One of the reasons I hurried home this break was to go to Disneyland:

A. One last time before our passes were blocked

B. To see the lights of course!!!

Coop, mom, and I finally made it after sitting in traffic for 3 hours (it had been raining and there were about 3-4 accidents) and stayed until closing time. It was a nice last time, though we didn't get to go on every ride that we planned on. 

However, we did manage one victory: we convinced Cooper to go on California Screaming (the big roller coaster) for the first time.

(Also, I realllllly need to work on night-time photography - so many of the pictures from this night were blurry.)

On sunday, Brianne had her mission farewell. It was the most crowded singles ward you've ever seen.

The two people that spoke before her gave very good talks, and when she went up to give hers, she said, "I've got this talk I prepared, but...I don't want to give it anymore. I'm going to wing it." 

And she did.

And it was really good.

Yesterday, our friend Emilee took us to Disneyland. She's a cast member and was nice enough to get us in, along with Brianne's friend Joel. We did some park hopping, and went on just about every ride that we wanted to go on, even though it was quite crowded.

We stayed until about 11:30, and we were exhausted. But it was so worth it.

The best part was watching World of Color. We were all in tears; it was so beautiful. Why have I waited this long to see it?

Another highlight - I was sitting and eating lunch, and this kid comes up pretending to be Mike Wizowski and tries to scare me. It was hilarious.

Mom and I snuck off to California Adventure today. I haven't been in maybe 5 years and I was really impressed with the changes they've made. The detail and just overall vibe in some places in this park is truly incredible.

Cars land was cray cray and the park in general was uncomfortably crowded. Not unbearable, but more than you care to deal with. I guess all the spring break-ers are out to play. Still, we got on many rides and considered it a successful day.

(These are all craptastic pictures because we've been having this weird overcast/haze thing lately that won't go away.)

The highlight of my day - screaming out of genuine fright on Tower of Terror (I go to make my mom feel loved), while my mom is cackling and wiping tears from her eyes because she's laughing so hard and...just having a great time. Oh mom.

Last wednesday my whole family (even my dad) went to Disneyland to hang out with my aunt Jenny and her family. It's been several years since I went, and we ended up getting passes! My mom and I will be planning on some secret trips while the boys are at school.

Because it's still a bit early for spring break, it wasn't that crowded or too hot. We really took advantage of fastpasses and were able to go on everything that we wanted to. The only bummer part is that Thunder Mountain was under renovation. Cooper was tall enough and willing to try every ride we took him on, which is very unlike him. I was proud.