Huntington Beach and a LONG drive home!

Before we left California, we had to show Bentley the beach.  He loves to swim and he loves the dirt.  I thought the beach would be a great experience for Bentley.  He loved the sand, but he didn't love the water!

Wading by the water....

Do NOT put me down!.....

I love the dirt!

Keep burying me, mom!

Bentley feeling the music!

Roll it....Roll it!

We stopped in St. George on the way home, but we had a ball!  We sure missed Miles, but he had to work like crazy the whole time we were gone!

Disneyland Day 2

The second day started out with just Bentley and myself.  We went to the Paradise Pier Hotel to Meet Mickey at the Surfs Up Breakfast.

If I were going to Disneyland again, I would definitely plan more of these meals.  This was the place where Bentley had the most fun, and he had one on one time with the characters.  He got pictures and signatures.  We ate mickey pancakes and waffles.  It was great and I think it was worth the extra money.

He met Pluto (again) and Lifeguard Mickey

 



 We met lifeguard Minnie,

we met Daisy,

We met Stitch (again) and Bentley wasn't really sure about him.

Bentley was very fascinated with this Goofy statue in the lobby of the hotel.  So we had to take a picture.

 Then we went to Disneyland.

 

We met Pinocchio (even if we only had one shoe on).  Pinocchio was in a hurry, so we didn't have time to put our shoes back on. 

 Bentley's favorite place in all of Disneyland was Goofy's house in Toon Town.  It has a little playground, and the children can just play around with the things in his house.  He screamed when we had to leave, and he wanted to drive every car that we saw in Toon Town. 

This piano in Goofy's house didn't make any noise unless you touched a key in the bass clef.  So Bentley was just playing along, and then the piano made noise.  He thought it was hilarious! 

Look what I did, MOM!

Then we met Goofy!  (A little side note:  We waited to see Goofy for a long time, and right as we got to him--he said he wouldn't sign books anymore.  We could only get a picture.  I was angry, but I tried hard not to show it.  After all, it is supposed to be the happiest place on earth.  So we snapped our picture and didn't get an autograph.  At this point, Bentley was super tired so we were going to the hotel to get a nap.    On Main Street Disney, Goofy was there greeting more people.  I was still kind of mad that we didn't get his signature, so at the end of the line an employee was there holding the line.  I kindly asked her if it was possible to get an autograph.  Needless to say, we have Goofy's autograph in our book.)   

 After we met Goofy, we saw Donald too.  He was the hardest one to find!  This was the only time we saw him, and his line was LONG.  We didn't get to meet him, but we snapped a picture as he walked away.  (Plus, Bentley was asleep in the stroller at this point.)

 While Bentley was sleeping, I wandered around the shops.  In California Adventure, I saw the lights for a Disney Jr. Show.  I knew that Bentley would love to see it.  So I hopped in line, and I waited while Bentley slept in the stroller.  We couldn't take pictures inside, but Bentley loved the show.  It had puppets from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Handy Manny.  (All characters that Bentley was familiar with.)  It was a hit!

As soon as we left the show, Handy Manny was out greeting people. 

Finally, we waited in line for the fireworks show in front of the castle.  Bentley was having a great time!

What a great ending to a great day!





Disneyland Day 1

Aunt Alicia happened to have a free 3 night stay in a hotel.  She chose to go to Anaheim California, and graciously offered us the chance to go with her.  We drove all day Thursday and arrived just to go straight to bed.  Friday morning, we got up and hit Disneyland first thing. 

 We took the traditional "Welcome to Disneyland" picture.

And the "California Adventure" group shot.

 As soon as we got into California Adventure, we saw Stitch.  Immediately, we hopped in line and got a picture (and autograph). 

While Aunt Alicia, Kelley, and Melissa were waiting in line for the Tower of Terror, Bentley met Chip (and he didn't even have to get out of his stroller).

 

Bentley was so excited to meet Pluto!

 "Queen and Mator" Bentley has recently become obsessed with Lightning McQueen and Tow Mator.  When we saw them, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a picture with them. 

When we came around the corner, Captain Mickey was just arriving at this gazebo.  Bentley took off!  I nearly had to run to keep up with him.  It was hard to wait in line, because Bentley just wanted to meet Mickey.  After a few minutes waiting, we met Mickey and got a signature.  Bentley couldn't stop smiling (though it doesn't show in this picture). 

After we left California Adventure, we decided to hit up Disneyland before heading back to the hotel.  On the way into the park, we saw Baloo.

We got to see the Soundsational Parade.  Bentley was amazed!

And then he sees Mickey!

At the end of the evening, we rode the Winnie the Pooh ride and headed back to the hotel. 

First Movie Theater Experience

We took Bentley to see HOP in theaters. 

He didn't love the "whole" thing, but overall, he did great.  He liked the cartoon parts, but the real life wasn't his favorite.

A "Legendary" Vegas Trip

I'm not sure how it happened, but we decided to make a sibling trip to Vegas to meet up with our German brother, Moe.  (Again!)  We headed out on Thursday and drove straight there.  Friday, we hit up the strip without forgetting M&M World.

This would also be the place where we met "Kotton Kandy"....this is real?!  No joke....and if you don't believe me just type it in on youtube. 

Of course, we booked our stay with Hotwire (which I hate), but we got to stay at Hooters.  Classy, right?!  Oh well, we had a great time!  And we got some great photos on their golf cart.

We saw these surfboards everytime we got off the elevator, so we decided to take a mugshot with them. 

Also, needed a classic shot with my adorable husband.

  

What a great trip!  Thanks Moe!



Happy Easter!

We went on the Annual Easter Egg Hunt again this morning.  At least there wasn't snow...like last year.  Bentley made a haul at $2.35 and tons of candy!  Way to go, bug!  Here we are waiting for the siren to ring.  (And Bentley was mad that I wouldn't let him down to get them already.)

And they are off....

 "Put it in the bucket...get some more"

That was fun...

 Can't have an easter egg hunt at the park without playing on the toys...

 And the swings with grandpa....

 Now I'm on a sugar high! 

So glad that daddy could come and watch the Easter egg hunt this year!  He usually  has to work...but he got a half hour off, so he could come watch the hunt.  (Love you Miles!)