How to Disneyland

We just got home from the most ridiculously fun and magical trip to Disneyland with our three-and-a-half year old. Yep that's right we left the almost two year old at home (woah, with Grandma I'll add) and enjoyed our oldest all by himself. Side note: kids need that, the one on one time, maybe not necessarily to disneyland but how about for lunch or to a movie or swimming, they seriously need that time by themselves to get full and undivided attention from their parents. It's just so good for their little hearts. Anyway we made it a short trip, 4 days in total but only two and a half in the park. It was just enough time to completely tire our little guy out and to do as much as was possible for his age and height. When I first started planning this trip I had a gazillion questions for all my veteran disneyland friends so I thought I would post a little something about our experience incase any one is planning the same kind of trip with their littles. 

Getting there
we flew, clearly the fastest way to get there, but there are obviously other options if you want them. We opted for a direct flight from YEG to LAX but we did investigate flying into SNA (John Wayne Airport) as it's a slightly quieter airport. We couldn't find any direct flights so as I mentioned above we flew into LAX. I did try to cost cut where I could but for flights I didn't have enough air miles so it was what it was. 

Staying there
Ive been to Disneyland as a child, teen and young adult and have stayed at various different locations so I did have some idea of our options. For our trip with our little one we decided to stay at one of the Disney Land resorts and here is why:
- we had only a few days and wanted to waste the least amount of time walking (or even driving) to and from the park
- we wanted to be able to get back to the hotel quickly if he needed a nap (which he did)
- we had never stayed at a Disney Resort and wanted to give it a try
- Early morning access to the parks ('Magic Morning")  and other perks peeked our interest
- lastly my hubby is not a great traveller so making things as absolutely easy and convenient as possible was an absolute must

there is obviously a bit higher cost to staying in one of the three disneyland resorts but after our experience my hubby and I both agreed we would absolutely stay there again in a heart beat. Don't be swayed by our opinion though, this is just what worked for our circumstances. Hotels outside of the park and even renting a house on something like VRBO are also really awesome options as well and have their perks. 

Airport Transport
Because we were staying at the park we didn't need a vehicle for this trip. As mentioned above our time their was short and sweet so we wanted to get from the airport to our hotel as fast as possible. This trip we opted to arrange limo service from the airport to the hotel. (Another side note, this "limo" was merely a cab painted black, if you catch my drift). Anyway we asked that they provide a carseat thus eliminating an extra thing to cart around at the airport. In the future we would definitely attempt one of the million shuttle buses but this is just how we did it this time. 

Park Passes
And here it is, the absolute nail in your coffin for cost of your Disneyland trip. The park passes will seriously have you cashing out your kids college savings. Kidding but they are a bit pricey, so I suggest using your AMA membership savings or air miles. I got our adult 3 day park hopper passes with air miles and it saved us about $600
I also highly recommend doing the park hopper as it gives you the freedom to bounce between parks during each day. We spent mornings at Disneyland and evenings in California adventure and definitely utilized the "hopping"

Plan Ahead
I did a ton of pinterest research on all the "money-saving" "hidden secrets of Disney" and so on. We DID take a stroller for our guy as it made it easier than dragging him around when he was totally exhausted at 8:00pm (wait did I say 8:00, I meant noon, yes by noon he was usually spent. We carried backpacks with our essentials (camera, snacks, jackets, phones, passes). The back pack was easy to carry, and easy to bring on each ride. We brought our own water bottles with us each day (seriously water and drinks are expensive in the park) and our own snacks. Because we stayed in the resort we didn't have a kitchen thus we ate out for our meals but bringing snacks was perfect for between meals. If you stay off the resort or have a kitchenette type suite I highly recommend packing your own food for the day. Don't want to carry it around all day? No worries use a locker at the park and come back at lunch time to grab your food. Some days lunch cost us $40 for a hot dog combo. We bought a few "souvenirs" ahead of time to save cash, one of the best ones being our glow sticks for the evenings. Those things can be pricey in the park so Im glad we stocked up at the dollar store before we left. That being said you can buy some of your disney souvenirs ahead of time (such as shirts and trinkets for the kids) to save some money on your trip. Bring ponchos from the dollar store instead of $12 ones from in the park… you get the idea. 
We also planned our days out to fit in everything we wanted to do. I downloaded a free Disneyland app that included shows and showtimes, places to eat, maps, park hours and wait times for almost all the rides. With the app I was able to see what shows we wanted to attend, and which rides had long waits. I researched which rides our guy was tall enough for and saved them on the app and was able to see how long the waits were for those rides. It was an awesome little tool and helped with out trip so much! 
Lastly take advantage of fast passes if you are going during busy time. Want to beat the crowds, research down times at the park and go during the slower months. Disneyland can get stressful, especially with kids and crowds but if you do your homework it can be the trip you dream of.

