M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!!!

This afternoon we got back from the First Annual Hood Family Vacation. We have been on little "vacations" here and there but this was our first full fledged vacation. We packed up on Saturday morning and off to the happiest place on earth we went! Our hotel was a block away which was really nice. Very convenient! We had 3 days at Disneyland and California Adventure. The first day we spent the entire day at Disneyland. When we walked in Maddie's face dropped she was so excited. We went into Main St. and there was Pluto and Mickey. Hayden fell in love with Pluto and kept calling him his puppy. We went and saw the castle next. Maddie had been dying to see it. To be honest, it is amazing how BIG things seem when you are little. When we walked up to the castle, at first I thought they had shrunk it! I had always remembered it being HUGE! But Maddie felt right at home. It was hot that day- 88 degrees and everyone was at Disneyland. But the second and third days were perfect. We walked onto most rides and the weather was perfect. There isn't a better time of year to go. The second day we spent the morning at California Adventure and then the evening at Disneyland. The third day was Maddie's birthday and it was also the day we got to get into the park an hour early. For lunch we went to Ariel's Grotto. Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Snow White and Mulan all came around to every table and signed autographs and had their pictures taken with the kids. It was well worth the wait and the money. The food was great and the chance for Maddie to have time with each of the princesses made her day! When Ariel came to the table and started talking to Maddie by name, Maddie was speechless. For the first time in her 5 years she didn't have a word to say. Ariel said she knew what it was like to not be able to talk- when Ursula took her voice and all Maddie could do was nod! They brought out her dessert with a candle and everyone in the restaurant sang to her. There were a few birthday girls when we were there and they gave each of them individual attention. We spent our last night at Disneyland and watched the parade. I think the trip was well worth it. It is amazing how neat it is to watch your kids faces light up with excitement. I have a TON of pictures that I am uploading and will post them as soon as they are done!