This year, due to the construction project that continues on our home, we decided to try Thanksgiving somewhere else. James and I realized that we hadn't taken the opportunity to take a family vacation and the year was almsot over. I suggested Disneyland because Matthew was 4 years old and we have always tried to go when one of our kids was around that age. James agreed and the arrangements were made. We decided to try surprising the kids which didn't go over as we had expected.
We loaded our kids up in the car on Tuesday evening. We told the kids we were going to Beaver for Thanksgiving. We started our journey in one of the worst storms recent memory. The snow was so heavy and blowing, it was difficult to see the road at all. Because the storm was so bad, it wasn't hard to trick the kids into thinking we were headed to Southern Utah, we weren't even sure if we were headed in the right direction. When we pulled into the parking structure at the airport, the kids realized something was up. We said "Surprise! We're going to Disneyland." The response from some of the kids was, "What, we want to go to Beaver," "Why didn't you tell us, I didn't pack the right clothes?" James and I looked at each other and wondered what kind of kids we had. We thought all kids would be very excited to go to Disneyland, that's what the commercials had shown us. Matthew was very excited so we did have some joy in the surprise. By the time we made it through airport security, the excitement caught up to them and everyone was happy. The two hour flight delay wasn't even that bad.
Disneyland was as magical as ever with all of the Christmas decorations. This is the first time we had gone with the Christmas decorations. The castle is especially grand with the lighting they do for it. I loved it! The kids had fun trying out all the rides. They are all (except for Matthew) finally big enough to go on every ride. I'd take Matthew to all of the kid rides while James took everyone else on the big rides. We would meet up regularly and share experiences. One of Matthew's favorite experiences was the Tiki Room. He and I got to go there a few times. I thought it was funny because that had been Luke's favorite place when he went the first time. Our favorite ride for that day was Splash Mountain. Matthew even got to go on it. He only went once though, after that he wouldn't go again.
The next day we did Disney California. Matthew was very excited about this because Lightning McQueen lives there. James was very excited because the Tron attractions are there. Both of my boys were satisfied. Matthew and I hit Bug's World while the older kids went on the roller coasters. Matthew loved the Caterpillar ride which is a small train-like ride that goes in a circle while an overweight caterpillar speaking with a German accent describes how much he likes candy corn. I got to experience that ride with Matthew numerous times. I finally realized he wanted to sit in front so he kept getting back in line hoping to get the front car. Thank goodness the lines were short. Once he had experienced the front car we could move on to the next ride. It's too bad the voice didn't move on from my head. At lunchtime, most everyone had giant turkey legs. The kids thought this was very appropriate as it was Thanksgiving day.
My favorite memory of the trip was that evening at Disney California. We took Matthew on the Tower of Terror. Just as we got to the front of the line, Matthew starts saying he has to go potty. After minimal discussion, we decided to risk it as opposed to waiting in line again. Our family takes up the back row of the car. As the ride starts ascending, we all anticipate the big drop. Soon enough, we are bobbing up and down and eventually stop. Matthew is screaming and half-crying. I start feeling guilt for taking my 4 year old on such a scary ride. We finally calm him down and he yells, for all to hear, "I think I peed a little!" It turns out he wasn't upset about the ride, he was worried he had wet his pants. We couldn't quit laughing for quite some time.
Later that night, we had reservations at a restaurant on Disney's main street for a special Thanksgiving dinner. We dined outside amidst the lights. It was a french themed restaurant which the kids were excited about. When our food came, the kids weren't as excited because it wasn't the home-cooked food they were used too. I thought it was great. I promised the kids I would cook a Thanksgiving dinner as soon as our new kitchen was finished.
The next day we took a break from Disneyland and went to Universal Studios. I talked the kids (except Matthew) into going through the haunted house. They made it past the first two areas and then decided we should exit early. Oh well, maybe next time. We had fun watching the shows and going on the rides. The Jurassic Park ride was quickly the favorite and we road on it numerous times until the park closed. As we were leaving the park, James and I went through the haunted house together while the kids waited outside. It was pretty scary having actors chasing you down and realistic sets of terror but I loved it. We laughed and had a good time.
Our final day was spent at Disneyland again, finishing up all the things we hadn't had time to do. Matthew got to see Santa and other characters while the older kids went on some of their favorites again. We finished up the trip with our traditional train ride around the park. That tradition started when we went the first time with Luke and Lindsey. Our last ride was the train that goes around the park and lets you off at the front gates. Everytime we go, we have finished with the train ride. It's nice to go around the park and see everything one last time, reflect on the fun, and exit at the gate, ready to go.
We really enjoyed our vacation together. It was a nice break from the construction and a time to reflect on the thing we are most thankful for, our kids.
