California Adventure

Yesterday, as part of our So Cal Disneyland package, Becky and I got to take Hayden to California Adventure. It was the first time for me too, so I really didn't know what to expect. 

We knew they had a new Ariel ride, which Hayden was excited about, so we headed over first thing. It really was amazing - very well done and followed the story line of the movie decently well, including about four of the key songs. The first time, Hayden liked it, but didn't love it. The second and third times were much later in the day and I guess she was all warmed up, cause she started to love it. I wish I had better pics, but here are a few grainy ones I took in the dark and then lightened with the computer. Clearly, she was excited and enjoyed it, which is so fun to see. 

Of course, we went on lots of other rides. More than at Disneyland it seemed, as in general, the lines were shorter. Here are some cute pics of Hayden doing everything from the rockets and the Redwood Camping walk, to the Bug's Life ladybug spinners. 

(She walked on these ropes, even though she was scared!)

 "Bug eyes" for the 3D Bug's Life movie. There were some scary parts, but she was a brave girl all day. 

She was a fan of the carousel again. This one was full of sea creatures and we rode it twice. 

The last ride of the day was especially challenging for Hayden, as it was a kids roller coster that was a little more dramatic than the one she went on at Knott's Berry Farm a few months ago. We didn't initially realize that and once we saw more of the track, almost backed out. But Hayden said she was game to try it. This was her face as we started to go up. She was definitely scared, but never cried. She did say "This isn't my favorite," about half way through. What a trooper!

Ok, so I'm going a bit backward in time, but I do want to talk a bit about our lunch, as it was a special princess character lunch at a restaurant called Ariel's Grotto. The deal is, you pay for/eat a fairly expensive lunch, but throughout, the Disney princesses come by to chat and take a pic with you. We knew this would be a highlight for Hayden so we made reservations two months ago and were ready to experience the magic. 

Happily, it was actually a fun experience. The food, while expensive, was plentiful and even pretty good. They were also on time in taking our reservation. Overall it was a much more pleasant use of 90 mins, compared to the standing in line we did at Disneyland, and I'd recommend it for other little girls. 

Hayden knew she would be eating with Ariel, and as promised, they had Ariel ready for pictures before we even took our seats!

 

These were the first two princesses that came by our table. Snow was somewhat dismissive again - not sure what her deal is, but Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) was nicer. 

The last two were by far the sweetest. They each talked with Hayden the most, gave her a hug (two from Belle!) and in general, didn't seem to be in such a rush. That was great, because they are also two of Hayden's favorites. It was so fun for her and thus, for me and Becky too. 

Speaking of Becky, she was totally awesome about all this. Totally willing, and perhaps even happy, to spend the day at both amusement parks with me and a very chatty (almost) four year old. Over both days, she took off work to go on all the little kid rides, sit on the cement waiting for the parade, and pay for an overpriced princess lunch, never once asking to visit any of her favorite rides, restaurants or shows. What an amazing friend!

Memorial Day Trip And Mini Birthday

Over the Memorial Day holiday, we went to visit Grandma Peggy in Kansas City, and I feel like we did so much! First was the plane ride, which was somewhat long at three hours, but Hayden did pretty well and eventually, we put on a movie for her.

It was fabulously warm and maybe a bit humid, but that didn't bother Hayden or I a bit. At first, we just settled in and played with some of the neighbor kids, who were really nice and who had a playground structure in their back yard. Then, after dinner, we took a little ride on their boat! Hayden had been on one before, but not for a few years, and I'm delighted to say that she seemed to really like it! She didn't even mind the life vest. 

One of the things we did on the second day was take Hayden to a "farm stead" (farmstead?) for kids in Overland Park. It wasn't too crowded, or expensive, and had lots of fun things that Hayden had never done before. 

One of them was ride a pony! Hayden chickened out the last time she had an opportunity, so we were a little nervous about how she'd do this time, but (despite the face she's making below) she loved it! She  had no hesitation about doing it the first time and even asked to do it again. We were delighted to oblige. 

Another thing she got to do was feed a bottle to a baby goat! And apparently, that thing was hungry because it would not let go of the bottle, and after that was empty, tried to eat Hayden's dress! (She was none too happy about that.) 

That night, Grandma Peggy had an early, mini birthday party for Hayden, and even got her a cake!

And presents! 

On the third day, we visited Peggy's community pool, which was huge and a tad cold. Hayden didn't care though and had so much fun she didn't want to leave for about four hours! We even had lunch there.  

There were lots of other kids there too and Hayden had about five different playmates while we were there. Here is one of the little girls she played with. Wasn't she sweet to pose when Sean wanted to take a picture?

The swimming really tired Hayden out and the second she was wrapped up in a towel, she looked SO tired. Four hours of sun and water play is a lot for anyone! She actually slept during her nap that afternoon. 

All and all, great trip; awesome weather, fun things to do, lovely company.

Disneyland Again, But With A Different Focus

Until June, Disneyland was running this great Southern California resident deal that Becky and I decided to take advantage of with Hayden. We visited Disneyland on Tuesday and will go to California Adventure next Thursday.

