LA Trip: Day 3 Disneyland

Oh, Disneyland! I LOVE you so much. Ollie does too!

We couldn't not go to Disneyland. I have an obsession with this place. I think about going on a daily basis. So much history, creativity and fun memories at DL. Not to mention everything is professional, immaculate and clean.

The weather was perfect! Not hot and not cold.

We rode the carousel first. Ollie was a big fan. Did you know this carousel is one of the oldest in the world? All of the horses are made out of wood. It's from the 1800's. See cool history!

Then Mister Toads. 

Then Josh had to take a conference call while Ollie and I rode dumbo. I kinda love this photo because the women sitting next to him encompasses everything Josh dislikes about being at DL in the hot summer months.

Dumbo!

Nichole and Jude came and meet us. It really meant a lot to us having them come. They have passes and Jude is an expert. He really wanted us to experience the Tiki Room. But we agreed on finishing up Fantasy Land first.

We then did Snow White and Pinocchio. Both were creepy for the boys. Tea Cups were next. Then we did Alice in Wonderland. Ollie got a kick out of the Cheshire Cat.

There is just something about Rabbit's Door that is so cool for kids. I remember trying to open the door when I was little.

The Tiki Room! I usually skip this one, but when you have a toddler who loves birds you experience the Tiki Room. It was the late 1950's early 60's at it's finest. Ollie was in awe.

The we did the Jungle Book. Ollie loved the Elephants.

"Oh, wow!"

Next we stopped and got lunch. We tried a new place that Nichole recommended called Bengal BBQ. It was reasonably priced and was really good. We got a chicken and a veggie Kabob and a tiger tail to share.

Then we did Pirates! One of my favorite rides. I always get scared for the drops after all these years and times riding it. Nichole thought it was funny. I was nervous for Ollie because of the drops, but they didn't phase him. He was into all of the action and singing.  

The Haunted Mansion! I hadn't seen it back to its original glory for years. I always have gone when they have it decorated for Halloween and Christmas. It was a treat. You can see Ollie getting sleepy in this photo. He slept for the entire ride.

Jude calls Josh, "Uncle Josh." Originally Nichole thought Josh had to work and told Jude he wasn't coming and he was bummed. So he was SUPER excited that Josh was at DL. Jude wanted to go on every ride with Josh. It was really cute.

This trip marked 10 years since Nichole and I had been at DL together. The last time was Grad Night c/o 2003. That night was SO much fun! A bunch of high school seniors running around the park from 11pm to 6am. You can imagine the chaos. That night was also one of her first dates with her Husband.

They changed the seats for the Matterhorn. I forget every time how jostled you get. It's so fun to scream on this ride!

Ollie was still asleep after we got off so I walked around with him while the rest of the group did Star Wars. It was only appropriate that Jude and Josh rode that ride together because it's one of their favorite movies.

Mr. Handsome.

We all took a break and ate Mickey Pretzels. Ollie ran around.

We then split off to go on It's a Small World. Such a classic ride. Ollie really enjoyed watching all of the dolls and listening to the singing.

Then it was time to see Mickey. Josh and I wanted to cry because Ollie was so happy. It was magical. We were at the end of the line of the group that was let in. As soon as Ollie's little eyes saw Mickey he was pointing and smiling. Mickey waved to Ollie and Ollie ran up to him.

He just looks so HAPPY in the photo. Dreams were made real. He loved meeting Mickey the last time we went, but this time was even better.

He showed Mickey his little Mickey and told Mickey all sorts of important things.

Here is a video of Ollie saying Bye to Mickey. Melts my heart.

Then we took some photos by the fountain in Toon Town.

We let Ollie run around in the ship and then this playground.

Next we meet back up with Nichole and Jude. Jude was trying to pull the sword out.

In line for Peter Pan. I still love flying over London and watching all of the twinkling lights.

Out last ride was the carousel. So fun!

Wheee!

Group shot!

Jude loves Ollie. Ollie isn't so sure. This cracked Nichole and I up!

Ollie had been wanting a Baloon all day. Josh spoiled him and bought him one. This boy was thrilled!

We watched the Parade and headed out down Main Street.

It was such a fun day at DL. Josh had a very enjoyable time which made me happy. Ollie had a blast. And I had so much fun with my family and friends. DL is just so fun! I wish we could have spent another day, then another and another and maybe just one more. :)

LA Trip: Day 2

Oliver and I were on our own again today. I decided to pack it with tourist activities. He slept through the night which is always iffy when we are not at home.

