"EARS, MOMMY?!"

 Our first morning back in Texas proved to be one for Mickey as you insisted on wearing your ears at breakfast...and every minute thereafter.  While not yet out of bed that morning, I heard "ears, Mommy?!"  And after having to coax you into not wearing them to bed the night before, I realized just what a hit Disneyland really was.

CORONADO ISLAND

To round out our San Diego experience, we took a trip to Coronado Island and it was beautiful!  We loved the white sand beach and beautiful water and the boardwalk!  You ran and ran and ran, Mr. Man of Speed.  A highlight was putting your hand in the Pacific Ocean for the first time.  It wasn't warm enough to swim but you and Mommy almost did when a wave snuck up on us and soaked our shoes!  Lesson learned.  Of course, your favorite was the SAND...and we even brought some home in our luggage thanks to it having found its way into your shoes and more.

USS MIDWAY AND MUSEUM

 We had quite a treat to tour the USS Midway battleship in its entirety!  You had a private tour guide: Poppy who lead us through the cabins, tight hallways and more.  You had a great time running on the deck of the ship while "flying" one of the fighter jets on display.  (I had to lure you out with the taste of popcorn.)  You even earned your very own set of wings, which you were very proud to wear.

RAKING IT IN

Over Christmas in North Carolina, we went to the Sparrow Farm for the day.  You may or may not have found your passion: leaf herding and hurdling!  Thanks to Auntie Katie, we have pictures to prove it.  You were happy as a clam to be in throws of leaf 'clean up,' even despite the chilly willy temperature.

ZIP-A-DEE-DO-DAH

Wide eyed and bushy tailed.  That was you at Disneyland as your entourage trailed closely behind.  You were in heaven as you tasted all that is Disney and had a permanent smile on your face for 12 hours!  We only spent one day at the park, but were able to experience all things Patrick thanks to no wait "fast pass" lines.  And at not yet 3 years old, you really wowed everyone with your good behavior!  We all had a great time remembering our childhoods and watching you experience your own joy.  Some of your very favorites: meeting Mickey Mouse, "driving" Autopia, hopping on Nemo's submarine voyage before fighting enemies on Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters ride!  Though, the best part?  Mickey ears.  It was magical that you "grew" ears - so much so that you kept one hand on them even after you had fallen asleep with them on your head.  

BIG LEAF EATER

While in California, we toured the San Diego Zoo and had a wonderful time seeing new animals like pandas, polar bears and camels... and some old favorites big leaf eaters, monkeys and elephants. Another favorite of the park was riding in the Skyfari tram and on the miniature train...a few times!  You are a man of motion.  The best part?  Eating lunch at Poppy's Patio with you very own Poppy.  Later we visited a favorite resting spot for some local seals and sea lions before heading back to Uncle Marty's for BIRTHDAY CAKE and singing.  I'd say Day 1 of vacation was a success.