California 2010

In June, as has become tradition for our family, we took our annual trip to southern California to kick-off summer! This trip, however, had a few added elements of fun besides Disneyland. We got to help family members celebrate a couple of pretty big milestones--a going away party and a 95th birthday!


The first 2 nights we stayed with my cousin and her family. She was super busy getting ready for the first milestone event--her daughter's big send off. EARLY Saturday morning found them on a plane bound for New York and West Point Army Academy. Big stuff. Jamie (my 2nd cousin?) is there on a soccer scholarship. We're so proud of her! And my kids love, love, LOVE her and her big sis Corrianne. It was a quick, busy visit, but we really enjoyed our time with the Molacek Fam!

Corrianne works at Magic Mountain and was able to get us free tickets to Hurricane Harbor--the water park adjacent to Magic Mountain. The weather was perfect, and we all had a great time. Grayson was eager to try the slides he was tall enough for, Molly was content with the kiddie zone, and Dave and I even got to go down one of the 'black diamond' slides together because Corrie was there to watch the kids. Fun day! But I hardly took any pictures.


Happy girl.


Soakin' up the warm California sun!

After our day at the water park, it was time for Jamie's big party. Sadly I took not one. single. picture. But it was fun! Lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and my parents and grandpa were there, too.

Speaking of my sweet grandpa, the next day we celebrated his 95th (!!!) birthday. But poor Grandpa sipped a few too many margaritas the night before and not enough water. He dehydrated himself and almost missed his own party!!! Luckily though he recovered in time and made it over to my uncle's house before Team Ryan (and Corrie) had to depart for Anaheim.


Carrot cake with booze behind it. Ha! Ha! That's kind of how my family rolls! (I know, I know, you're wondering where I came from...)

My sweet 95 year-old (!!!) grandpa.

After a nice lunch, yummy cake, and some time to visit, our little family (and Corrie) said goodbye and made the couple hour drive to Anaheim. Thank goodness Corrie drove us! All that traffic--ack!

We checked into our hotel and then immediately hoofed it to Downtown Disney and Rainforest Cafe. We were way late for our original reservation, but they seated us right away anyway. Yay!

Worms and dirt--always a favorite!

Then after dinner, since we knew we weren't actually going to go into the park itself that night, we went to see Toy Story 3 at the theater. The whole night was a great way to start the Disney part of our vacation!

There was a fun 'Despicable Me' display in the theater lobby.

Disneyland--Day 1:

We got up bright and early as we always do and waited for our 'magical' day to start!

Grayson and Dave, in the very back.

My first time on California Screamin'. Fun! I felt a little guilty though, as Grayson had really, REALLY hoped to try this ride out for the first time, too. But the poor boy was too short. Still. :(

That night we watched World of Color, a new nighttime show with water, lasers, lights, and sound. Very impressive! (Think Vegas.) Then it was time to say good-bye to Corrie (who had to work the next day) and hit the hay! Great first day!