Disneyland - yes, that's correct, we went again. That's 3 trips in less than a year - HA!

Can anyone beat our track record? We really shouldn't gloat, or be proud of anyone who has gone more 3 times in a year. Well, unless you live in LA - tickets are ridiculously CHEAPER! We swear not to return until next year.. hehe - when Brian's conference takes place in Orlando, Disney WORLD - WOOHOO!

Brian left for his business trip last Sunday morning (did I mention he had the FLU - not your typical cold my friends, the FLU is RUTHLESS!), upon his arrival to Embassy Suites (5 blocks from Disneyland, the hotel we stayed during our 2 prior trips) Brian called letting us know he was safe and that the hotel was not the same without us (could be the fact that he was drugged up on NyQuil, I didn't question his reasons - "No worries, we'll see you tomorrow!") Our rode trip began Monday morning at 8:30 am, cruise control set at 73 mph! With only 1 stop we arrived at the hotel at 2:30pm... I became a little convinced that Sierra may be getting sick (she slept the entire 6 hour drive), maybe Marissa too, she did not complain ONCE nor did she ask "Are we there yet?", but enjoyed the beautiful scenery and Orchard trees in bloom w/the prettiest white and pink flowers! Not to mention, that somewhere between Kettleman City and Lebec, Marissa's says: "Mommy, it looks like we are on space!" HA!

Brian was in a conference the rest of the day, followed by a dinner cruise aboard John Wayne's boat (what a tough life he leads). Us ladies enjoyed dinner at Buca di beppo. Tuesday morning us girls were very excited, however, entering Disneyland w/out Brian just wasn't the same! I felt guilty, enjoying such a wonderful place w/out him! Not to mention, that I missed his muscles when I had to hold BOTH girls at once during the wait in line at the Casey Jr. Circus Train ride and Storybook Land Canal Boat ride (which for some funny reason while waiting in line I continuously over heard people saying "YEAH, we're on It's a Small World" - oh to be a first timer at Disneyland. HA!)!; OR, When I saw the most ridiculous outfit or Sharpie eyebrows; In need of an ear to curse a rude Disney employee; An extra arm to console a scared child; More muscles to carry 2 children and a stroller onto the shuttle bus; Most importantly a hand to hold and smile to glance at!

~ I ditched the girls - they were scared of SULLY ~ Our best excuse to visiting Disneyland a third time within 10 months, is that we could not pass up the opportunity, plus the fact the hotel was FREE and I only paid for my 3 day park hopper...Not ONE employee at the entrance gate asked for an additional ticket for the girls nor did they question their age. Which goes to show that any child 5 and under should be free - OR just be as frugal as me, and take the risk. I paid my dues inside - lollipops went up a $1.00, and Marissa's favorite rides, the Matterhorn, as well as the Sun Wheel were under construction. Did I mention Disney employees were rude, not only to me, but to other patrons. The worst is when someone asks: "If I purchase the souvenir (cup) is there a discount on future purchases or refills?" EMPLOYEE: "UH, yeah, if you purchase the regular priced item (drink or popcorn) you can just dump it into your souvenir cup). I realized quickly not to ask the question OR at the entrance gate: GUEST: "What rides are under construction" EMPLOYEE: "How should I know, you'll need to ask someone at guest services." Okie Dokie! My friend later told me that maybe it's because of the recent layoffs, to which I glanced up to the sky and thought, hum.. makes sense - those who still have a job are upset, because... WHY?! Luckily, the Super Nice employees weighed out the moody ones. Meeting Alice was not your typical "meet the character" - Walking pass the Tea Cup ride Brian and I glanced over noticing a short blonde girl in a blue dress hiding out beneath a tree, I quickly told Marissa who it was - she practically jumped out of her stroller. Surprisingly, no one else had clued in, giving Marissa plenty of opportunity to speak w/Alice. Sierra was all smiles!! Marissa apparently has no interest of riding "It's a small world", but I think it's cute - so Tuesday evening we rush over to enjoy the remaining hour and a half - figuring that would allow us 2 (maybe 3) rides (the park closed at 9pm). No line at the entrance - perfect! Marissa noticed the change since Christmas and began getting excited about my choice - perfect! The girls were all smiles - perfect! Then WTF! - the ride stops - not so perfect! We were stuck for 15-20 minutes! "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?" I began to apologize to the girls - whodathunk this would happen - well to me, the likelihood was above 100%. Marissa kept saying "I told you so mommy". We sang songs to keep up our spirits. You'd think we would have more insight on Disneyland: This is all the insight I was able to gain during my latest stay: 1. The Wicked Queen peeks through the arched window curtains on top of the Snow White attraction; 2. D23 (stands for D= DISNEY 23= 1923, year the park opened); and 3. JOKE: Why can't Cinderella play basketball? Because she has a pumpkin for a coach. HA! Just a little more humor from our trip.... while riding the (city) shuttle the song blaring on the speakers: Prince's EROTIC CITY, yes the explicit version! Half way through the song the bus driver was nervously pushing buttons on the radio to change the channel. Another great reason to visit LA - seeing one of my dearest friends, Rhonda! Brian took the girls to Disneyland Wednesday evening while I enjoyed dinner at Bubba Gump (at Anaheim's Gardenwalk - real nice shopping/dining center). Rhonda and I talked each other's ear off for 3 hours! The waitress was so over it - HA!

ps. Brian was able to spend Thursday w/us at Disneyland, however the girls were SICK w/the flu - the thrill of Disneyland lasted 4, maybe 5 hours. I guess the happiest place on earth doesn't cure the Flu. Luckily, I caught the Flu Friday during my rode trip home - lovely!!! I was layed out for 2 days - gotta love my husband for being a sport and hanging w/the girls Friday evening upon returing home from his long flight and horrific Friday traffic!!! :)