April – Family Vacation – A Day at Disneyland

On my actual birthday we went to Disneyland.  Since we had to wait for everyone to arrive I decided to get my button that said, “Happy Birthday” which required all the workers to tell me Happy Birthday.  It was kind of cheesy but fun at the same time. 

We started the day with a couple typical shots with the characters at the park and then quickly got in line for the rides.  Jimmy had a “plan” on how to get to all the rides quickly which included getting fast passes so we didn't have to wait in the line.  

Matthew joined the girls for a picture with Minnie

A typical princess family picture... 

Of course our nieces and nephews begged to ride with Matthew and me and often fought over who got to go with us.  This is the one reason I wanted to come to Disneyland was for the children.  I get sick on a lot of the rides so my joy is watching how much they enjoy the park.  Shane loved riding on the rides with James and Josiah or any of the older cousins for that matter, but on occasion he did ride with Matthew and me. 

Aliya wanted the "Birthday Girls" to ride together... 

And of course Elizabeth claimed Matthew for the day... 

The boys are ready for the ride... 

Jimmy & Karen got to ride with Jonathan a lot... 

My parents just tagged on wherever they could... 

Uncle Matthew and his girls... 

Walking to the next ride... of course we used the buddy system..!

What a fun group to spend the day with..!

Shane and James racking up the points..!

My cousins... Dawn and John (Our Park Guides)

Jonathan LOVED the rides... 

James & Shane loved riding "It's a Small World"... or not... 

Though this is one of my favorite rides..!

Jeremy and his family arrived shortly before lunch so our group finally reached its full capacity of 26 people.  We were a huge group which allowed us to take over some of the rides completely.   It also made waiting in line not such a bit deal since we were able to visit the whole time. 

Super excited about everything... including lunch

The boys loved the food.. and cotton candy of course..!

The group spit up into bigger kids and little ones for awhile..!

Back together for the Jungle Cruise..!

Jaydan looking cute and calm... 

We took up most of the boat for the cruise..!

Matthew took a break partway through the day to go back to the condo and relax.  This was a busy day for him after having his operation just weeks before but he wanted to spend time with the family so he just came and went as he needed.  He did make it back just in time for our “Family Pictures”.  We took a picture of the entire family and then individual pictures of the families.  Of course we were all divided into families by colors which made it easier to keep track of all the children and identify who was part of what family.  

The Entire "Finnestad" Family... 

Jimmy, Karen & Kids - The Blue Finnestad Family

Jeremy, Maria & Kids - The Green Finnestad Family

Kim & Girls- The Black Munson Family

Matthew, Shane, & I - The Red Mazdzer Family

John, Dawn & Kids - The Black Salts Family

Mom and Dad - With all their Kids..!

Aliya was waiting all day to ride the tea cups with Uncle Matthew..!

Shane and James had a ball - Until James got sick..!

 We were there all day long and did everything there was to do (except make it to Toon Town with the younger kids).  I was surprised how well the kids did after such a long day on the go but they had a blast and we didn't really have any meltdowns in the “Happiest place on Earth”.  Of course, they went until the park closed which included a couple extra rounds of Space Mountain. 

Matthew and I decided to head home a little early.  We just walked back to the condo which once again gave us a couple minutes alone.  It was a nice way to end my birthday, especially since I love to walk.