our Fairy Godmother called down to see where Snow White was..and she was out by her wishing well. We headed down to see her as fast as we could so we wouldn't miss her!!

 

 

We were just about to miss her...but instead, Neve got to walk and skip through the park to Snow White's next destination. Seriously it was beyond adorable and such a special experience. Neve was on cloud nine. I have to give props to Aaron's best friend, Derek, as well. Aaron had Nate so Derek recognized I was having a "Mommy Moment" and quickly started running alongside them recording the whole thing so we wouldn't miss it. What a guy!!!

 

 

 

 

Snow White stopped to pick a flower for Neve. Awww....

 

The Snow Whites got to twirl together too.

 

 

Then Snow White gave Neve the flower she picked and made Neve pinky promise that they would be best friends forever. SO DANG CUTE!! (and a 5 year old's dream I might add..)

 

Neve and Derek....still in princess shock. :)

 

 

 

...and while Neve and I were hopping all over at the new Fantasy Faire with the princesses, Nate was having a ball too.

 

Oops...I think this was from a different day...but they rode space mountain all day again. So just picture their clothes changed. :)

 

 

Such awesome memories. Disney came through once again for us. Fantastic vacation all around. Can't wait until next year!!

 

 

Ka-chow! -Day 2

Day two we headed over to California Adventure for the day. The kids love Carsland so we started there.

Lightning McQueen

 

 

 

 

LOVE this one.

 

 

 

 

They got Nate to do "thumbs up"...we were so shocked he did it!!

 

Our friends Steve and Jason came back for day two as well. So much fun!

 

This is Neve and her BFF Uncle Jason. She is obsessed with him. :) They couldn't be cuter together.

 

Then we headed over to the boardwalk for a bit. Nate was so brave and rode California Screamin' (the BIG roller coaster) for the first time with Aaron. Aaron said Nateman really liked it, however it was his first time in a "harness" restraint and he couldn't plug his ears! That's his way of drowning out all the background noise. He survived though and loved it. Meanwhile, Neve had a little face painting done. (The SANE choice if you ask me!)

 

 

My friend, Laura, and her husband and daughter met up with us in the afternoon too. I have no clue why I didn't take the girls' picture together! They were so cute. I guess it was hot and crowded by then and we were cashed.

 

This was as we were waiting for the shuttle back to the hotel. Great day at California Adventure!

Day 3 was back to Disneyland...pictures soon!

 

 

We're All Ears! - Day 1

Our first summer vacation this year was a no-brainer....back to Disneyland!! I honestly can't think of a better vacation for our family right now. Our kids are BOTH happy from sun up 'til sun down...and that's not an easy task for our two kiddos.

Neve checking out the park map to plan our day. :) She is definitely her father's child and LOVES maps.

 

Portnoys.

 

Neve and Nate with Goofy.

 

 

taking a spin on the teacups.

 

Nate's favorite ride in the whole park is Dumbo...and sadly, Dumbo was closed this visit. I honestly felt like we should pay our respects and leave flowers by his gate or something..hahaha...but instead we got Nate this flying Dumbo pail and we put grapes in it for his snack. :)

 

Neve conquered the Matterhorn (the mountain coaster behind them in this pic) twice this trip. This is a big deal because the changed the bobsleds and you have to ride alone now. She rocked it. :)...and that is just too cute a picture of Neve and her Dad..I need a crop of that one . :)

Ok..much better. :)

 

 

 

Having a blast on the rockets.

 

I just love these two!!!! ...and look!! Nate's looking at the camera!! woo-hoo!!

This one deserves a frame. :)

 

 

Neve and Mom. Love this girl!

 

more Portnoys.

 

...and I suppose that about sums up day one! Our friends Steve and Jason met up with us in the afternoon. We just love love love them. I love that they totally embrace my insane children and meet up with us to play. :)

We caught the Mickey parade and then we headed back to the hotel for dinner and some sleep so we would be ready to go for Day Two. I think it's beyond amazing that we still keep our kids on a 6-7ish bedtime routine even while on vacation. :) Schedule is everything for us.

Stay tuned for Day Two's adventures!