Disney 2011

I bought these cute bags for each of my kids for the trip.  On the way there I filled them with snacks, small toys, and their DS's and games.  On the way home they were filled with the toys and souvenirs that the kids got while we were in Disneyland.

 All packed up ready to leave

 Dave and Nicole and their three kids came with us.

 Lucy and Kate.  Best friends

 All three girls.  

Ready to go in the park on the first day.

 It's Tough to be a Bug movie

 In the lobby of our hotel

 I got a million of these pictures of Sam while waiting in line.

 This little stinker, Yale, was all over the place.  He was so excited to just RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 My sister, Julie and her boys, Ethan and Ben joined us for a couple days.  They live 30 minutes away.  Lucky!!!

Ethan green shirt, Ben blue shirt.  Waiting in line for the Casey Jr. Train ride.  It's their favorite but was a first for us.

Aunt Nicole, Ben, Kate and Sophie in the teacup next to ours.

We had Mom, Ethan, Sam and Lucy

Flik's Flyers (while Jeff and Jake were on Tower of Terror)

 Minnie's House

Mickey's house

 This is as close as Sam would get to Mickey.

Minnie's house again

It's hard to tell in this picture, but this is me watching seven little kids (5 in strollers) while Josh, Jake and the other grown ups rode on the California Screamin'

Speaking of the California Screamin', after 9 years of not daring to ride, I finally conquered my fear LAST YEAR and rode on it with my boys.  I hated it!  HATED! 

I decided to give it one more try this year (just to make sure I really hated it) and boy, that 10 minutes in line were horrible.  I hyperventilated, I felt dizzy and had to put my head between my knees several times.  At one point, I could no longer feel my hands and feet. The anticipation was much worse the second time around because I KNEW how bad the ride was.  I think the guy next to us was videoing me on his phone.  Several times I tried to leave the line but Jeff made me stay.  I got in and started crying.  Real crying.  Jake said a little girl pointed and whispered to his dad and then the dad started laughing.  This video isn't of that second ride, but the THIRD time.  I decided to have one last go to make sure I still hated it :)  The third time's the charm, right?  I kinda liked it, but I still hate the awful count down and take off--here it is.  Sam's crying after because he is so worried about me.

 My dad came down to visit his sister and met up with us for 1/2 a day.  Let's just say Disney is not his favorite....he only lasted about 3 1/2 hours, but it was still fun.  (I also have to mention here that I was battling an awful eye infection that lasted WEEKS!  I haven't been able to wear any eye makeup.  That's why I look oh, so lovely in every picture)

Sam showing me his new pirate sword

Waiting in line for the Matterhorn.  This turned out to be Sam's favorite ride.

 I think I have the most pictures of us in line for Toy Story Mania.  It was everyone's favorite ride.

Uncle Dave being silly.

The "Schmur Face"--an inside family joke :)

The carousel

 Sam was terrified to ride the horses or fish so we always had to find a bench to sit on.

Sam's favorite snack.  He had to have one every day.

 I took this picture to remember how Sam sat during Small World (another of his favorites) everytime--hands clasped in his lap, sitting straight and tall, and loving all the different rooms

 Right before we left we let Sam let go of his Mickey balloon.  Everyone was sad....sniff, sniff.  This is our very favorite vacation.  6-day park hoppers are not enough for us.

Until next year, or maybe sooner. You never know...