All things Disney

Dear Corban,                                            

We spent hours packing and preparing for a our special day to arrive: Swimming suits were dug out of our dressers or purchased and tucked away. Walking shoes were tried on and tied on. Money was first earned, counted and rolled and saved (and gifted). Countless trips to the bank were made. T-shirts were discussed, designed,  then ordered and others were hand painted. Pajamas were gifted. Suitcases packed... ready to go.

Saturday morning arrived and excitement and anxious energy flowed as we pulled up our stroller two suit cases and two bags into the pickup bed and headed to the airport. Your little brothers were bursting with joy, tears and wiggles. Callan knew all about airplanes but Colter was a novice.

When we finally landed in Long Beach both boys were done waiting. They could feel the close proximity to Disneyland and, like the adventurers they were, they didn't feel like waiting for another long sit down at the car rental. When we finally had a truck and the darn car seats all situated, your Dad headed bravely out onto the streets and highways of Southern California (or So Cal as some of the "cool" people call it).

Waiting for the rental cars in Long Beach

Your mom took in the lovely newness of California like a lost child coming home again! Her childhood memories of bikerides and warm beaches felt validated as they hurried along to their hotel. She pointed out little differences that were like stepping stones to her past. Even though Disneyland was not a piece of her childhood, the 35 minute drive there took her down a few different "memory lanes."

Downtown Disney was all a bustle. The night crowd seemed all in a hurry to get in the way as we scurried to the restaurant in effort to keep our reservations. Tortilla Joes didn't disappoint. Food was ordered and a balloon artist made a Lightning McQueen car for Callan and an Ursula crown for Mom. Mom even wore her crown to the pool that evening since her swim suit was black and her humor was good.

The next morning (Monday) brought new excitement as we would officially be entering the park to enjoy rides and other Disney-themed experiences we'd all only dreamed of up until then.

The girls put on their princess dresses and had a session with hair and make-up while the boys went on an adventure around the hotel on a treasure hunt. Both groups were full of excitement! Your brothers both seemed to enjoy their loot as they treasure hunt yielded them t-shirts, eye patches, a hand hook and even a pirate hat. Callan opted to use two hand hooks and gave us a few laughs as he danced around in character. Of course the edible chocolate coins were a big hit too!

My pirates, one is reaching for me, the other ignoring me. Typical!

Callan sports two pirate hooks.

When pirates and princesses were ready, we walked over in a parade of double strollers to the California Adventure side of the park and began our day. Callan was enamored with the Carsland which featured Tow Mater and others from the show. He braved his first real ride with Dad and a grin stretched from ear to ear. That was truly a priceless moment for us all.

Your cousins and aunts and uncles and grandma Kent each went their way through the park, sometimes we crossed paths here and there.

Our Crew (minus Grandma who took the picture)

Afternoon arrived and we found ourselves worn out and needed a break. We'd met back up with some of the family and took a seat to enjoy some shade and to share a churro. All of the sudden a Chipmunk walked up to our little crew. Chip- as he is best known- handed out high fives and greeted each of the children. Callan was pretty tired so he climbed onto Daddy's lap and watched carefully. Colter was seated in the stroller and got a kick out of everyone's interactions with Chip.

Chip noticed your cousin was ready to get a high five and fist bump came around to Colter's side of the stroller. He gave your cousin a high five and a fist bump. Then turned to greet Colter. Colter screamed and tried to dive out of the stroller. Mommy came to the rescue and unbuckled your little brother who sobbed and sobbed. Chip patted Colter's back, trying to calm him. It worked until Colter realized who was patting his back and then he was upset all over again. It was a pretty terrifying event for your little brother. Chip was a good sport and kept trying to win the little guy over but Colter wasn't having any of it.

Waiting outside Ariel's Grotto

Not much later, we until we met up for dinner at Ariel's Grotto for a princesses experience. Your brothers were tired, hungry and wary of any and all characters by this point. They enjoyed watching their princess cousins greet with their princess counterparts. When the dinner was through, we journeyed back to the hotel to unwind, rest, swim and rest some more.

The next day arrived, greeting us bright an early with new promise. We put on our mickey and minnie mouse shirts and headed into the Disneyland side of the park. After a very long wait in line for security and then to enter the park, we headed into the park.

Some of us met up with the cousins and road It's a Small World. Both of your brother's loved it. Callan and Dad rode up front with Stephanie and Ryker and Mom and Colter were in the next row with your cousin Hannah. Both Ryker and Callan stood together and took it all in!

We went on a few other rides in that area of the park before heading into toone town. Then, after a crazy idea that put us in an eternal line at Mickey's house, we wore ourselves out waiting to meet the famous Mr. Mouse. We did meet him and it was incredibly anti-climactic. Poor Colter screamed and hollered the moment he saw the mouse. Our picture was taken and then we were ushered out.

We ordered lunch and sat down to enjoy some rest from standing so long in line. Then we headed through the park looking for a few different rides and finally settling on the Jungle Cruse ride. Colter's order with Mr. Mouse left him tired and he was asleep before we even climbed onto our boat. Our tour guide navigated our boat and pointed out things along the way. Callan was in his element. Somewhere along the ride, Colter woke up and marveled at the scenery. He seemed to take it all in with a careful curiosity.

After that ride we wandered a bit before heading out of the park into the Downtown Disney area. We entered a store called RideMakers. Your aunt Elin had clued us into this awesome place and tipped us off that this would be a perfect stop for your little brothers. Callan was able to select what kind of truck he wanted to make and then build it.

