Disneyland Gift {Day 2}

We took our Sunday morning slowly for our second day at Disneyland.  We really wanted Caleb to learn to ride the Tram, so we told him that's what we'd be doing.  He'd been on it when he was younger, but he doesn't remember it, and he's so anxious about it.  We sought out the best parking area to be able to accomplish this, but despite our best efforts to not follow the Disneyland traffic signs {we're usually pros at this}, we were directed to a parking lot that had absolutely no Tram access.  We actually had to walk through Downtown Disney, so we took our time and visited our favorite spots before entering the parks. 

I'm fairly certain TJ will be able to toss Lilly in the air for as long as he lives.

This part of the resort is at the Grand Californian.  We love visiting the lobby and the outside fireplace.

Caleb loves laying in the grass and picking flowers {shhhh}.

The kids walked around the steps and ramps of our favorite brick courtyard while the Monorail passed through.  We waited for it to glide overhead two times and then they were ready for the park.

We promised Lilly that we'd do plenty of princess things, so we headed straight to see Merida.

She was beyond excited to see her.  Maybe a little too excited!  She was hiding her face and could barely move. 

Caleb was very excited to tell her about the promise of meeting Elsa and Anna.

I really think this might be a contender for our family Christmas card.

Since Small World is right next to where we met Merida, we headed straight there.  We noticed a huuuuge difference in attendance from Friday afternoon.  The park was packed, and waiting forty-five minutes for a ride was a real challenge for Caleb.  We'd never really considered using the Disability Assistance Card {which is a big change from their Guest Assistance Card}, but we felt it was time to consider it.

After Small World, TJ took Lilly to Storybookland while Caleb and I made the trek back down to City Hall.  We would meet up again for lunch.

I managed to use my big camera more on this day, but it's still tricky to be able to snap photos while walking and dodging people-traffic.  I will say, the back of Sleeping Beauty's Castle is one of my favorite parts of the park.

We made it to City Hall and it was a painless experience.  Being a former Guest Relations cast member, I knew they had to ask questions without asking questions to determine the best way to help us.  I mentioned Caleb's autism and his inability to wait in line for more than roughly thirty minutes.  They told us the card basically acts like a Fast Pass.  There are Guest Relations cast members at kiosks throughout the parks who will will give you a return time for a ride, based on the current wait time.  This does not, however, work for meeting characters, which was a HUGE bummer because Caleb was so excited to meet Elsa and Anna...but a TWO HOUR wait was just not going to happen for us.  We graciously took our card, reserved our spot for Small World, and headed to New Orleans Square for lunch.

We waited for TJ and LC under a shady tree while CC laid on a brick ledge with my phone.  Ah serenity.

Lunch was a bit of a struggle.  We ate at the French Market {as we have in the past}, but just about everything was setting off Caleb.  There was a loud band playing and Lilly was being quite defiant by not eating {when she yells/cries, it upsets CC}.  We made a swift exit and I took Caleb to a calming, quiet place, while TJ took LC to see Tigger.

We went down to the Hungry Bear and sat at the furthermost table, away from everyone.  He ate my ice and had an uncrustable.  He seemed to just need some time a way from the noise, and it really helped.

We met up again with TJ and LC and headed to the Princess Fantasy Faire.

The line for this didn't appear very long, but it did take a while and once we were inside I understood why.  The princesses really took their time with each family, it was very special.

This was one of my favorite moments all day.  We didn't know who'd be around each corner inside the castle, but Caleb happily smiled and shouted "YOU'RE SNOW WHITE!  HI MR. SNOW WHITE!"  She was quiet and gentle and SPOT ON as Snow. 

Lilly was incredibly shy with every princess, but Snow was so sweet to her.

Another Christmas card contender?  My kids are hilarious.

As we were settling back into our stroller to head to Small World again, we spotted Snow White on her walk to the Enchanted Forest {also known as her lunch break}.  We hollered goodbye, and she stopped, turned, and said "Goodbye Caleb!  Come and see me again soon?"

I DIE.  She remembered his name.  And I may have gotten a little bit teary.  And sniffly.

We used our disability card for Small World {only waited fifteen minutes...best decision} and left Disneyland for California Adventure. 

We reserved our spot for Toy Story Midway Mania and had some time to kill, so ice cream for dinner was next on the list.

And more California Screamin watchin.

Okay okay.  I didn't let my kids beat me...but do you see the accuracy??  I'm pretty bad.

It was time to cool off again at the splash pads.

We got changed and had some snacks in the Animation Room, where the kids rand around in air conditioning, chased lights, sand along to songs, and Caleb fell asleep in my arms. 

When he woke up he was ready and willing to go on Soarin' Over California.  This was a BIG DEAL.  I had introduced him to a YouTube video of it the other day with the hope of him going for it.  We talked it up all day...it's slow, it's not fast, it's not loud, it's so fun, it's pretend flying!  But all day his answer was no until suddenly he said yes, and we ran with it.

I held him through the whole queue for that extra bit of assurance.  I couldn't believe he was so calm about it.  I think I was more nervous than he was.  This was the first time I was taking one of my children on a ride that got me a little nervous {being so high up}.  I got a little teary when we flew through the mountains, but had so much fun pointing out all the different California landmarks.  "That's where daddy does Navy work!  That's where your friend Conor lives! That's Lake Tahoe!"  He really loved it and was so proud of himself.

The kids were already tired, we had school the next day, so we headed home with the sun.

We are so grateful for the generosity of our friends, and even more thankful to the Lord for continuing to bless our family.  Making it through 2013 wouldn't have been possible without His amazing grace.  And He continues to hold us every day, reminding us that nothing we have is our own, but blessings from above.

Hugs.