California w/ the sibs: Disneyland & more! (LOTS of pics)

I flew into Long Beach Friday night.  Chris picked me up and we headed to the hotel.  Traci's original flight got delayed or something, so she not only got in super late, but she also had to fly into LAX instead of Orange County.  Scott got in with his family around 11 and we all hit the hay.  We had to be up first thing so that the kids could participate in their run down by the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Scott's kids were the only ones who ended up running in the kid's race, but since Traci had registered her kids, she still got free passes to the aquarium.  After the kid's ran we walked over to the convention center to pick up our race packets.  The expo was awesome.  Chris got a pair of shoes since he didn't have any to run in.  We got lots of free stuff and took lots of pictures. 

By this time we were all starving so we walked to Famous Dave's for lunch (Chili's had a crazy long wait).  After lunch we decided to use our free passes to the aquarium since we were down there.  Scott and Jill weren't running the half so Scott bummed a free pass off a lady we saw at Famous Dave's who had a race packet. 

I am glad I didn't have to pay to get into the aquarium since it was so crowded and it was really hot.  Course I thought of my boys and much they would have liked it.  I took a picture of the whale and sent it to them (Sawyer is digging Finding Nemo big time these days).

That night we carb loaded on pizza and got to bed early.  Sunday the four of us (me, Chris, Traci & Jason) were up early to run (see post).  Everyone else stayed at the hotel to swim and relax until we finished.  After we got back Traci wanted nothing more than a shake and fries from Red Robin.  After stuffing our faces we went to the mall across the street.  We were exhausted and sore so we didn't stay too long.  When we got back to the hotel the kid's swam while we chatted. 

The next day we headed to Disneyland.  Traci had made a reservation to have a yummy buffet breakfast at one of the Disney hotels.  It was really good.  Characters came around.  The kid's loved it.  Then it was time to hit the park.  And boy was I sore.  It was humorous and not.  The park was super busy.  We utilized fast passes so it wasn't too bad.  Scott bought different tickets than us so we didn't see them until later in the day.  Mid afternoon Scott and Jason headed back to switch hotels and let the little kid's rest.  Me, Traci, Sophie, and Isabel stayed.  It was fun to have some girl time. 

Fast passes and the parent/kid pass things were so helpful.  A must have when you have little kids in tow.  There were so many of us that it was hard to stay together all the time, but we still had fun. 

Bread bowls for lunch.  Seating wasn't readily available so we pounced on this table as soon as it became available and crowded around. 

I have no idea how my sister is so tiny.  She loves her sweets and Cheetos...and these chocolates.....and the macaroon white chocolate mountains. 

Day two we headed to California Adventure.  It wasn't as crowded so that was nice. 

Oh Cars Land.  I couldn't stop thinking about my boys and how much they would have loved it.  I really hope we can take them in a couple years.  We'll need time to save and I want Sawyer to be older...potty trained....able to ride most rides, etc. 

I just love Chris.  It had been two years since I last saw him (Sawyer's blessing).  He's an amazing person. 

Sophie was my fat hider for the majority of the trip. 

Kids won all sorts of prizes playing games at California Adventure.

Sophie would tell me where all the cameras were on rides so that I could pose with her.  Here we are on Screamin' with Jason and Chris. 

Pics from the race expo. 

We all signed the banner. 

The superhero area in Disneyland had me so excited to take Rowan in a couple years. 

Pics of Frozen treats for Sawyer. 

On the second day after California Adventure we head back over to Disneyland for Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party.  I made my Olaf costume the night before leaving.  It was super cheap and I am happy with how it turned out.

Traci's family went the Peter Pan route.

And more race expo pics....sorry I am too lazy to put these in order.

The medal we got for finishing.  I think it's my favorite so far.  It was so fun to finally do a half with Traci.  Chris and Traci are already planning to do more in 2015 in the San Diego area.  I wish I could join them but I don't think I'll be able to swing it.  Gets expensive!  I certainly hope I can join them again sometime down the road.  My arms are looking pretty ghetto from donating plasma so I need to ease up on that and find another source of race/vacation income!

 Trying to get his Iron Man stache to stay on.  Pretty sure all the onlookers loved Jason's costume.

 Jill and the girl's looked great in their Alice in Wonderland costumes.  Claire made hers! 

 We all got so much candy.  I would highly recommend going to the Halloween party. 

 Scott loves to dress up.  He takes it very seriously. 

 Scott's family.  The boys went with Star Wars.

And he just couldn't resist getting his picture with the storm troopers. 

It was a crazy long day and by the time we got back to the hotel and I got my bags packed and ready I only had like fours hours until I needed to get up and catch the shuttle to the airport.  It was such a fun trip.  I am so glad I was able to go and spend time with my siblings.  I love them all so much.  I can't wait until we can all be together someday- that hasn't happened since my wedding!