I was really worried that taking a three year old to Disneyland would be a waste or there wouldn't be much to do for him, but like my Disney Veteran friends told me, there was tons. We absolutely filled our days from morning till night and had such a blast. We were busy and exhausted and had the best time. Our little man might not remember this trip in 10 years from now but I will tell you this, my hubby and I will never forget the look on that little guys face when he got to meet Darth Vader. We will not forget his crazy little giggle as we spun round and round on the tea cups. And will definitely not forget the magic in his eyes as he experienced Disneyland for the first time!

Resolutions and Goals 1/2 way

2012 Goals:

Run a 5km race

Run a 10 km race 

Run a half marathon (ran the distance but not an actual race)

Run leg 1 of the Sinister 7

Do 3 consecutive chin ups

Meet my Baker family in Toronto

Donate Blood (see list below)

Take more photography courses  (Finished my first course second course postponed)

Update my AFLCA certification 

Take another AFLCA course

Take a trip to Vegas (BOOKED!)

Start an RESP for Alexander

Save minimum $5000

Go for a psychic reading

Attend Church

Get Rid of my GDL 
Learn more about investments

2012 Resolutions:

Floss my teeth everyday 

Brush Bensons teeth everyday

Cuss less

Walk Chevy more than once a week (still going strong)

My list of good deeds is actually going to be fulfilled on my Birthday. I have decided it would be fun to do 25 random acts of kindness on my 25th birthday! Here is my list of kind acts so far:

Pay for someone behind me at a drive thru

Fill a parking meter for someone whose time has expired

deliver coffee and donuts to a working crew

donate blood (might have to wait if I am pregnant)

pay a strangers tab at a restaurant 

leave a gift tip for a server

Leave happy mail for an anonymous neighbour

hold the door for someone

shovel the walk for someone

donate diapers, formula and baby needs to the church

donate jackets and blankets to the homeless

leave a stack of books with a "pas-along" message in them at a coffee shop

donate money  to a charity someone is raising money for

drop off a bag of clothing donations

drop off treats and pet food at the animal shelter

Drop off yummy treats to a fire station

Leave a treat for the mailman in my mailbox

tape change to a vending machine for someone to enjoy a treat

drop off flowers at a seniors care centre

return grocery carts in a parking lot

leave a few toonies and loonies around for a lucky finder

buy a gift certificate for a grocery store and hand it to the person in line behind you

tuck happy notes  under windshield wipers of cars in a parking lot

I still need a few more ideas so if you have any good ones please feel free to comment and add to my list! I am getting really excited for my Birthday / random act of kindness day!

Mud Hero

Mud Hero Obstacle Course Run

6 km course

15 natural and man made obstacles

Clean and beautiful before the race

Some muddy best buddies

Our Mud Hero team

Sinister 7

                                             Sinister 7 Ultra Marathon + Relay

148km course 

5,250m elevation gain 

27 hours

7 Wonderz the day before the race

7 Wonderz at the Start Line

7 Wonderz at the Finish Line

Mom and I after I completed leg 1

Mom and I after she completed leg 3

Catching Up

Yikes it has been a while since my last update. We have been ridiculously busy and a lot has happened in the last month. We last left off on our Girls Day Tea Party. The following week I finally got a golf lesson in! After three consecutive weeks of my golf instructor cancelling our lessons I decided to get a refund and go somewhere else. My Father-in-law set me up with a pro at his golf club and my Mother-in-law joined me for a semi private lesson. It was great! He helped me with all the mechanics of my swing and I could see a difference right away. A few days later Aunty Chantelle and Aunty Elyse babysat for us so that Sandy and I could have a quick date at the driving range to test out my newly acquired skills.