Hayden was excited of course. She remembers Disneyland from last summer and was definitely looking forward to going back.

The typical picture, but one that marks the day for us

She loved the cars last time, so we did it again. She went with Becky this time.  

And of course, we did the tea cups, which were a hit again.

Although it's a little boring, Hayden now says the carousel was her favorite. 

Last time it was the Nemo submarine ride, but this time, she said she didn't like that one because it was "too dark."

Dumbo ride with Becky!

There were more, but aside from the rides, and actually even more than the rides, Hayden was excited to meet the characters. She met Mickey and Minnie last time, but we missed Tinkerbell and she really wasn't into any of the Disney princesses at the time. This time however, she wanted to meet Tinkerbell and she really wanted to meet some princesses. 

Well, luckily, Tinkerbell was there and we were able to stand in line to meet her. Hayden did well - she was reserved, never jumping for joy or anything, but not overly shy either. She would say hi and talk a bit, and then pose for a picture. 

Next up, Hayden wanted to see the princesses. Luckily, Sean wasn't with us, so he couldn't throw a fit about it and I decided that we would make it a mission to see them. 

The lines all day were somewhat long, but not so bad. To meet the princess though - and it's only three of them and you don't know which ones - the line was 90 mins! Hayden said she didn't care and wanted to do it anyway. So we had lunch and then gave her a large lollipop to pass the time. (Which it did, took her 45 mins to eat it.) 

Finally it was our turn! 

First up was Cinderella, who was very nice. Here she is teaching Hayden to pose like a princess. (As you can imagine, Sean did not appreciate this.) And then they took a photo together of course.

Next up was Snow White, who honestly, was a little dismissive given that we just waited an hour and a half to meet her. 

Finally, there was Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. She was a little dismissive too, which I was bummed about, until I figured out why. 

Almost right after Hayden was done, all three princesses left to go on their break. We guessed that was their rush and also, that three more princess would come out to take their place. And they did! First up was Tiana from Princess and the Frog. We got to say hi, but no pic or anything. Then Ariel and Belle came walking up together and for Hayden, I begged for a picture with them. They were in a rush, but agreed to do a quick one, so almost before Hayden knew what was happening, she was over the rope and posing with them. She didn't have time to get comfortable and smile I guess, but I was so happy that she got to meet her favorites and take a picture with them. That helped make the 90 mins worth it. 

 The most interesting thing this trip was how much Hayden wanted to meet the characters, even more than go on the rides. I'm guessing that's a phase, which is also why I let her geek out on the princesses a bit, even though Sean doesn't really approve. I figure this will be a short phase in her life and she gets so much joy out of it that I have to give in a little. Sorry Sean!

Pics of California Adventure next week!

Hayden Goes To Her First Birthday Party

On Saturday, Hayden attended her first birthday party. It was for her pre-school friend, Ellie, who was turning four. (And whom Hayden says is her favorite person at pre-school.) She was pretty excited to get all dressed up. And of course, she had fun picking out a very princess-y present for Ellie. (Notice the princess bag and everything.)

Honestly, neither of us had any idea what to expect, though Ellie's Mom told me a few weeks ago that she would have a bouncy, which Hayden had never experienced before. (A big, air-inflated jumpy thing.) As you might guess, Hayden was a little cautious. She was willing to climb in it, partly cause the other kids were in there, but she was scared to stand up (much less jump). Eventually I coaxed her to stand up and she would sorta jump around. That is, until someone kicked the cord and the whole thing collapsed, with her trapped and stuck and screaming inside. Poor girl. She cried pretty hard after that and was pretty scared. She refused to go in again, until I  climbed in and convinced her to go in with me. After that, she actually seemed to do well in it. 

This is Hayden in the jumpy with Ellie and another pre-school friend, Savannah. 

Ellie is very into Barbie so Ellie's Mom had arranged to have a Barbie princess come to the party. Hayden was actually less interested in her than I thought she would be. The first thing the princess did was face painting - fun, right? Apparently not for Hayden, who refused - multiple times - to get anything painted on her face. I felt sad about the missed opportunity, but Savannah also didn't want to do it, so at least Hayden had a tentative buddie. 

Next the princess did a few magic tricks and bubbles, which the kids loved of course. 

Finally, there was cake, ice cream and presents of course. 

I got a lot of good notes for Hayden's party next month. :)

Hide And Seek

One of Hayden's favorite games to play around the house is hide and seek. She's pretty much got the hang of it, so she counts to 10 if it's your turn to hide, or she hides in a variety of different spots, waiting for you to find her. She tries to be quiet while hiding and everything. Here are some of her favorites.

Behind her house in the playroom

In the closet (even though it's dark!) 

 Behind the brown chair in the living room

 Under the couch cushions (she needs help for this one

On a total side note - Hayden gets to go to her first birthday party tomorrow, for her favorite pre-school friend, Ellie. Stay tuned for pics!