New Orleans Square and Frontierland

This is a lovely little spot in New Orleans Square. Not far from it you can hop on a canoe at the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes attraction. This was the first time we had tried this one, and it was simply that, a real paddle trip in a canoe around Tom Sawyer's Island. 

The Matterhorn and a Mad Hatter

Fun photo prop outside the Matterhorn! I had never ridden this one before, it seemed to always be under refurbishment when we were there. It was a fun ride, although a bit bumpy. 

A Morning at the Castle

Disneyland's 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration kicked off on May 22nd, and we were just in time to experience the festivities! The change in decor was impressive, beautiful blue diamonds were fun to spot! We were very excited to see the changes made to Sleeping Beauty's castle. The pictures don't do it justice, it absolutely sparkled. 

Snow White's grotto is one of our favorite little spots in the park. It is a wishing well located at the side of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. There is an interesting story about the sculptures of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves that can be seen here, and you can also hear Snow White singing from time to time. All of the coins that are wished on and tossed into the well are donated to charities for children. On our morning, while leaning over the well, Bree accidentally donated her brand new ears! Luckily, Mommy was able to lean in and rescue them. 

Downtown Disney and Mermaid Ears

After dinner we spent some time exploring Downtown Disney. The Lego store is always a fun visit. For the first time, Bree decided she wanted Mickey ears! (We had been trying to talk her into these since she was 3. Now at 8 years old she agreed.) She picked a pair of adorable Little Mermaid ears and we went back to our hotel to get a good night's rest before our first day in the park. 

The Girl Trip!

While the boys headed to Florida to play, the girls took their own trip to sunny California! Our first stop was dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. It was the perfect start to our summer vacation. 

Hamp Hut, Troop 953

The Hamp Hut is a girl scout cabin located in Garden of the Gods. Our girls were lucky to get to camp there the weekend that school got out. Bree reported that her favorite activity was the night hike! She had a great time with Katherine, Alexa, Meg, Alyson and her troop leaders. 

Girls on the Run year 2

Because I help coach, my 2nd grader got another opportunity to participate in the Girls on the Run program! (Normally this program is open to girls in 3rd-5th grades.) We had another great year together running the 5K at the end of the season. 

The Clementine Tree

As we were getting ready to leave our wonderful hotel for the airport, we discovered a tangerine tree! They made for a delicious treat. Wonder if we will ever be lucky enough to stay there again? 

Our Last Night

Exploring the Park with a Princess

Meeting the Sisters

Of course, our princess's day would not have been complete without this meet and greet!