That weekend was Sandy's first Father's day which we spent going for brunch with the McLarens. It was a nice day together as a family. Later that week we continued to train hard for the ultra marathon quickly approaching. On Saturday Alexander attended his first Birthday Party for Wyatt, followed by my Dads 50th Birthday Party, followed by Chantelle's Baptism. It was a very full, very fun day. 

Chantelle's Baptism

The last week of June was spent planning my Sister-in-laws baby shower and getting ready for camping on July long weekend. The day before we left the little bundle of joy arrived for my sister-in-law. On Thursday June 28 at 5:00pm weighing exactly the same as Alexander at 5 pounds 11 ounces and 17 inches long, Ejay McLaren was born. It was a very exciting day, especially coming from a perspective other than the mommy! I am definitely a proud Aunty

Baby Ejay with Aunty and Uncle

The day after we got to meet Ejay we set off on our Camping Trip for the Canada Day long weekend. We went to Banff which was a little chilly but we had a fun weekend regardless of the weather.

At the hot springs with Daddy wearing a skirt

Out for a mountain bike ride

10 months later, both of us seem to have changed! 

When we got home it was crunch time. We had three days until Sinister 7.

The week was filled with lots of packing and organizing. Alexander also had his first day at DayHome as I started back to work at Sandy's Company. Just one day a week for about 4 or 5 hours but it is still a big step for me and my little man!

Training Weekend

This past weekend we had a training weekend for our ultramarathon coming up in a few weeks. The race takes place in the Crowsnest Pass so we spent the weekend in Canmore hiking two mountains to prepare for the change in altitude and the hiking conditions that the race will present. It was a big weekend for training but also a big weekend because it was my first time away from Al for more than 24 hours. Daddy did a great job and everyone survived but it definitely marked a milestone. I have spent today trying to take care of the tornado that must have hit the house while I was gone but at least my little guy is in one piece (with only a few scratches).  Only five members of our team were able to make it this weekend but it still proved to be a good team bonding experience. There was definitely a wide variety in our group of age, athletic ability, relationships to one another, and maybe even sense of humour? But it proved that under stressful (mental and physical) conditions we are still a great team and group of friends / mother-daughters. We did two scramble hikes: Lady MacDonald and China Man's Peak. Here are some pictures from our hiking trip, Enjoy!

And just a side note, I haven't picked up my point and shoot camera in quite a while now, and boy can I tell the difference. My DSLR was just too much to carry up the mountain and sadly I think I missed out on some great shots! But these pictures are still great memories captured on the ol' pink Canon!

First Family Camping Trip

We just got home from our first family camping trip and it was great! Minus all the pre-camping issues we had to deal with of course. Lets start with the back story. Sandy and I started looking into trailers for camping last May-June (2011) but because I was due with Alexander in August it didn't make much sense to invest in something that we wouldn't be able to use right away. So we decided that we would wait, not do Christmas presents for each other, and instead buy a trailer in the spring of 2012. So that is what we did. We only exchanged stockings with one another (except the diamond earrings Sandy got for me and broke the rules, but that's neither here nor there) and in February we went to look at trailers at the RV show. We had basically already decided what we wanted but thought it was still a good idea to go look. So one fun date day in February we went to the show, and within 20 minutes had decided on our trailer and purchased it! We were told it would arrive in March or April. So in the meantime I started purchasing what we needed for camping and making lists etc. March and April came and went and no trailer arrived. Finally in May we got word that it was here so we went for a quick peak and it looked great! Just as we had expected and everything looking like it should! We made an appointment for our orientation and pick up of the trailer. It was a Tuesday morning about two weeks before we had our first camping trip booked. But, when we showed up for our appointment, the trailer wasn't ready to go home. The salesman had forgot to put the work order through to have it pressurized and ready to go. So instead of getting it that day we ended up getting it Saturday, six days before our scheduled camping trip (and the day of Alexanders dedication). I spent Saturday night and Sunday (Mothers Day) filling the trailer and getting it organized and ready for camping. The only thing left was to fill the fridge! Tuesday Al went to my Mom's for Grandma-baby time, like he always does on Tuesdays so I took advantage of the free time and went and got our groceries. Five hundred dollars worth of groceries. 

