California 2008

The week before last, we went with my guard on tour to California. The timing was perfect - there was pretty much a blizzard here when we were driving up to the airport and California was a balmy and sunny 70 degrees when we get there on Wednesday morning. Because of our hard-working summer, we hadn't gotten the chance to take a vacation for a while and so we were glad for the break. Here is how we spent our 4 1/2 days in California:

Wednesday

We spent Wednesday mostly in Disneyland and finished off the day in California Adventure. Gorgeous weather and NO lines! (This is my second time going to Disneyland in November and I really think it is the most perfect time of year to go.) Here are a few photo highlights... we did a lot more than is pictured.

This was on Pirates of the Caribbean... Elena was really excited. No, actually, she was just a little worn out from the early morning and plane ride. She was falling asleep or asleep for the first few hours in Disneyland.

Exploring Tarzan's TreehouseThey don't look too sure about going into the haunted house...

It turned out that this one did get a little too scary for Elena... as soon as the lights went out, she was finished.

Posing with Mickey, outside California Adventure

Thursday

Thursday morning, we went to Riverside Community College to do a clinic with their staff. RCC is home to one of the best marching bands in the world. AND their colorguard is the world-champion Fantasia winterguard. So, needless to say, the clinic was brilliant. They are so amazing to work with - I was pretty much just in awe the whole time.

When we finished at RCC, we headed over to Huntington Beach to spend a few hours.

Elena didn't enjoy the cold water at first

But slowly, she warmed up to it.What was even better then the water was playing in the sand

Friday

We spent the day at Disneyland again. It was hot, but lots of fun.

We spent the morning in Fantasyland riding tea cups, the carousel, the train, Dumbo, taking a boat ride, etc. We took a little break to go visit the Mad Hatter and got this picture:

Elena was pretty hot and tired by the time we tried to take this picture in front of the White Rabbits door (which was in the shade thank heavens).

Elena and our friend, Tara, playing with the water ball by Space Mountain

We rounded off the Disneyland experience by stopping in Toon Town for Elena to play (again) at Goofy's House. She loved running around, going down the slide, and most of all, drinking out of this hose. She seriously sat in front of it for five minutes at a time, multiple times. It was hilarious!

To finish off the day, we went to California Adventure to ride a few more rides and then stopped by the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. It was a fun day!

Saturday

On Saturday, we watched the kids compete at the Los Angeles BOA regionals and then headed home on Saturday night. We had a fun week and are so glad we got to go!