Jackson's Birthday Trip~Part 2

We decided that this year we'd make Jackson's birthday extra special (especially since we took him house hunting last year on his birthday!) by having a Birthday Party with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland! He had been asking where Mickey lived and saying that he wanted to go visit him...so we did.

We booked 4 nights at a hotel right across from the entrance to Disney...it was awesome to be so close! When we got into our room, they had left balloons and a present for Jackson...making him smile from ear to ear! They also provided him with a birthday cake for him to pick up on his birthday! We couldn't have asked for more from our hotel.




We spent about 3 days at Disneyland and one at the "ever evolving" California Adventure Park, which is a Disney theme park as well. It has all the Pixar stuff (in case you didn't know, 'cause I sure didn't at first), so "Cars" was a great thing to see over there! There was also "A Bug's Life" area, and the World of Color night time show that was fabulous!



Jackson was excited to meet so many of his favorite Disney characters. He runs the gammant for favorites...we go from Handy Manny, to Mickey, to Minnie, Buzz and then Mary Poppins (which, I have to say was my all time favorite at the park). Mary Poppins taught Jackson how to properly escort a lady, as you can see in the picture below. It was so very precious! "Mary Poppins" is one of Jackson's favorite Disney movies...it's quite possible he's watched it a couple dozen times!



On the morning of his birthday, we made reservations at the Plaza Inn for a Character Breakfast with Minnie and her friends. Complete fun for all three of us, but Jackson had gotten so into getting the characters' autographs that it was neat to see him so excited when he saw them. He even got one from Geppedo from Pinnochio-another of his favorite Disney movies.




And then of course, there's visiting Toontown and Mickey Mouse's home where you must get a picture with Mickey.




And who could leave Disneyland without enjoying a chocolate Mickey Mouse ice cream bar!



There's also the famous ride, "It's a Small World," which was neat to be on after having visited so many of the places that are represented on that ride!


We watched the parade, the night time show, all the "usual" stuff!


We had so much fun...and for 6 days, we enjoyed being somewhere else for a change!


It was a truly magical vacation for all of us! And now, we have a Four-Year-Old...where did the four years go?!?!?! He's so grown up now.

Jackson Turns 4!! (Birthday Trip-Part 1)

Yes, I have finally come to the realization a month later that I am the mother of a four year old. It appears that my attempts to keep him from growing up are not working so I must succumb to the inevitable...he is no longer a baby or toddler but a proper boy now. So, to celebrate that, we surprised Jackson with a trip to Sea World and Disneyland this year! We thought it would be fun to have Mickey, Minnie and the gang join us in a Birthday Party for Jackson...and it didn't hurt that Cody and I were thoroughly excited about going to Disney as well!!

Jackson went to preschool on the morning before we drove to San Diego. We helped him celebrate his birthday there by providing chocolate muffins for his snack time in his room. (Although it looks like he is lonesome sitting at the table, don't worry, his friends were there with him...but, as usual, he takes forever to eat and is STILL eating his muffin!)



Then, off we went on a 6 hour drive to San Diego! The evening we got there, we drove down and spent some time at Seaport Village. I could live there...in the village! I loved it!




The next day, we headed off to Sea World! For the longest time, Jackson said he liked Sea World better than Disneyland. Guess it made an impression on him...he still talks about Shamu!






After Sea World, we went to dinner at a friend's house. They were the only other Americans stationed with us in Scotland, so naturally we got to be great friends! When they moved from Scotland, a month after we moved, they were stationed in San Diego...so very close to us!! It was wonderful to catch up and to let the boys play together. Here's a picture of the two boys! (Elizabeth H, we thought you might enjoy seeing the boys together again and how much they've grown since you kept them back in Scotland! We all miss you so very much!)



The next morning, we drove to Balboa Park and did a run there before hopping in the car and driving to Anaheim for our Disney adventure!

So...It's Been A While!

It has been a while since I've updated this blog...sorry. Lots been going on, so be looking for updates! OK, there, now I'm accountable!

Let's back up to the end of September. My parents started a 45 day road trip around the US, and we were their first stop! They came and visited us for 4 days. We had fun in the pool and celebrated Jackson's birthday a bit while they were here! It was a great time of relaxation with them and catching up.





Then...two weeks after they left, we left...for Disneyland! Pictures and details of that trip to follow...but suffice it to say, we had a great time as we tried to make "All of Jackson's Dreams Come True" as we celebrated his 4th Birthday on October 12 with Mickey, Minnie and many other Disney Friends!