{Surprise Vacation- Days 1 & 2}

Who doesn't like a surprise? Especially a surprise vacation! We decided a few months ago that it was way past time to take our kids to Disneyland, and really they are all at great ages for it. We originally planned to go in September for Carlie's birthday, but we were in the middle of refinancing our house and things just didn't work out like we'd planned (good thing this was a surprise vacation, so no one was disappointed but Derrick and I). So we decided to go over Fall break. The kids and Derrick got out of school early on Friday.

I had their bags all packed and loaded in the car. We told them to get in the Tahoe, we were going on a ride (yea, they had no idea how long that ride was going to be). Can I just say my kids were CLUELESS! The day before we left Derrick asked the kids what they wanted to do for the weekend. Brock wanted to go to the Jazz game (we had tickets) and Kaleb wanted to go camping at White Mountain. He reminded them that they didn't have school on Monday and Tuesday and also mentioned that they were going to miss Wednesday too. Kaleb picked right up on the missing Wednesday, asking why. To which Brock promptly replied, "It's a budget reduction day, dummy!" Ummm, not so much buddy, but ok? As we headed out of town Brock was sure we were going to the Jazz game until we got on the freeway headed south and not north. I thought the poor kid was going to cry. We finally told them that we were going to a place called Buffalo Bills in Primm, NV.

We got to Vegas around dark and decided to take a detour down the strip. That's when the small town came out in the kids. I was crackin' up, it was like sensory overload for all of them. Some of the best things I heard.... "Look Graffiti!"-Kaleb, "I bet they have to have those stop sign-ey things here (stoplights)."- Brock, "Guys, look on my side. HOLY FREAKIN' COW!"-Carlie

When finally got to Primm and got checked in. The kids wanted to go out and explore, but we were waiting for a special phone call, from Mickey Mouse. He called right on time, I put the call on speaker phone and this is what he told the kids.....
Good morning, pal! It's me, Mickey. Your parents told me you've got a real big day planned. And that you're taking a trip! Oh boy! That sounds like fun! Gee Pluto, what should we do today? Guess we could go fishin' or visit Donald and Goofy or go on a picnic with Minnie. I think he wants to do all three. Guess Pluto and I better get movin' then. Well, I hope you have a swell day, pal! And I'll see ya real soon!

At first none of them really got it, but when I asked why Mickey would call them about a vacation and say "see ya real soon", they freaked! Brock thought we were leaving right then and was bummed that we weren't staying at Buffalo Bills! He got over it real quick! Everyone was too wound up to sleep so we walked down to the arcade and the bulk candy shop. The kids all got to sign their names on the wall and thought that was the coolest thing ever..... you were allowed to write on the wall, even encouraged?!?! Kaleb picked a tiny spot where the wall curved right in the front window, pretty clever!

We finally got everyone to sleep. Carlie though her bed of two chairs pushed together was the coolest thing ever. Everyone went to sleep good, almost too good. I should have know it wouldn't last. Carlie woke up about 12:30 with an earache. She couldn't get back to sleep and I didn't pack any medicine. I finally went on a search around 1:00, with Carlie (she refused to stay). Four gas stations later, right before I headed back to Vegas, I found some Motrin. Note to self, DON'T leave town without some children's meds!

Saturday morning, we all piled back in the car and started driving again. All I can say is thank heavens for DVD's in the car! And for GPS....we would have been lost, literally, without it!
I got each of the kids a little journal to record the trip in. It was fun to hear their thoughts as they asked how to spell different words and read us what they had written.

By the time we made it to Anaheim, we were ready to check in and relax for a bit. Our room was a suite, with a separate little room for the kids. I really loved that we weren't all crowded into one room. The kids could go to bed at night and Derrick and I could watch TV or whatever without bothering them.

The pool was in the center courtyard right outside of our room. I think the kids were almost as excited for the pool as Disneyland!

I loved the cheery red doors and yellow walls.... so me!

It was nice to relax a bit and just chill while the kids swam!

After swimming we got some dinner and explored. This huge mural was painted on one of the outside shop walls.

Along with this one! While we were eating dinner, a family with a handicapped boy was sitting just outside the glass window from us. I kept noticing the mom watching us a bit. As they got up to leave she came in and gave me some coupons for the diner were were at and told me they had extras and she hoped they would help with our families meal. I was so touched that she would go out of her way like that! Guess what else happened to be right down the street from our room? Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! Yep, we had Apple Pie Carmel Apple almost every night!

We walked down to Downtown Disney for a bit. The kids were in HEAVEN in the Lego shop. Kaleb especially couldn't get enough!

It really is amazing the things they come with built out of Lego's!

Carlie, Woody, Derrick, Brock and Kaleb

One last picture before we headed back to bed! Stay tuned, days 3, 4, 5 and 6 still to come, along with many, many more pictures!