Disneyland, Schmisneyland

We had season passes to DL, but we've decided to hold off before we renew again. However, going from season pass holder status to a regular Joe Schmo is the worst!!!! For one thing, we didn't get those extra discounts (meals, parking, store items), and another thing, we had to rush around like crazy to compensate for the money we spent on tickets. As pass holders, we took it easy because we could always head to the park the next morning before we headed home. Jayce was so confused as we went back to Vegas -- "Why didn't we go to Disneyland today?" He didn't understand that we were unwilling to pay another $280 to go for a few hours (unbelievably expensive)! Anyway, we've been spoiled.
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On a less-pouty note, the kids had fun. Miss Alyssa had a blast. She was SO cute on the rides -- I couldn't get over her enthusiasm. She's a brave little girl, too. She had no fear when things got a little intense (Pirates, the Haunted Mansion, that 3-D bug movie -- the rides that typically scare toddlers). She couldn't get over the "pretty castle" and LOVED the Winnie the Pooh ride. She was so smiley and good that whole day. Jayce was finally tall enough to go on Splash Mountain, Star Tours, Soarin' Over California, and Thunder Mountain Railroad, so it was a whole new experience for him. He loved Splash Mountain and Soarin', but he was scared on Star Tours ("Mom, I'm kind of nervous") and Thunder Mountain ("Too fast!"). When he complained about Thunder Mountain's speed, we knew we couldn't take him on Space Mountain -- even though he's tall enough now.
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Anyway, the vacay flew by way too fast, and now it's back to the ol' grind of having a husband that always works. We really miss our family time!

Jer took Jayce to Disney's California for Trick-or-Treat night. Jayce donned the SWAT costume and had a blast with Dad.

The SWAT costume was intentionally missing its accessories -- a flashlight, hand cuffs, walkie talkie, etc. We figured they would all be lost on the rides or among the crazy crowds.

Alyssa has a really hard time posing for pictures. Whenever she sees my camera, she wants to play with it and look at the pictures of herself. I'm finding she's quite vain, saying, "See Alyssa, Mommy," over and over again until I relent.

The carousel, next to the new Toy Story ride -- a big hit with the kids.

Chillin' on Pirates . . . . Argh!!