california

We had so much fun in California; so much in fact that the kids ask everyday when we can go back to Disneyland. I tell them it won't be until the baby has grown as big as they are now. But in my mind I'm thinking, "You had better pray we get to go again before you are fully grown."

My parents hooked us up with a condo right in Anaheim. We were just down the road from Disneyland which was very convenient. We were glad to be so close especially since we spent 4 days at the park. The weather cooperated with us too. Anaheim experienced the hottest week it has had in the last 40 years. Perfect conditions for a pregnant chick. :)

I would definitely recommend spending money on the Minnie and friends breakfast in the park. We saw so many characters that we definitely wouldn't have had the time to see while out and about in the park. Plus the food wasn't bad at all. Killer biscuits and gravy and also Mickey Mouse waffles. Super cool.




With the weather being as perfect as it was, we were sure to spend the rest of our time being super lazy at the beach. The kids loved playing in the sand and water. They could've stayed there the whole trip and been peachy-keen.



Disneyland was decorated for Halloween time. Most of the characters were decked out in Halloween costumes. Since Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, I enjoyed all the holiday changes.


I think the best part of the whole trip was seeing the park through a whole new set of eyes. Everything was absolutely amazing to them and every little thing was so exciting. I really hope our bank account bounces back in time for us to go again before the kids are too old to enjoy another trip to Disneyland.



Then again...are you ever too old to enjoy Disneyland?

the return

We returned last weekend from an almost 2 week trip to CA. As was expected, we had a great time and LOVED being right by the ocean. We spent 4 days at Disneyland and while it was a total blast, I'm overjoyed that we don't have to return to Disneyland again for a long while. :)

While I am sorting through pics and able to put a travelogue together, I thought you might enjoy some movie recommendations. Some are old and some are new but ones I have been thinking about and ones that everyone should at least see once.

The Ghost Writer directed by Roman Polanski. Ewan McGregor plays a ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British prime minister but in the process, uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy. My sis has read the book by Robert Harris and said it too is excellent.

This is an oldie but goodie. Empire of the Sun was one of Christian Bale's first movies. It is directed by Steven Spielberg and follows a young English boy who struggles to survive under Japenese occupation during WWII. Christian gives a mature performance and you can see how early on his dedication to his roles would make him a big star. The soundtrack is excellent as well.

This is also a movie from 1987. It was written by John Hughes but directed by Howard Deutch. So definitely some teen-angst going on. A young tomboy, Watts, finds her feelings for her best friend, Keith, run deeper than just friendship. He gets a date with the most popular girl in school but unfortunately, the girl's old boyfriend, who is from the rich section of town, is unable to let go of her, and plans to get back at Keith. I crushed major on Eric Stoltz when I first saw this movie.

I may get crucified for this but here it goes: Dear John directed by Lasse Hallstrom. It is a romantic drama, based on a Nicholas Sparks book, about a soldier who falls for a conservative college student while he's home on leave. As expected with all romantic dramas, the reviews for it weren't strong but I still really liked it. Henry Thomas is in it! That should be enough to make you want to watch. ;) The more the barriers between John and Savannah build up, becoming seemingly unmovable, the more you want to see them get back together - that's what keeps Dear John engaging until the credits roll. Plus, when it is a Nicholas Sparks adaptation, one can always expect a sandy location, star-crossed lovers and searing melodrama.

Anyone else seen these movies yet?