Tom Sawyer's Island at Disneyland

Every morning when we got up, it was a beautiful day. Most of the time it was misty and cloudy outside, but then it would clear up and we would have a great-weather day. And what better way to start the day than with Glen's famous French toast breakfast!

Despite what it may look like in the pictures, it was light blue t-shirt day. The pictures are deceiving because some slept in the shirts they had been wearing the day before and came to breakfast with the previous day's shirts on.

While the big people were getting ready for the day, Logan and Spencer entertained themselves playing with the little cars and trucks.

Brooke and Natalie decided to have a snack.

Natalie was showing me her crazy socks out front while we admired the beautiful flowers on the porch.

Sarah slicked down her sons' hair and got their stroller ready.

Okay...finally... Time for everyone to pose in front of the castle wall in our matching t-shirts on our way out the door.

Notice Brooke posing as she learned to pose during her school photo-taking session. She hasn't forgotten it.

We purposely planned going to Disneyland during their less busy time. Does this look less busy to any of you?!? Stroller parking lots were jam-packed.

 Is it time for a snack already?

I got such a kick out of Caroline as she frequently could be seen with a map of the park on her lap with her studying it as she ate. Spencer kept that sticker on his leg for a long time.

 Standing in line for a ride, which is a great time to give your spouse a squeeze.

We spent a lot of time on Tom Sawyer's Island and I loved it. The parents didn't relax and enjoy it as much as I did because there were caves the little kids would go in and out of and the parents would be nervous when they lost sight of one of their children. But, after all, it was an island. The kids had to be somewhere on the island.

Sarah didn't like the places where there were just bushes between the trail and the water. She wished there had been a fence all the way around the island as she worried her kids could fall in the water if they ventured too close to the edge of the trail.

The kids loved the caves, rocks and stairs they could go into and climb on and they were having a great time.

The best part was when they found the pirate's lair. Even though all the loot was secured into place, the kids played make-believe for the longest time in that area. It was so darling to watch.

Our dinners every evening were quite delicious. The Goldens were the last to arrive home this particular evening and they were thrilled there was food re-heated on the table for them to enjoy.

Another fun day had come to a close.

More Theme Park Fun!

Orange t-shirt vacation day found Glen in the kitchen first thing in the morning fixing a pancake and bacon breakfast for the group. He was great at fixing breakfasts while I got ready for the day and then I would arrive on the scene in time to clean up the mess--with others helping out of course.

The Excell family in front of the castle mural.

 Cute Natalie holding our very own darling Snow White.

Our first ride of the day--the tram. It never gets old.

Doesn't our big group stand out in a crowd when we are all dressed alike? It is such a great way to keep track of everyone.

Still standing in line with the masses waiting to get into California Adventure.

Looks like Glen, Natalie and Ben made it through the gate. It was Ben's last day with us. The rest of the family soon followed.

 Precious pose of Ben holding Carson.

We got to see Sulley in person. Jacob's family made it a point to go around and see all the characters and get autographs and their picture taken with the characters. For the rest of us, it was a novelty if we happened upon a character in the park.

Enjoying a moment with my baby boy in front of a fake road. It was only real for the first 20 feet and then it was fake the rest of the way.

Glen taking a taxi ride with the Goldens.

Here we are in Cars Land. Eli loved it when he saw a car near him.

Snack time and reading-the-map-to-figure-out-where-to-go-next time.

Eli was intrigued with a guy who was shooting out bubbles into the crowd.

While Jeff and Eli went off to ride a ride, Sarah, Ben and I went off to ride some rides while Carson was asleep. Glen did a great job with him when he woke up. It looks like it only took two boxes of teddy grahams for him to keep Carson as happy as could be.

I didn't take any more pictures the rest of the day. It was probably because we left to take Ben to the airport and we were so sad to see him go. He had missed several days of school and really needed to go back home so he could get caught up on what he missed. We appreciated he took the time he did to be with us. It was awesome!!