Disneyland & Family

What a great weekend we've had with family. Saturday morning started off with the Long Beach ½ marathon, marathon and bike-a-thon beginning at 6a.m. right outside the marina. No we didn't run, but walked up to see the waves of people who did. Incredible. Thanks to (cousin) Scott and Rick for coming over for a sunset meal on the boat and bringing with them some delicious fruit tarts for dessert (my fav!) Good food, great conversation. Such a fun night. Can't believe I didn't get any pics! Too busy chatting and story telling.

Rented a car so we could get up bright and early on Sunday morning to head into Disneyland to meet the kids, Eddie, Jen, Isaac, Evie and Jan (Jen's mom.) It's been 2 months since Ed has seen anyone from home. What a fun filled, non-stop day! Although the cost just to get in Disneyland is astronomical, it is still a very magical place. It was such a hoot seeing the g-kids there. Evie enjoyed it much more than Isaac. Isaac would have probably been happier fishing all day long at the boat with gramps. I'm guessing the adults had the best time – I know I did. Such great conversations and laughter with Jen and Jan. Finishing the night with the fireworks, the kids headed off to sleep. Ed and I got in one more ride – the Haunted Mansion. Right when we came out of there the Fantasia laser show and fireworks started -what luck! Heading back to the boat, we got a bit lost and didn't get back until well after midnight.

 

 

The next day started off at dawn looking for Mao. After collapsing from exhaustion the night before, neither of us were awakened by her through the night, which is unusual. I was frantic when I called and she didn't come. So out I went looking for her. Heard her mewing as I called and found her stuck on the jetty, hiding in the rocks. She must have jumped over to it at low tide and gotten stuck after the tide came in. Ed rescued her with the dingy and it was off to Disneyland again.

This time Ed and I started in California Adventures; standing in line over 2 hours to ride 'radiator springs racers' out of the movie “Cars” (the kids did it the day before prior to our arrival.) Ed tried to get a fast pass for us, but they were all taken through closing. 2 and ½ hours for a 1.5 (maybe 2) minute ride!! Good thing I had the camera to pass the time. But it was fun. Amazing how they replicate everything from the rocks, cars, eateries and gas stations to 'ornament valley' (which looks just like the canyons of Utah and Arizona!)

This is why Ed is not allowed to hold the camera.

When we finally met up with the family, the g-kids were already done for. But Eddie, Jan and Ed had to get one more ride in before breaking to the hotel swimming pool. They chose 'Hollywood Tower of Terror'! They had a great time. After getting totally soaked on one of the river rides, Ed headed to the pool with the g-kids. I spent the afternoon taking in both parks. Meeting up again in the evening to ride Pirates of the Caribbean. Isaac felt nauseated so Jen took him back to the hotel. Eddie and Jan went to the Haunted Mansion and Ed and I took Evie throughout Fantasyland. We had a great time. We ended the night with It's a Small World, which of course rang in our brains all the way home. Every joint in my legs and feet are killing me but what a great day.

See the monster in the window?

 

 

Eddie, Jen and the kids came by on Tuesday morning between Jan and their flights. Gramps and Isaac tried to catch one of the many fish hanging around the boat with no luck. But we got to see two small rays right there at the dock. Eddie, Jen, Evie and I took a quick walk on the beach before saying goodbye with heavy hearts.

Eddie, Gramps, Jen, Granny, Evie & Isaac

This is what happened when mom & dad told Evie it was time to go!

Heading back out to Santa Catalina Island, staying in Two Harbors this time around. We'll do some nosing around there before we decide where to head to next.