Museum of Islamic Art - Education Center

The past year, we have been attending some of the workshops offered through the Museum of Islamic Art.  They are completely free, but there are limited spaces and fill up fast.  Luckily, after Burke turned 1, both he and Leoni could attend the "Early Years" class for 1-3 year olds at the same time.  Every time, I forget to take pictures, but they love the art, which is often followed by songs and dancing.  Unfortunately, the Early Years is being discontinued in 2013.  Leoni will be able to attend the next age group, but Burke won't have anything.  Here is a little glimpse into what has been a fun activity.

Leoni playing with clay, texture stamps, and various other bits

Burke deep in thought as he paints

Masked Man

I've heard there is a lot of hype concerning this upcoming "masked man."

Well, what about this one?

A Bunch of Characters

Seeing characters and taking my picture with them has never been high on my priority list.  When I was younger, there were fewer times and places to see them.  Now, there are multiple locations for Meet & Greet opportunities, and Leoni was very interested in meeting and greeting, so we indulged her...a LOT.  Here are the characters we took pictures with. 

Waiting in line

Goofy

Belle

Ariel

Tigger

Winnie the Pooh

Tiana

Merida (the first that Burke wasn't terrified of)

Dale

Chip and Dale

     Cinderella

Mary Poppins

Minnie

Mulan

And the pièce de résistance Mickey

As a bonus, we got to spend all our time with these characters

Disney--Day 2: Club 33

The highlight of Day 2 was visiting Club 33.  Ever since I was very young, my family has had access to Club 33 through a business associate of my grandmother.  For years, it was very secretive, and we always felt so special knowing about it, let alone being able to go.  Well, with the changes to memberships, 2012 was the last year we would be able to have our connection to go.  So, we decided to celebrate with one last meal.  My entire family was able to join us and enjoy a little sanctuary fromt he hubbub of the park.

Family picture on the stairs

(Thanks, Jamie)

Our little family

DELICIOUS!

Pan Seared Chateaubriand, Cabernet Demi Glace
    8 oz. center cut of filet mignon,
    Fava bean succotash,
    Yukon Gold potato puree
    Baby tomato salad

Leoni's "Breaded Chicken Tenders w/ Vegetables"

Exiting the glass elevator

Tracy & Coraline in the Ladies Powder Room

A trip to Disneyland isn't complete without visiting Fortune Red in New Orleans Square.  leoni's first introduction to him.

Following Club 33, we let Leoni decide where she wanted to go, which was back to Toon Town & Mickey's House (her favorite).  We ran into friends from BYU and let her go in and out of all the houses for a coupe of hours, and she was in heaven.

We finally made it to California Adventure, where we discovered the new Carsland.

Mater's Junkyard Jamboree was a little crazy for the little guy

Luigi's Flying Tires

Talking Fire Truck

Hood Ornament Monument at sunset

By the time we were back at the hotel, both kids were fast asleep