Self Feeder

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> Bananas in the self feeder. Such a happy boy.
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Ellen's Birthday and Disneyland

For Ellen's 4th birthday we took her to Disneyland. She was very excited and for several days leading up to it she would ask us repeatedly when the big day was. This was Ellen's third trip to Disneyland but it really wasn't until her second trip back in 2009 at the age of 2 that she really started to enjoy the experience. This go around however was by far her most fun. She was very excited to meet the princesses and it was the first thing on the to do list once we got there.

We left the house as early as possible and walked into the park at 11:30. Not as early as we had hoped but it still gave us plenty of time that day. A day which we made the most of!

Immediately we headed towards Fantasyland to meet the princesses. Only three princesses are available at any one time, due to previous engagements (royal balls to attend). For those of you who are not familiar with your princesses you are about to get a crash course.

The very first princess was Tiana from "The Princess and The Frog". Ellen was very shy and didn't want to approach Tiana without Kathleen. Ellen eventually smiled and took a picture. Tiana was very patient and really helped coax Ellen out of her shell.

Next up was Ariel. Ellen was starting to get very excited and was eager to smile for the camera.

Finally, Ellen got to meet Belle. Before Belle could even say Hi, Ellen bull rushed her and immediately gave her a huge hug! They talked briefly, I have no idea what about, but Ellen was all smiles and after meeting all three princesses she could not wait to meet more!

Being that we also came to Disneyland to see Colleen, Patrick, Bridget, Will and Rory who happened to be visiting for a gymnastic related event we decided to try to meet up with them. Once we did we spent the rest of the afternoon on the various other attractions..... Pirates of the Caribbean, Small World, Dumbo, many trips inside Sleeping Beauty's castle and a few other rides I can't recall.

Colleen, Bridget and Rory (barely visible) in the Dumbo behind Ellen and I.

By the time the evening rolled around we said our goodbyes and went right back into the chaos to see the evening shows. While Kathleen and Andrew saved a spot along the Rivers of America, Ellen and I hit the Haunted House and Winnie the Pooh. Amazingly it was Ellen that insisted on the Haunted House. She kept her eyes covered during most of it but judging from her reaction afterwards you would have thought she enjoyed every bit of it! There was no line for Splash Mountain but unfortunately Ellen did not meet the height requirement.

Once we met back up with Kathleen and Andrew it was just a short wait till the start of the show. We were all very tired, especially Andrew, but we stuck it out and it was worth it. Fireworks, fountains, Mickey Mouse and more Princesses.....

Immediately after the show we headed for the exit. Once we got back to the hotel, settled into the room and got our PJs on it was already 11PM. It wasn't the most restful night for any of us but it was rest at least.

The next day we tried to check out as early as possibly and head back to Disneyland to make the most the day before departing for home. First up was Pixie Hallow since it closed just before we could get to it yesterday. Ellen was ecstatic at the prospect of meeting Tinker Bell so we made our may. I got a really great video of Ellen making a mad dash for Tinker Bell, I'll have to post it soon.

Here is Ellen with Tinker Bell and Vidia. Vidia is some what of a "spunky" fairy and really did a great job of conveying it. If you haven't seen the 2008 Tinker Bell movie you just won't understand...... Anyway it was quite comical and Ellen definitely enjoyed it!

On the way out the Jungle Cruise (always a must ride) we ran into Jasmine and Aladdin. A nice surprise so we had to stop and say hello. The girls in front of us were nice enough to take our picture. Andrew got a bit squirrelly.

As we made our way out of Disneyland to California Adventure we also ran into Sleeping Beauty. Many, many little girls were waiting in line to meet her. Ellen got very impatient and Sleeping Beauty also ran out of time. As she was telling everyone she had to leave Ellen started balling! Sleeping Beauty was nice enough to take a knee and tell Ellen to dry her eyes. They quickly posed for picture and she left just as quickly as she came.

You would have thought this would have made Ellen's day. Unfortunately the crying quickly returned once she realized that she didn't get a chance to tell Sleeping Beauty not to touch the spinning wheel.

We spent the most of the day in California Adventure, which if I had my way I would spent the entire time in. The food is much better and they have BEER! Karl Strauss beer which is not half bad! They also have plenty of rides for both kids and adults.

Ellen and Bridget stopping along the way for a picture.

The kids made several trips on the rides within California Adventure before heading back to Disneyland. Colleen and rest of their family were in for the long haul that evening so we stayed as long as we could and then headed home. Before we did all the kids sat and most of them smiled for the camera before we took the Disneyland train to Main St and made our exit.

Tired and aching we got home as the sunset. Call me a masochist but I look forward to doing it again..... maybe when Andrew gets a little older and Ellen is at least 40 inches. I think you can go on Space Mountain when your 40 inches..... I need to check that though....

Andrew Goes Shopping

Kathleen snapped this image one Monday on their way into the grocery store. Ever since Kathleen got her new phone she has been taking more pictures and sending them to me. Nice little perk that I've been enjoying. Thought I would share.

New Year, New Teeth

The little man finally got his chompers today!  They took awhile to finally break through, Kathleen thought for sure he would have them before Christmas.  His sister had them by Day 163 while it took Andrew another 27 days (Kelly would appreciate the 27) but he finally got them on Day 190.  Another momentous occasion in the life of Andrew.  These milestones really start happening quickly from here on out last I remember.  It won't be long till he's crawling....

Andrew getting ready to have dinner.  If he's not sleeping he is usually eating.  He loves the fruits, not a big fan of green beans and he had his first bite of turkey which Kathleen prepared in the new Cuisinart.  Doesn't he just look happy!?

Two teeth emerge in the lower front!  Just like Ellen.

Hummmm, looks like I didn't do the best job of cleaning his face after dinner.