Our good good friends from Utah, Ryan and Josie, came for a much anticipated visit to help us celebrate Ellie’s birthday. Kenny and Ryan have been best friends since High School and Josie and I hit it off from day one. Plus our kids are the same ages and get along great. Doesn’t get any better than that! Pierson (their 6 year old son) and Ellie are best buddies and all she wanted for her birthday this year was to go to Disneyland with Pierson. She was so excited for them to come that she spent the week before drawing all sorts of pictures for them and talking non-stop about everything we would be doing for her birthday. It was like Christmas round two! Ellie has learned from her mother the skillful art of milking your birthday for all it’s worth and then some. :)
Addison was clearly just as excited as Ellie to have our friends for a visit.
We decided to hit SeaWorld while they were here too. We never get tired of the place. Clearly.
{Kiddos on our way to church} Sunday was a fun day in between the theme park days. We relaxed at home together, celebrated Ellie’s birthday, had a BBQ and let the kids play play play while we talked talked talked. I love days like that.
We got hotel rooms and spent two days at Disneyland. I think the kids had just as much fun playing in the hotel rooms with their new toys as they did at the park!
We had heard that the two days we were going to be in Disneyland were going to be full of rain. More rain than Southern California had seen since 1950! Massive downpours. So we were prepared. We packed rain gear for everyone and hoped for the best. It definitely rained on us, but it ended up being the best thing ever. The park cleared out and we were walking on all of the rides. I’ve never seen the lines so short! The kids had fun splashing around in the rain and when it got really bad, we headed to our hotel for a break and then came back to an empty park when the sun came out. I’ve decided that all Disneyland trips need to be planned during rain storms.
I know. We’ve seen the princesses probably ten times this year, but it’s usually a 1-2 hour line to meet them and there was NOBODY waiting. Just us and them. The girls were in princess heaven.
The Roller Coaster in Toontown is one of Ellie’s favorites. She cracks me up on rides throwing her hands up in the air and laughing the whole time. El’s a fun one to hang out with.
The Monsters ride at California Adventure is another ride the girls love. Because there was no line we went on it again and again and again…
Small World was still decked in Christmas decor which was a fun change. Made me wish it was Christmas again.
Such a fun four days spent with friends! We had the best time. Such a great time that I wish we could do it all over again for my birthday. Which is in 47 days. (not that I’m counting)
The Monsters ride at California Adventure is another ride the girls love. Because there was no line we went on it again and again and again…
Small World was still decked in Christmas decor which was a fun change. Made me wish it was Christmas again.
Such a fun four days spent with friends! We had the best time. Such a great time that I wish we could do it all over again for my birthday. Which is in 47 days. (not that I’m counting) xoxo, Erin
Awesome! nothing beats planning ahead and being prepared to outsmart the rest of the park attendees.
It really was the best trip ever! We LOVED staying with you guys and celebrating Ellie’s birthday! We all had so much fun, and I definitely agree, overall the rain was our friend! Still can’t believe we got to do so much w/o a wait, it was awesome! Now we are missing you guys like crazy and can’t wait till our next get together! How often can you handle a visit from us? :):)
We love you guys so much, THANKS for everything!!!
Those friendships are so special. Matthew has a little girl friend who he’s known since they were babies. We visit them in whatever faraway place they move to, they come see us during holidays. And it’s been so fun to see them get so excited to see each other each reunion. (I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I snap a few extra pictures “just in case” we use them for a wedding vid. I just love her parents and think it’d be so rad to be in-laws). I was friends with Matt’s friends in HighSchool, and it pleased me very much when they chose awesome women who I get along with. Josie seems fun, and she has some kickin’ biceps.
Happy Birthday to Little Ellie! What a fun birthday she had, ponchos and all.
I’ve known the rain trick for a long time now… it really is the best, isn’t it? We only have 41 days till we head down for our D’land trip… but who’s counting????
what a fun time with great friends! way to brave the rain.
oh, and your belly is looking too cute these days. :)
Hi Erin, I am really enjoying reading your blog! Great photos you have to share. Oh, and my bday is in 41 days……….you made me get up and count!
Sandy
http://sandycafarelli.blogspot.com/
What a fun post with such cute pictures. You’re little 6 year old is darling and I share your desire for them to STOP growing up so quickly. I have a 6 year old myself that I wish I could just freeze in time. Glad you all had such a fun time celebrating!
p.s. you are a too cute pregnant girl!
Oh this looks like the best trip ever!! I want to plan a trip just like this…come stay with you and go to Disneyland, and Sea World!! How fun!! We went to Disneyland when I was PRegnant with Cam…they had record rain that day…and we walked on EVERY ride, too!! It really is the BEST!!
Happy Birthday to little Ellie!! What a fun birthday she had!! I love the rain gear! Those girls are always all dolled up!!