My super sweet and sassy niece Alyssa turned 7 years old on April 23th. To celebrate we packed our suitcases with lots of shorts and sunscreen and headed to Anaheim. After a few couple hundred, "Are we there yet" we finally saw signs that we had arrived at the magical land.
Our main plan of action while in L.A. was to pamper princess Alyssa and how better to do that than have a make over at:
Princess Alyssa Gets Pampered
Elise Getting Her Hair Done
Looking Glamorous
After the girls were done being made-up we headed to dinner with Alyssa's Grandma and Aunties at Rainforest Cafe. We had a loooong wait and at some points I really do think my stomach began to eat itself from lack of food. Do you suppose my girls get their flair for dramatics from me?
Here are a couple of shots taken at dinner:
After dinner we headed to the hotel where we convinced the kids to catch some zzz's so we could get up early and go to Disneyland. Everyone woke up bright and early filled with excitement. The last time we all went to Disneyland together Elise (now 8) and Dylan (almost 9) were 2 and 3 and Alyssa was 6 months old. Em wasn't even born yet. This time Em was with us and at 4 years old she is now 42 inches which qualified us to officially move to the BIG KID rides!
We arrived to a VERY busy Disneyland on one of the hottest days of the year so far. In fact it was so hot that the kids quickly lost all enthusiasm. And once they realized we would be waiting in sixty minute lines they all began to beg to go back to the hotel to swim in the pool. I must admit with four wilting kids and long lines I too secretly wished to return to the comfort of the hotels air conditioning, but people I had just spent my life savings to get into the park (and yet again I return to my flair for dramatics)!! We were going to get our money's worth no matter what! If you look closely you may notice the beads of determination....I mean sweat:
This next photo makes my heart smile every time I see it. This was the first ride of the day and Emily was a little reticent to ride a big kid ride because in person the ride was well BIG, and scary. Dylan noticed her fear and without prompting he gently took her hand and told her, "Don't worry Emmie I'll ride with you, don't be scared." And he did just that and her fear quickly melted away as they rode off together. After the ride they posed together in a gentle embrace.
Here they all ride Pirates of the Caribbean:
Emily finally gave into the heat:
Happy Times at "The Happiest Place on Earth"
We stayed until Emily finally gave in and fell asleep at 11PM. As we walked down Main Street to catch our bus the girls spotted Minnie Mouse and we HAD to get a picture.
Happy Birthday Alyssa! Thank you for turning seven and sharing your day with us. You are a very special part of our family and I am so blessed to have you as my niece. I love you, my little cell phone toting, pro-texting princess!
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