"It's a Small World"

Back in 2013 we went to Disneyland with the Edgel family.  Every so often Gavin will ask us when we can go to Disneyland again, reminding us that he's only ever been once in his whole life! Well, considering he was only three the first time he went, we weren't planning on another trip anytime in the near future.  I tried explaining to Gavin that I was seven the first time I went to Disneyland, and I never went again until after Mommy and Daddy were married!

But it just so happened that Gavin's wish came true this past April and he got to go on his second trip to the happiest place on earth! Patti has a year pass to Disneyland, and wanted to take the three oldest grandkids with her. The only dilemma was figuring out how we would get Gavin from Utah down to Vegas...so I volunteered to tag along on their trip! Jared stayed behind and worked, while Gavin, Liam, and I headed down to Las Vegas. While Liam enjoyed a three day visit with Grandpa and Auntie Janea... Gavin, Easton, Teagan, Patti, and I set out for California. It was a quick trip, arriving Sunday evening, hitting Disneyland and California Adventure on Monday and Tuesday, then driving back to Vegas Tuesday evening. Tuesday was also Patti's birthday, so it was fun to celebrate with her and grandkids at Disneyland!

Fires and s'mores Saturday night before heading to California

I don't think this bug even missed me!

These three were too cute on the drive together

Pre-Disneyland fun and the hotel pool 

The very first ride we went on was Space Mountain (now Hyperspace Mountain). This trip Gavin was tall enough to basically ride everything...but I didn't think to explain before getting on that he was perfectly safe. You can't fall out, the TIE fighters won't actually hit us, we're not really going into hyperdrive, etc. It was all a little much. While I sat in front with Teagan I could hear Gavin's worried cries of, "Oh no! How do we shoot them? I want off!" Easton loved it, while Gavin was wiping his tears when we finally stopped. After a long hug and explanation that everything on the rides is make believe, Gavin wouldn't let Hyperspace Mountain get the best of him again! Our very last ride at Disneyland was a second spin on Hyperspace Mountain, now one of Gavin's favorite rides!

Gavin was all about the maps. By the end of the trip I think we had

collected at least 5 maps of Disneyland and California Adventure

Toontown Fun 

What would Disneyland be without the overpriced treats?

California Adventure was TOTALLY worth it, just for Cars Land! Stopping dead in his tracks, Gavin looked around and started jumping for joy say, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Look! We're in Radiator Springs! We're in the movie Cars for real!!! I can't believe it! It's like a dream come true!!" There was Luigi's Casa Della Tires, Flo's Cafe, the Cozy Cone Motel, and Stanley's Statue. Gavin wasn't kidding! As you walk down the street past the one blinking street light, it really feels like you've entered Radiator Springs.

Although the fireworks were canceled Monday night, we

still had fun hanging out and watching the evening parade

Happy Birthday Patti!

More fun in Radiator Springs

Of all the ride pictures we just couldn't get over how hilarious this one was! Easton and Gavin's faces are the best.

Gavin had such a blast with Grandma and cousins and it was great to join along in the fun!!