SARAH FACE: Disnextravaganza Day 1

It was so. much. fun. That's it in a gist. I was so impressed with the trip that Jen put together. I will travel with her anywhere. We've been home for a few weeks, but if you asked me if I would go again...I would. Tomorrow I've never been that "Disney" person, although I may be converting. Pretty soon I'll be that guy. You know, that guy. The one who goes to the park more that four times a week and tells random highschoolers that they should reach out during the first few feet of Space Mountain because, since they never clean that ride, you can feel the "space dust." That guy. Met him in 2005.

Fair warning: these pictures are in no way connected -- I took out my camera about once an hour and took three to six photos, which I will now share with you.

Chloe had a churro within the first hour. Brynn, too, thought that a churro was an excellent choice for her hard

-earned chore money. It was fun to watch them spend their money. I've got to work on taking more pure pleasure in spending money.

I really enjoyed California Adventure on our first day. It was ride-focused, so we ran from one to the next, following Jen's intrepid app that planned out our day and updated it in real time. I think this left room for the next day to be magical and exciting for different reasons.

We fillled a boat and went for the rapids. Thanks to the Disney Fairy who brought us ponchos the previous night.

Seth, proving that only real men wear Minnie ponchos.

This is clearly Morgan's first rapids ride, since he elected to sit near the stairs. He learned.

Party over here! The grandparents are cool and collected.

The granddaughters look a bit nervous. And a bit beautiful. I put the camera away after this and worked on securing my poncho.

Cars land was pretty impressive. I liked the general feel of it--couldn't believe how big it was--and all the little rides that were perfect for the babies. They were tall enough if they wore their high top shoes, ha ha. Here we all are on Luigi's Flying Tires. This really was one of my favorites and I love the pictures below. The thing about traveling with twelve people is you have quite the majority on most rides.

My tire buddy. We were kind of excited. In other news, my phone struggles, but the big kid camera took some great pictures of the rest to the crew.

Love the flying hair and Lincoln in his high tops.

The Michael/Morgan tire was perhaps the least successful. I blame the eldest driver. He never was good at air hockey.

Action shot! Brynn was screaming and clapping during Grandma Becky's attack.

It was always a contest to see who could ride with Ryder.

Cars land also had a party of the dance variety. Brynn was the first one on the dance floor and the last to leave it.

Love this picture. Notice Brynn rocking out in the background.

We hopped on the Mater ride. Not sure what it was called. Mater's Magic Ride. Mater's Mayhem. Mater's Motors. I could google it. Wait--It's Mater's Junkyard Jamboree? That's only mildly alliterative. I should ride a letter with my suggestions.

One of my favorite pictures. Love them.

I clearly missed the perfect picture, but I still love this one. Go Clo.

We ended the day with a parade sighting and the Tower of Terror. I loved going on the ride with Brynn. Jen had shown the kids youtube videos of the rides and talked about what to expect and how they did the special effects. Brynn especially had studied the video for the Tower of Terror. While we waited in line, she explained to me that there were some simulated ghosts, made with lights, and how the windows would open at the top. Brynn: confronting fear with knowledge. You go girl.

Here are a few fuzzy parade photos and three nieces in a big bucket of fake fish.