The Beach & Goin Home - Day 7 & 8

As the week started it had looked like Friday was going to be the hottest day (in the 80's)...so Friday was the day! We all piled into the mini van and drove to the Santa Monica beach. It took a while because of traffic (again). When we finally found it (thanks to Cirdan's dad) it was worth the wait.

Saturday we packed up, went down to breakfast and walked around a strip mall before going to the airport. 

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Disneyland & California Adventure - Day 6

This was are final day at Disneyland and California Adventure. The weather warmed up and it was around 80 degrees. A GREAT day to be in the happiest place on earth!! We used our hour early pass and got to Disneyland at 9:00. We directly went to the rides with the long lines that would have taken 45 min plus later in the day. My mom, dad, Kaiya and I went on Peter Pan's Flight. It is a classic that always had a huge line. It was an alright ride...you soar through different scenes of London and Neverland.

Then my parents and Cirdan went on the Matterhorn . Kaiya and I were bored while we waited and took some pictures.

Ella and I waited while my parents, Cirdan and Kaiya went on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. I opted out since I am claustrophobic. I guess it was a really cool ride and we probably should have taken Ella on it since she loves fish.

We then decided to go over to California Adventure...got a quick bite to eat...

and went to Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular.

The acting was great, they came out in the audience a bunch of times.... We sat in the 2nd row and it was fantastic!!

We really wanted to make reservations and eat dinner at Ariel's Grotto so after Aladdin we headed over and made some reservations. We had a few hours before dinner so Kaiya and I went over to one of the shops to buy her a princess dress. It was kind of spendy but she had to dress up for the dinner!

We then headed back over to the California Screamin roller coaster so Cirdan could ride a couple more times with my mom. My parents also went to the Toy Story Midway Mania ride.

It was time to head to dinner. After we got the okay from the front desk we walked down the staircase where Kaiya got a picture (and autograph) with Ariel.

We had a 3 course meal. Kaiya ate steak, Cirdan had the chicken and I also had steak. They first brought out antipasto and bread....not to mention a great pesto...... Then came the main course. While we were eating they would introduce a princess who would come out and go from table to table to talk to the kids and take pictures.

Kaiya had so much fun. She said that she felt really happy and excited, and a very lucky girl. She said she is also thankful that Cirdan and I took her to the dinner. The 3rd course they brought out a delicious array of dessert! It was soooooo good.

Cirdan and my mom went back on the California Screamin roller one last time.... and we took more pics (on the pier by the roller coaster)... the sunset was beautiful.

California Adventure was closing so we walked over to Disneyland. We walked through the shops, took even more pictures and enjoyed the atmosphere. I loved just sitting there watching people and looking at all the magical things.

We were sad to leave but will be saving our money for a trip back soon!!! Anyone want to come with?? :)

More pictures from our day...