Disneyland and Newport

A few weeks ago, we took the kids down to Disneyland and Newport to spend some time with the Poulsen's, who were visiting California. I think they were more excited to see their friends than to go to Disneyland. There was so much energy and it was so fun to see them so happy!

Ashlyn, Jessica and Megan waiting to go to Disneyland

Ashlyn is at that age, where everything is new and magical. She had been watching utube videos of little girls meeting the princesses and Minnie Mouse all week on the ipad and was so excited to meet Minnie Mouse! (We are still amazed at how well she navigates around on that thing!) Lauren and Abby with MinnieTalli, Macie, Megan and Minnie

Of course, after we waited in line and got to Minnie, Ashlyn wasn't to sure about her and tried to hide behind my legs and then wanted to be held where she could take a look from a safe distance. She liked playing in Minnie's house though. I have so many cute pictures and I've been bad about updating my Picasa album. Maybe I'll get to that later today... Look at her eyeing Mickey from the safety of Jason's arms. Haha!Jessica, Austin and Zack decided they weren't interested in Toontown and set off to find a roller coaster that they could convince Austin to ride with them, but eventually came back unsuccessful.Zack and Austin waiting in line for Pirates of the CaribbeanAshlyn laughing after she got caught trying to sneak another kiss on Daddy cheek. So cute! Macie

Jason captured this moment that could sum up Disneyland in a single picture.

Jason and AshlynJessica and Austin Me and Lauren

One of the highlights from the trip was meeting Jon Heder from Napoleon Dynamite. We had just come out Tarzan's Tree house and Jeremy and Talli noticed him going in. The kids went in after him. He actually sat talking to the kids for a while and let them take pictures of him on their cell phones. Jess has a cute picture of him on her phone where he is making a "Napoleon face". After watching them chat for a minute, we decided we could be silly fans too and get our picture taken with him.No time to changes lenses and with a 50 fixed and unable to zoom in or out... Jer got cut off! We didn't look at the picture until after Jon had already said goodbye!
Jason played paparazzi and got a few of him gathering his kids and stroller.We decided it was cool about the pictures because we are all tight now. See? Here he is inviting us all to come with him and hang out. ;-) After we were all a little giddy, we decided we could brave the line at the Dumbo ride. Isn't that one on the "must ride" list when you visit Disneyland?
The castle was gorgeous at night! Jason and I decided that Disneyland would be the perfect place to take a photography class because they have so many different lighting setting and motions speeds and people! Hmmm... we may have to go back sometime when we have more time to play with the camera. The girls met Rapunzel
And Flynn taught the boys "the smolder" It was a magical day at Disneyland After all that walking, we were ready for a relaxing day in Newport!

Abby and Lauren

Jessica
Jason and Ashlyn

Macie and Lauren

Ashlyn and Jason

My hunky hubby!

Abby and Lauren

We had the best time swimming, barbecuing, a little shopping, eating Sprinkles Cupcakes and just hanging out with our friends. It was so hard to tear the kids away from each other, but we all left looking forward to the next time.