#6: Disneyland!

Wow, what a week! We just got home from Disneyland with Diane's entire family. For many of them, it was their first visit to Disneyland (or in Diane's mom's case, her first visit since 1960 anyway). The park was not crowded, we got to ride every ride we wanted, and it really was magical to watch the little cousins take it all in. We had an amazing time, and I can't wait to go back!

On our first day, we got to be the family chosen to officially "open" the park.

It was awesome to start the countdown and then yell "Let the magic begin!"

 Going on rides with the kids was definitely one of the best parts.

Diane's dad got to "drive" the jeep on the Indiana Jones ride. 

He made sure to put his hat on backwards for the occasion.

 My nephew and I don't just like Star Wars--we LOVE it.

My favorite picture from the trip: Diane and one of our nieces waving to Mickey at the parade.

I'm not going to lie--Belle is my favorite princess. 

She even waved and winked at me. I'll never wash my eyes again.

King Arthur's Carousel with Diane's brother Andrew. 

My horse appears to be in pain.

This niece is my birthday buddy. She was one happy little princess.

A couple of yellow Dianes just waiting for the gates to open.

Waiting patiently in her Minnie Mouse tutu for her ticket to get scanned.

Nemo's submarine with Grandma. Fish are friends--not food.

Andrew, Liz, and their son on Dumbo. 

Darth Vader....also on Dumbo.

One nephew and one niece were chosen for the Jedi training academy.

I think Jedis definitely look cooler with sunglasses.

Minnie with nieces.

Mickey with....spouses?

One of our nieces has a rare condition giving her four hands.

It definitely comes in "handy".

 Diane promised me she would go on the Tower of Terror.

Unfortunately, she slept through the whole thing.

Not to be the butt of any jokes.

P.I.Arrrrrrr.A.T.E.S!!!

A more colorful version of Mary Poppins.

You're never to cool for bananas.

 When the other adults went on the new Cars ride, I got the kids to play ring-around-the-rosies.

What can I say? I'm just a cool uncle like that.

I bet we are the only people to ever take a picture at this spot.

 Seven siblings who also happen to be friends!

 Cinderella, Cinderella, and Cinderella after changing out of her dress.

Diane's parents had a great time and loved being able to spend the week with their grandkids. 

Dessert at the Blue Bayou: $8.99 of deliciousness. 

To put it gently, I sometimes have a....competitive personality. One of my favorite people to compete with is Diane's oldest brother Ben--whether at ping pong, Mario Kart, or when at Disneyland, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. Since he is older than I am, I figured he would have bad reflexes, and I would easily beat him. Well, I was wrong. Not only did he beat me, but he quadrupled my score. I can't even pretend that I was shooting left-handed or anything since Diane got photo evidence. Sigh, stupid photo evidence.

We opened the park on our first day, and we closed it on our last. 

Disneyland forever!