Monday, January 21, 2008

Dolphins, Dolls and Disney

Update: Here are some pics and an edited version of the earlier post since I was in such a rush this morning! We're back in the room taking a break. The older kids are doing homework! Yes, I'm a mean mommy making them work on a holiday!

On the drive down Hwy 1 as we were passing through Malibu, we saw dolphins. I don't know about you, but I've always loved them. There is something so graceful, almost mystical about them. About 12 of them were swimming south We'd been told to watch for them, but what were the odds of seeing them during our drive? We pulled to the side of the road to watch them jump and swim. Very cool. As someone posted in the comment section, I too would love to do one of those swim with dolphin experiences.

We then headed inland through Beverly Hills. This picture was taken as we drove by this sign. We passed Rodeo Drive. Mackenna wanted to stop to see movie stars. Of course, her version of a movie star is anyone who stars in a show on the Disney Channel!



We made our way to The Grove to American Girl Place. Talk about doll overload. The girls were stunned with all they had. Two entire floors. A cafe, doll hair salon, photo salon, doll hospital and theater. Each historical doll had her own little room with everything you could buy. There were also different sections for the Doll of the Year as well as the books and rest of the stuff. Hubby and Finn were totally overwhelmed. And let's not go into what hubby had to say about the price tags. We didn't buy much, mainly a couple things that were specific to American Girl Place since we could always get the other stuff via the catalog.

Then it was on to Disneyland. We went to the California Adventure Park. Rode a few rides, had dinner and watched the Electrical parade. Rose thought everything was real. So cute. She bounced when she saw the mice from Cinderella dance by. She was watching that DVD on the drive down! The pirate ship with Peter Pan and Captain Hood scared her. She ran behind me and hid. Some when Pete and his dragon came by.

After the parade, we headed to Disneyland for the fireworks show. Talk about magical. It was just like the YouTube video I'd posted a week or so ago, but there's nothing like seeing it in person. At first they announced that the show might be cancelled due to high winds, but it went off as planned. Thank goodness. It was the kidlets first firework show ever. Not sure how they will ever top it. We then rode Star Tours, It's a Small World Holiday version and Buzz Lightyear. I really liked t he holiday version of It's a Small Ride. The decorations were lovely and they played Jingle Bells along with the normal song, but in all the different languages.

It's time to head back to the park! More later!

Have a magical evening!