The day we spent in Anaheim

Sunday we hit the road early for a very special treat - Disneyland! We didn't realize it was the same day as the Disneyland Half Marathon, so with that and it being a holiday weekend in the middle of a heat wave, we were expecting a crowded, hot day. We were not sure we would get to do many rides, but figured Grace would enjoy all of it regardless.

We ended up very lucky - we beat the crowds to Frontierland to start the day and Grace gradually warmed up. She was little uncertain on the Jungle Cruise and Pirates, but once we headed over to Tomorrowland, she saw the AstroBlasters and said I want to ride that one! She steered it as high as it would go, kept her rocket there for the whole ride (with Steve) and with that found her Disneyland spirit.

We rode the carousel (x3).

We flew on elephants (a few times).

And Saturday's lack of nap worked in our favor as Grace conked out after lunch and we finally had to wake her in time for her Autopia Fastpass time...

Too bad you can't see her here, but she loved driving.

She picked the train ride and we were all pleased for the shady break and tour around the park.

She is still singing ""It's a Small World. Rather, she and I are singing it together, over and over and over. And over...

She also loved the "spinning cups." When the ride ended she tried to climb into the next cup for "another turn."

And she was a total champ about waiting in many lines. She found plenty of ways to entertain herself, including Daddy's nose.

We lucked out and although it was really hot, it clouded over at midday so wasn't as bad as expected. Between Grace's nap, stroller-switch and Fastpass, we even got in a few of the more thrilling rides. Grace definitely had a fantastic time - she has been remembering all kinds of details. Just the other night she described seeing the castle turn different colors during the fireworks ("fireworks were loud!") and randomly reminded us about riding "'nochio." She also loves to sing the pirate song, but her version goes "Yo po, yo po, like a pirate, me!"

We all had such a fun day, capped off by giant ice cream sundaes, now a great family tradition in itself. Toward the end of the day, we rode the AstroBlasters again. Climbing off, Grace announced "I want to do it again. By myself!"