California Trip: Day One

We're back! We rode some emotional as well as literal roller coasters on our week-long California vacation, and it is nice to be home, though bittersweet.

Posing in the lobby of our hotel

Chris traveled to Anaheim last Monday for a conference and trade show for work. That meant I did all the laundry, packed for the kids and myself, and straightened up and closed up the house between then and Wednesday morning, when we left at 7:30 for the airport with Drew and Jamie! It was unbelievable to see how much stuff we had. One LARGE suitcase to check, two rolling carry-ons, a double stroller, and two carseats later (plus my stuffed diaper bag), we made it onto our flight with time to spare. Whew! Soooo grateful for Drew and Jamie, who kept their comments to themselves... :)

Upon arrival, we were chauffeured to the off-site van rental of which Drew and Jamie were skeptical, but Chris and I insisted and we were able to rent a Dodge Grand Caravan for about $200 for the week! Then it was on to Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, where we were able to join Chris and receive the convention discount for our two nights there. Our room was small but very cool. Noah's favorite thing was the beach ball pillows on the beds! 

Noah and I even toured the rooftop pool and slide, planning to come back later and  try it out.

Jimmy and Charmaine came to the hotel to visit, and then we all went to dinner with Michael, a cousin Chris and Drew ran into at the trade show. 

Charmaine and Jimmy met Audrey for the first time!

Ironically, Jamie and Drew had run into Michael with Courtney and Jimmy last year at a trade show in Charleston. Michael is the nephew of George, who is married to Edna (Grandpa Chuck's sister). Got that? Yeah, me neither. Anyway, we probably trekked a couple of miles to The Cheesecake Factory, where we indulged in way too much food and cheesecake! Yum! We also got to walk through Downtown Disney at night, which was pretty cool. 

I asked a security guard to let us into Disneyland after hours for this picture. He said yes!

Audrey, exhausted from our walk (ha!) in The Grand Californian Hotel

That night we collapsed into bed early (for Californians), planning on an early morning for Disneyland!

Click HERE to see the album from our entire trip (be warned... 300+ pictures)!