the groceries

Not thinking, I didn't plug the fridge in ahead of time so when I got home I plugged it in and waited for it to get cold. The manual said about eight hours so I gave it eight hours, and it still wasn't cold. I gave it twelve hours, still hot, and by twenty four hours it was still warm inside! At that point we called the dealership and the short version was the fridge needed to be replaced, three days before we were supposed to leave. Luckily they had the fridge in stock so they replaced it and we had the trailer back that night. Which leaves us to Thursday. This is the day I went over our site we had booked and last minute lists. This is when I realized I had made a mistake with our booking and accidentally booked a non-powered site. Bahh. Not the end of the world but I was disappointed that I had made this over site. Oh well. Friday it was time to leave on our first camping trip. Fridge replaced, food and clothes packed, gassed up and ready to go. 

We hit the road shortly after lunch and got to our spot around 4:00pm. Within ten minutes of getting there and starting to set up, one of our jacks hit the gas line (our main source of power for the weekend) and blew the line. At this point we packed up, signed out at the office and got a refund, and were on our way home! All of this work and waiting and packing and planning, just to come home 10 minutes into our trip because we had blown a gas line. We ended up taking the trailer straight to the dealer and they were able to fix it for us immediately (I think they felt bad for all the trouble we had been having with the brand new unit). By 8:00pm Friday night our trailer was fixed and ready to go again. I ended up calling back to the lake for a reservation and got the last site in the entire park. We left shortly after lunch on Saturday and had a great camping trip! We put a couple little scratches into our new trailer but I guess that is going to happen! Anyway just wanted to share the adventure of our first camping trip as a family. Despite that I was very upset each time something went wrong, I can now laugh at it because it all worked out in the end. There are people in much worse situations so I have to smile and remember how blessed we are. After all, our fridge in our trailer malfunctioned, some people don't even have fridges in their homes.

All hooked up

Crawlin' around the new place

Now mommy can have her hands free
for a game of bean bags

All fenced in

My first bath in the new tub

Good Morning, had a great sleep in my new bunk bed

Hanging out with Dad

Checkin' out the beach

I can't wait to take it out again and spend more time as a family camping!

Summer Bucket List

Summer is right around the corner, and I know this because all the critters are back in our yard. Birds, bugs and big animals and I can hear them morning and night. I just love living on our acreage. Sometimes the winter months drag on and I forget why it is so nice to be out here but as soon as spring rolls around I am reminded of the beauty of nature. 
Since I was so pregnant last summer I did not enjoy it very much! This year I am hoping to take full advantage of the great outdoors and I have decided to make a summer bucket list. Below are some of the things I am really hoping to do this year.

An afternoon biking in the river valley and a picnic lunch

A picnic at Rundle Park

A visit to a spray deck and or outdoor pool

A trip to the Calgary Zoo

Feed the birds at a lake

Take a trip to the mountains

Get back on my dirt bike

Have a bonfire in the backyard

Fill up the inflatable pools and have a pool day in the backyard

Alexanders first birthday

Host a baby shower for my nephew (coming soon)

Camping

Thats what I have so far, I am sure there will be more things to add as we go! Looking forward to the nice weather!

Kyla

Just a couple of photo collages from some of the wedding events we've been attending for Kyla's wedding coming up in January!

The Bridal Shower

The Stagette

My poor neglected blog! We are so busy these days and doesn't look like its going to slow down anytime soon! Who knew being off work I would be this busy... Who am I kidding I will always be a busy gal no matter if I am employed or not! Well since I last checked in we've been up to lots. We are currently finishing up our 10 day vacation in Mesa Arizona, visiting Sandy's parents. The weather has been great for us, not too hot for Al but way better than the minus double digits at home!

