The First Day 1:33 AM

We started our first day with what has become a new tradition: Breakfast at the park.

The best corner table at the Gibson Girl.

Misha always has a cinnamon twist and a fruit parfait. I tried the pumpkin raisin muffin. Delicious. There's something quite enjoyable about sitting at a table on Main Street looking out a window and watching everyone run like mad to a ride while we have a leisurely breakfast.

The main event for the day was of course Mickey's Halloween Party. There were quite a few Captain Jacks. Lots of Mad Hatters. A few Green Army Men. Even four or five "Where's Waldo"s. But only one Carl and Ellie:

Leaving the hotel, ready for adventure.

There's something a little nerve racking about walking out of your hotel room wearing goggles. You would think they would boost your confidence, make you feel ready for what the world throws at you. Not so much. Especially when your dad can't stop laughing at you. Regardless, we forged ahead and it turned out that the costumes were a great success. Almost all of the cast members got it immediately, and when other guests figured it out, it was great to see their reactions.

While I pushed for my dad to be Davy Crockett, it didn't come to be. However, I thought their costumes were great. They were well received and met quite a few other Mouseketeers while trick-or-treating.

They look the part, don't they?

The party was great at Disneyland. It was meant to be there. Great decorations, great music, great atmosphere. Lots of fun people all running around like fools in their costumes. It was a fantastic time.

With goggles we fear no ghosts.

New High Score!

Just before midnight.

It was a long walk to the hotel at the end of the night. Not because we were tired, but because we were hauling approximately 12 pounds of candy. I think we recouped our losses from what we spent on the tickets.

Misha worked hard for that pile of candy in her adventure book.

The spoils of a great Halloween party.

It was a good day.

Disneyland: Halloween 2009 6:34 PM

So we decided that the only way to celebrate Halloween this year (and escape careers and homework) was to head out to Disneyland. Frankly the only way to properly celebrate/avoid anything is to head out to Disneyland, but that's a different topic. The really great part is that our friends actually agreed with our train of thought which helped us find a ride to California (thanks again Bodie and Tina!).

The ride down was jammed packed with adventure:

These are looks of fear, not joy and excitement. Space Mountain was haunted, you see. McKinnen vowed to never go again. At least this trip.

It seems that most everyone else avoids water lines when it rains. Doesn't make sense to me, but so be it. As a result we rode Splash an unprecedented three times without getting off the ride!

My life is now complete.

Misha satisfies her lead foot.

Liam enjoys the views of Fantasyland.

At 5 pm, my shoes are not yet dry.

I carved these myself.

I'm still not sure what Mickey was for Halloween, but I'm digging the costume.

The best way to start the morning is on Dumbo. I have yet to find anyone, other that Curt, to disagree with me.

This is the Tea Cup for those with iron stomachs or no common sense.

This one's a little more tame.

This one doesn't move at all. Smart choice Boey.

Is this what the future Disneyland holds for me?

Costumes in Disneyland. Need I say more?

We're in the back row, if you can't spot us.

Mailing postcards from the park has become one of my favorite traditions.