Himes' Disney Magic: Day 2 of 2

There is no need for an introduction to this post... I think this snapshot paints the scene quite well.

The Himes' family takes on Disneyland!

We made the most of our second day at the resort by hitting up fast passes and making sure to utilize the time well in whatever section of the park we were located in.  The Matterhorn was first on the list, and we all agreed that the updated features were awesome - I won't spoil it for you. :)

Three of us found another fun photo-op.  Now just try to imagine the professional image, with us flipped to the side, climbing our way vertically up the Matterhorn.  

We enjoyed Nemo a lot, because it meant the entire family could go on a ride together...when you have a group this size, with this variation of ages and "likes," it was rare that we were all on a ride as a family.

Grandpa Dale, Kylia and Adalie

We were so happy to have Brant's Uncle Ken and Aunt Mary join us for the day!

Obligatory selfie...cause if we didn't, we would never be in any pictures together. 

 Space Mountain was next up, and was way too much fun!  This was another big ride that I was fortunate to be able to hit up twice during the day.  I love that I have nieces who are daredevils with me! ;)

Round 1: all three of the older girls, Martha, Seth, me, and Dale (pictured below)

I know I will probably get heat for posting this picture, but it was too amazing not to.  Love you, Dale!!

Round 2: with Kylia and Adalie - we literally got off the ride and ran right back in line.  

We made it down Splash Mountain (some people twice!), and survived.  Maddie just settled for a picture out front -- no plummeting for her...this time..

There's that "Elsa" hand again.

Another family ride occurred after lunch - Pirates of the Caribbean.  One beautiful thing about the two years we spent away from Disneyland, is that our kids don't have a memory of absolutely everything, which means we can try rides that they previously were not too fond of.  We have one good shot and can *hope* they will decide they enjoyed it enough to do it again.  So far, our track record has not been too good...usually they ride it once and decide that's all they want.  This was the case for Pirates.  Maddie wasn't too keen of the dark drops and for the entire 15 minutes, she was asking when the ride was going to end.  But before the ride, we had fun taking pictures while we waited in line!

April, Leilani, Brant and "Elsa"

Seth and his oldest girls, ready to go down in the caverns and visit some Pirates! 

We stuck the squirrely child with Grandpa...seriously, this kid was nuts in line.  Thankfully, Grandpa was up to the challenge! 

No Elsa this time- just our sweet Maddie!

Grandpa with his grandson, in between one of their tickle wars.

Thunder Mountain Railroad!

Taking over the caboose of the train -- the best seats for this ride! 

This was his second time on this ride - but my first time going with him.  So fun!

Geoffrey doesn't make much noise; in fact, his face is sort of frozen and wide-eyed during the ride.  But when it's all done, he says that he loved it!

We met a few princesses at Disneyland, too!  Are you surprised?

Cinderella

Mulan - she's always fun, because she isn't seen too often.

So much sweetness!

We happened upon a few stylists from the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, who sprinkled pixie dust sparkles on each of the girls's heads.  How can one not believe in the magic here?!

All the girls at the castle!

In the late afternoon, we spread out and enjoyed a variety of rides/experiences for each individual taste: the princesses, souvenir shopping, the train, Small World, the parade, the Carousel, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and even Storybook Land, to name a few.  It was good blend for each of us!

My beautiful niece, with her stylish souvenirs!

Riding the canal boats in Storybook Land

Mama with two of her girls

Dale and Martha treated the group to a celebratory feast at the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ for dinner!  There were zero complaints!  Thank you, again!!

Kid's table -- and if you look closely, Elsa made an appearance again!

Little cutie, sporting his new Mickey shirt -- he'd wear it each and every day if I let him! 

The grown-up table, ready to feast!

After dinner, we headed over to Adventure Land for the Jungle Cruise, before getting ready for the evening shows!  Both nights, I pulled out glow attire that I packed in.  The necklaces on night two were highly effective and lots of fun!

"Himes, party of 14" is in the house!

Two cutie-patootie cousins!

Blurry, but bright!

See -- totally effective and festive! (and all from the Dollar Store!)

The night concluded with an incredible viewing of the brand new electrical parade - "Paint the Night."  It was spectacular, as it should be!  Shortly after the parade ended, we watched the Fireworks over Small World, which were absolutely epic -- particularly when the song, "Let it Go!" was playing, fireworks were bursting, and snow began to fall. :)  "Magical" only begins to depict the feelings of that moment (especially for Maddie!).  Here are a few highlights from the parade...

We had an unbelievable time at Disneyland with our extended family.  We are never disappointed and only continue to relish in the magic and memories that are created there.  Can't wait for next time!!