 When we were driving around the day before I noticed the Angel Moroni peaking above some buildings. We were only a few blocks away from the LA Temple. So we went and toured the beautiful grounds. This was both of our first times there. We love Temples. Ollie's Nursery teachers told us how Ollie gets really excited when he sees photos of temples.

Then we headed to the Walk of Fame. (Side note: I LOVE how people drive in LA. People are aggressive, they don't mess around and get to point A to B as fast as possible. I was in my element!) The parking lots were all $20.00 for the day which was crazy. I lucked out and found an hour parking spot for $2.00. We really only needed an hour anyway. I also mastered parallel parking on this trip.  

I put Ollie in the stroller and we walked along the walk of fame. First we spotted Johnny Depp. 

 Then Natalie Wood (who I was named after).

They shut down the street for the premier of Iron Man 3. So many cameras, lights and a huge red carpet. Sadly no spotting Robert Downy Jr. or my girl Gweneth Paltrow.

Posed in front of the El Capitan theater. During our brief hour we ate our lunch. One of the many reasons I love the Chicco stroller is Ollie can eat on the go!

 At the Chinese Theater. Ollie was "feeding" the lions.

 At this point he was done and ready for a nap. As we were leaving I looked down and there was Ollie's pal Mickey! Too bad Ollie wasn't as thrilled.

 Next we headed over to the Santa Monica Pier. I hadn't been in years, since I was really little. I had to make a pit stop at Radio Shack to get a car phone charger because my battery was almost all out. I was relying on my Google Maps app to get around. The voice step by step directions were perfect.

It was an overcast day and a little chilly. I was really glad we went swimming the day before.

 Ollie LOVES birds. It looks like he is trying to pinch him, but this is how he "signs" bird.

I let him explore some of the little rides. He was really excited about them. 

 Ollie and I went back to the hotel and waited for Josh. We all went to a fancy Mexican restaurant. It was really yummy. Since Josh was going to be in Boston the following we this was our time to celebrate our 7 year wedding anniversary.

 We all loved the kind size bed. Ollie thought the pillows were great!

 Room service! Best $20.00 dessert ever!

LA Trip: Day 1

It

The last week of April, right after my Girls Weekend Trip we went on a spur of the moment trip to LA. Josh was going there for work and I have been wanting to tag along on one of his many trips this year... And this was the perfect trip! 

We flew out on a Tuesday morning and arrived at LAX at 9:30 am. We flew Delta (I hate them) so they were extra stingy with the snacks. I got a cookie the size of my pinky that Ollie ate. While josh went off to edit a video he was working on Ollie and I got some breakfast. 

I choose the nearest thing close to the rental car place. A dennys(I know, lame). I felt at home because we were the only white people there and most of the people we speaking Spanish. 

Then Ollie and I drove over to Westwood to the W Hotel. It was posh fancy city at that place. They only valet. When they helped me with our bags out of the car and the valet handed me the diaper bag he asked me if I wanted "the thing" on my back. I said, "yes." I couldn't let Ollie walk up the stairs because they were part waterfall with water running down the back side. 

We got into our suite and it was sooo pretty. Beautiful art and interior design and Bliss bath products! Child proofing was my top priority after i admired the room. 

After relaxing and snacking Ollie and I toured the grounds (beautiful, had all of my favorite plants) and then went swimming. It was a dream pool. I guess people who aren't staying there come and layout and order food and drinks. There were a few groups of single ladies and gay men. The weather was so nice. There was one other mom with kids which made me less of an outsider. Ollie was really good. He splashed around and thew his hat (which he loves) into the water. After a while he started to get cold so we went back to the room. 

We went to Ralph's to get some groceries. I forgot how crowed the streets are at rush hour. 

Later Josh came to the hotel and we went to The Grove and meet up with my cousin Chelsea and her boyfriend Sean. It was SO good to spend time with my favorite cousin. This was her first time meeting Ollie and he loved her. He did all of his dance moves. We all had fun eating at the Cheesecake Factory. 

It was a really fun yet tiring day. Being able to spend a day with Ollie relaxing was a treat. The highlight was seeing Chelsea and meeting her awesome boyfriend Sean. I wish I lived closer to my extended family.