I have been doing lots of running and have even committed to one leg of the sister 7 race next July. When I told Chantelle to look into races for us to do, I didnt quite think she'd be this ambitious but hey what the heck it's something to work towards. I completed my first 10 km run last week in 1 hour 11 minutes ( with a stroller as usual) and was pretty proud. I never would have thought I would be into this whole running thing but so far I'm really enjoying it!


Al is doing great, growing and changing all the time. We survived his first plane trip with only a few tears here and there. All in all I'm feeling less nervous about our trip to Mexico in 6 weeks! My little boy is growing up so fast! I found a tooth the other day. I know hard to believe a 3 and a half month old has already cut his first tooth but it is possible. Crazy little guy, I guess that explains all the drooling, rosy cheeks, chewing and fussiness. Why did I not consider the whole teething thing haha.


I cannot believe Christmas is right around the corner, we have so much to do! We have Kyla's stagette this weekend, Sandy's 30th coming up, Christmas and all the party's that it includes, my birthday and then we are off to Mexico! This month is going to just fly by! And speaking of time flying it's time for me to hit the hay! Happy snow everyone!

This is bad, I am getting so neglectful! In my defense we have been busy. But I guess that's life now so I should stop making excuses and just get to this a little more frequently. Since I've last updated we've done a  few things. We went off to Banff with Grandma for a few days at the end of August/ Beginning of September. It's always nice to be in the mountains, but unfortunately we had really cold rainy weather, which doesn't make it easy with a baby. We still had fun though, and it was nice to just get away for a bit.  We also went down to Calgary for a weekend, for our fourth and final baby shower! Spoiled I know. Alexander got a swing which he LOVES and we luckily captured his first reaction to it on video. Too cute.  The rest of our time seems to be filled with appointments, housework and cooking, shopping and of course snuggles! He is getting so big and changing so much. He has already more than doubled his birth weight and he isn't even two months old yet. He focuses on mommy and daddy's face, looks around and explores his surroundings all the time, smiles and giggles and we even had our first 6 hour night. He's growing up so much already.  We went for our first swim with Daddy yesterday and had a great time at the pool!

As for me, I am feeling alot more settled into our routine. There are still times when our plans get turned upside down but for the most part I can predict how things will go and get more done in a day. I managed to get groceries, cook lasagna, tacos, shepherds pie, potato casserole, get a brow wax, visit grandma and spend some time as a family, all in one day! I'm trying to get out and walk everyday as well as bootcamp twice a week. I am hoping to start getting some of this baby weight off since I have a bit to lose (and before January!) And on that note I should head downstairs to the cross trainer and get some working out done before the peanut wakes up from his morning nap! 

I will be back sooner than later!

4 generations

4 generations

Looong Weekend

What a fun and long weekend! Even though we didn't go camping we managed to spend alot of time outside, enjoying the sun and mosquito's. After we stopped by the farmer's market on Saturday, we decided to head out to Jurrasic Forest in Gibbons. A fun little place with dinosaurs! Beware the popcorn in snack shop has a serious lack of butter!

Afterwards we had a little visit with some miniature donkeys, which may I add, are alot bigger than I expected. Despite being called miniature I felt like they were pretty big. Check out that cute little ass (haha)

With no shortage of adventure it was off to BUMP the next day! Although there is no riding for me this year I didn't want to miss out on any of the action, so I went along to be the official photographer of the day. I got some really cool pictures but I think after my photography course (coming up in 2 weeks) I will be able to really utilize my camera and take some GREAT shots. 

wow my hubby has some great gear! Someone awesome must have picked it out!

I like this shot even though I have no photography skills what-so-ever

Anyway after a long few days, things were a bit more laid back today. After getting up and getting ready I worked with a great photographer, doing a really neat photo shoot that included my pregnant belly. Cindy was alot of fun to work with and she made me feel really comfortable, considering the photo shoot took place in the bathtub. How fun! I will definitely be sharing some photo's once she has finished up with them.  Now that this long weekend is coming to an end it's time to get the house cleaned and finish up laundry. I have about 150 pages left of my current book so I may take a stab at a few chapters tonight! All in all it was a great weekend. I hope everyone enjoyed there weekends just as much!

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.  ~James Openheim