December recap... so far

Without further ado.... the photos!


Right when we walked in the park we got to meet Goofy!


We went to the Town Hall to tell them we were there for Riley's birthday... and they told Riley he had a phone call! When Riley picked up the phone, GOOFY was there, wishing him a happy birthday!! He was so excited!


Violet and I *rocked* the teacups!


On Tom Sawyer's island... ;)


Violet wanted to be the photographer too :)


We did breakfast with Minnie and friends! Always so much fun :)


At California Adventure, Violet got to be a part of the High School Musical pep rally!


The ferris wheel was so much fun - we opted for a "non-swinging" bucket and had a wonderful view! Riley loved anything that involved the feeling of flying, including this ride and "Soarin' Over California." (he was *exactly* 40 inches tall... just perfect to ride nearly everything!)


Violet on the Mulholland Madness ride with Max Boardman... this girl *loves* roller coasters. She rode this particular one tons of times, and we even rode on California Screamin! She loved it... in fact, as soon as the ride was over, she yelled, "THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!" We got her a rollercoaster pin for her stocking, since this was definitely the Year of the Rollercoaster for Violet!


And the coolest moment - Riley got selected to be part of the Jedi Training Academy!


He got a robe and a light saber and learned the ways of the Jedi...


Always use The Force for defense and protection!


Then, suddenly, STORM TROOPERS CAME RUSHING IN!!!


The Jedi moved all the kids over to the side and the stage lifted up with smoke and music - and OUT CAME DARTH VADER AND DARTH MAUL!!! They were trying to woo the Younglings to the Dark Side!


Darth Vader asked Riley to join the Dark Side, but he said NO!


Riley stood his ground, and with the help of his Jedi Master teacher, defended himself against Darth Vader's attacks!


In a few short moves, Riley DEFEATED Darth Vader! Then Riley was awarded with a certificate saying he has graduated from Jedi Academy as a Padawan! To commemorate the occasion, he got a special pin for his stocking - Jedi Mickey :)


The best part about doing Disneyland for 3 days? We got to do all sorts of random stuff we never did before - like the Davy Crockett Canoes! Woohoo!! :)

This trip to Disneyland was really wonderful and magical and fantastic. We really had a fabulous time together as a family. And it will only get better! Now that Riley can go on almost every ride, we really get to experience Disneyland on a whole new level :)

Of course, there's been more to December than Disneyland! I've been photo shooting like a crazy woman. One recent one included a visit with Mr. Kringle himself... I got to spend some time with him and tell him all the kids wanted for Christmas. He said he would do his best, and that the kids will definitely have a special Christmas gift from him this year :)


And just last week, it SNOWED in Las Vegas. But not our side of town, alas. So instead, the kids and I headed up to the mountains for some snowman building. Tomorrow we're heading back up there to do some sledding :)


I am sure I won't be updating this before Christmas, so I will see you next week with all our happy Christmas photos. Until then, have a wonderful, safe holiday! And I promise to be a better blogger for the new year :)