He picked a dump truck and chose to make it a monster truck with radio control capability. Callan was able to pick the wheels, rims and other features to complete his kit. Mom carried Colter back to get a basic black coupe with the standard setup so that he too would come home with a new toy. Both kits were then taken to the assembly area and Callan got to build first his truck and then Colter's car. Callan was totally enamored with his new toy.

Dinner that night took us to New Orleans Square at Cafe Orleans. The food was great and the boys were very tired. After dinner we all headed to the Jungle Cruse. Once again Callan was in his element, even though it was much different in the dark. After that ride we stopped to see the end of the Light Parade and got stuck in people traffic walking out of the park. When we arrived at our hotel we were sore, tired and ready to rest. Callan and Colter played with their cars and then we all fell asleep.

Wednesday morning we put on the shirts we'd hand painted and once again entered the Disneyland park. We took things a lot slower and tried to enjoy our final day. Highlights included taking the Monorail as a sort of sight seeing event and meeting up with cousins along the way.

The boys napping between adventures

That night we ate at a very neat place called River Belle Terrace. The ornate terrace was fun and we enjoyed the delicious BBQ cuisine. We rode It's a Small World as a family (on two separate boats) and then, walking with Grandma, we headed back to our hotel to eat ice cream and then soak in the hottub. All in all, it was a fun adventure to visit the happiest place on earth. We learned a lot and were truly ready for the next part of our adventure.

Thursday morning arrived and the fun continued as we gathered up our things and prepared for the hour drive down to Oceanside. Despite the traffic, we made good time and arrived at the Harbor for lunch. We enjoyed Fish and Chips before grabbing our sweatshirts or jackets and taking a short walk from the Harbor to a spot to watch the seals. We took our obligatory Oceanside pictures beneath the sign and then headed for our beach house.

The beach house was a much needed haven. It was luxurious and spacious, allowing us to spread out and also allowing the kids to do some exploring. Perfectly situated on the beach front, we were able to see the ocean from our window, walking out to our deck and down some stairs to our sandy backyard, down some more stairs to the beach itself.

Callan enjoyed his first experience at the ocean. The roaring waves and spray from the froth was both new and delightful. The first afternoon he played in the surf with a very happy grin.

Colter was a lot more hesitant. He loves the water but the unpredictable nature of the ocean had him on edge. He did enjoy it when Dad took him into the surf to explore but he seemed a lot better about the idea when he was done and the ocean was a little bit further away.

That evening we went into Oceanside toward Pier View lane where their weekly street market was underway. In frigid for California weather, we walked around in shorts and sweatshirts enjoying the music and food that was a perfect match for our vacation. What a fun venue!

The following morning we were greeted with smells of bacon and the crackling sound of eggs and pancakes cooking brought us upstairs into the gourmet kitchen of our beach house. After feasting on some delightful home cooked heaven, our family and Uncle Tony's family headed to the fish market to gather up some coastal treats for our a special dinner.

This bag had a Craw Dad that cousin Ellie named "Ste-fa-me"

Lunch was enjoyed on the famous pier that stretched far out into the ocean. As long as Mom didn't think about it, it don't bother her. Ruby's Diner was a match made in heaven. Dad enjoyed and ahi burger that looked incredible and tasted pretty decent as well. In his words, the coleslaw made the sandwich!

We headed back to the beach house where the sand and surf were calling. Callan immediately located some sand toys and began to dig. He didn't deviate from this activity for the next 4 hours. He would have continued in this activity had he been allowed the choice.

Colter played in the sand as well, mostly content to be on the tarp as opposed to sitting in the sand. He wore a nice grin as he played so we can assume that he too was happy.

Daddy joined in the fun down in the ocean on boogie boards, surfing the waves and battling the undertow for that perfect glide inland. Despite a few scrapes with some of the rocks along the bottom of the ocean he was victorious. Watching him and uncles play was pretty fun. They too continued in this activity for about 4 hours.

Mom took pictures and wandered through the scene, enjoying the atmosphere and reveling in the fun. She wrote your name in the sand, little Corban, and watched as the surf came over her writing and your name melted away.

Then it was time to steam, cook and grill our seafood feast. Your uncle Tony and Dad prepared a delicious meal that will not soon be forgotten. We enjoyed Dungeness crab (your Dad's absolute favorite from his days as a missionary) so perfectly prepared salmon, oysters, clams, shrimp, potatoes and asparagus. All of this was feasted upon and appreciated.

The perfect sunset over the ocean had Mom missing her childhood and out taking as many pictures as she could. The sound and smell of the ocean is healing and for all of us was the perfect ending to our week.

That Saturday morning was spent doing quick whale watching, pelican peering and ocean appreciating. It was truly magical to be at the beach house and I think everyone was reluctant to leave.

Despite sore and blistered feet, tired bones and weary bodies, we all were wistful as we departed the beach house. We drove the hour and a half to Long Beach and at at California Pizza Kitchen before refueling our vehicles and heading to the airport.

Though our flight was over 2 hours delayed, we rounded off the day in good spirits. We returned home to snow on the ground and 25 degree weather. It didn't feel so cold or terrible as we carried the warmth of our California vacation in our souls as we slunk into our own beds and dreamed of all things ocean and Disney.

We sure miss you, Corban. We had a lot of fun and would have loved to have shared these moments with you.