Visiting the Sun

 I need to start off by admitting that most of  this post is complete plagiarism of photos. Can you believe that we went to Southern California over New Year's and used our camera one day? I managed to pull my phone out of my pocket a couple of times at Disneyland to snap a few memories. Luckily I found some pictures to steal off of my sister-in-law's blog (thank you Jennine, sorry I didn't ask). How hard can life be living in Southern California, seriously? With perfect weather all year long and plenty of outdoor activities to keep your kids busy with in the winter, do they really understand how good they have it? 


We visited Disneyland (more on that below), visited the beach a few times, went to Costco (of course), shopped the garment district in LA, and enjoyed plenty of quality cousin time. I can't tell you how much Emerson loved being around his cousins every day. 

The Royce family with 10 adults and 10 grandkids (JR and Rory not pictured)

 

Gifts from the swap meet we visited.

See? Proof we did go to Disneyland despite not having a folder on my computer full of pictures from the event. Disneyland over New Years: Don't do it. The first day I had such stroller pushing rage maneuvering the thing amidst the multitudes. I don't think I've ever moved with that many people together so inefficiently. 

We had three-day passes and fortunately found smaller crowds the second and third days. We had fun and the kids enjoyed every ride they experienced, but I don't think I will ever bring a toddler to that park again. Charlie didn't get why were wasting time standing in lines that he kept running out of and I'm sure he won't have a memory of our visits to the "happiest place on earth." We mastered the Fast-Passes and Stroller-Swap passes with our group. It eased some of the pain caused by the swarms of people causing two-hour-long lines. 

My take on Disneyland: overall our experience in the Magic Kingdom was enjoyable and fun; however, three days was plenty, maybe even a little too much. For me, the magic starts to fade and the surrounding cardboard becomes more apparent after hearing the same songs, same parade, and same shows over and over. We will definitely visit again, but I will wait until my kids are a little older and I will research the least busy time of the year. I'll be honest, the Christmas decorations would be great in December, but seeing them up the first week in January while walking around in t-shirt weather kind of made me feel like I was in a lazy neighborhood that still had the decor up in June. 

See what I mean? 

Enjoying my ride of choice with my co-riders of choice: Bekah, Rod, and Giovanni


Our one day with the camera at Balboa Park:

I wish we had a garment district. I would trade all the nasty Joann's in the world to be closer to one. I kept Charlie busy in a pile of fabric while I swam through bolts of jersey knit for $1.50/yard. 

Story #1: After getting home from the garment district JR realized his wallet was missing. He unpacked the car, searched our bags, retraced his steps, and couldn't find it anywhere. The last time we saw it was when he pulled out some cash to pay the guy for my garbage sack full of fabric and thread right as the sun went down and the stores were pulling their garage doors or metal gates down for the night. If you've ever visited this area, you know it's not exactly on the luxurious side of town. We figured his wallet with our money, cards, and Disney passes was either stolen or lost.


Early the next morning we got a call from the manager of one of the stores where one of the employees found and turned in the wallet with everything intact! I felt guilty over the lack of faith I have in humanity. Also, make sure to carry a personal business card in your wallet so they know who to call. 

Story #2: Our seven-passenger circus carpool carrying two families ran out of gas about 20 miles from anything. I take that back. We were only about a mile from this lady burning her weeds with the assistance of a baby stroller:

 To save JR from looking like too much of a fool for running out of gas, I should add that we were driving a rented vehicle that told him he had about 30 miles worth of gas left in the tank. Thanks, car. He thought he could push it into the next city, but barely had enough time to pull off on an exit. JR started jogging until he found the lady above who didn't have any gas for us to buy, but she did have an empty gas can. Giovanni inquired with a nearby truck, who didn't have any gas to spare, but was kind enough to make him this custom, bold, double-sided, manual-turn sign to help with our dilemma. 
In the end, the sign caught the attention of a guy who had his girlfriend follow him with the boys and the borrowed gas can from the weed-burning lady to the nearest gas station and we were saved. People can be really nice.