First Family Trip to Disneyland

Those who have been to Disneyland either love it or they don't.  There is not a lot of in between.  I (Lindsay) happen to be of the "love it" camp.  Disneyland is full of great memories and nostalgia, and I hope that I can continue to create similar memories with my children.  

Growing up, I attended year-round school, which meant we had a break in October.  It was always a great time to visit my grandparents in California and a perfect time to visit Disneyland with greatly decreased crowds.  When we realized that the Eid holiday would fall in October this year, we decided that a trip to Disneyland would fit in nicely for the first time as a family.  We spent two days in Disneyland and California Adventure.  We were joined by my parents as well as my sister and her family.  In addition, my brothers & their wives joined up with us on the second day.  Here are a selection on photos from "Day 1."

Waiting for the gates to open

Leoni wasn't too fond of the loud cheering to countdown (neither was Burke)

Actually, he probably just wanted freedom to run

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was also "too loud"

She was most excited for the carousel

The teacups were also a hit

What is behind this perfectly sized door?

Trying hats at the Mad Hatter

Some people have greater enthusiasm

Preparing for Dumbo

Caught my parents enjoying themselves

The Tiki Room

Taking a break with Grandpa Nor

Some heavy lifting

Watching Pluto with Dad from afar

Grandpa Nor looks better without a facelift

Check out Coraline's mini Chucks

Leoni was loving the attention other than her younger brother

Checking out the wildlife on the Jungle Cruise

A Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

While visiting Travis' family in Springville, we paid a visit to their local pumpkin patch.  We went in costume with the majority of his extended family.  In addition to farm animals to see, and a hay ride, there was a big corn box to play in.

Slightly more demure at first

Climbing to the top of the mountain of hay bales

Burke playing with Kennedy

Costumed onlookers

Feeling the kernels run through her fingers

Jumping down into the corn

Some random Arab guy with a jaunty tilt to his gutrah

Relaxing in the corn

Snow angels

Even fairies have to empty their shoes sometimes

Stopping for a pose mid-climb

Tiptoe through the corn

Just enjoying it

Captain America buried in corn

The carved pumpkins

(carved by Dad--Leoni designed hers)

First Snow

It snowed in Salt Lake during the night, and Leoni was soooo excited to go out and play in it.  We were ill-equipped in the snow clothing department, but their was only a small amount that stuck around.  Ironically, after all the pleading, Leoni would not touch it.  So, we pointed instead.

Maybe if we borrow a coat?

Temple Square/ & the Church History Museum

EVen though it was freezing cold and windy, we trekked to Temple Square and the Church History Museum.

The best picture we could get 

(considering the temperatures)

Dancing in the children's area

We spent a lot of time here, and Burke wasn't happy with just the "boys" vest.  He wanted a fun twirling skirt as well.  We definitely garnered a lot of "looks" from the missionaries.

Living Planet Aquarium

We escaped the cold to visit the fish indoors at the Living Planet Aquarium.

Riding a frog?

Intently watching the otters

(new since our last visit)

BIG fish

Gardner Village

We made little visit to Gardner Village.  All was bedecked in Halloween decor, including the famous witches.  Shopping was not part of the visit with these little companions.  Instead we...

Ate doughnuts

Whole-heartedly

Giggled at silly witches

Saw hundred of pumpkins (and a hanging witch)

And finished it off with a visit to a nearby park