Happy Birthday Alex!

Alex has wanted to go back to Disneyland ever since our passes expired in January.  So, for her 12th birthday, we headed out to Disneyland for the day.

It was so fun!  I was worried about the summer crowds - but there weren't any at all!  We waited for about 20 minutes in the longest line.  We did get fast passes for her birthday to a lot of rides though - so maybe we avoided crowds that way.
Cookies for brunch are a must.  
Sophie and Matt infront of the Haunted Mansion.
Alex's favorite lunch spot is the Gumbo place by Pirates.  Beware clam chowder lovers...they changed their recipe.  This only really affected Matt.  




Sophie loved these flowers!  They reminded me of candy canes.  She thought they were fascinating.  
Normally we just get the pineapple whips at the Tiki room - but for the birthday girl - a pineapple float.  Yum.

I LOVE this picture of Matt on Tower of Terror.  Hilarious!!  His cast looked so funny hangin' out in the air like that.  He said the ride was fun, but his finger would throb every time the elevator changed direction.  OUCH.  He didn't seem too bothered by it!

Here is Sophie taking a stroll with Mr. and Mrs. Incredible.
Here is Alex after California Screamin'...our family's favorite ride.  I think we rode this 6 times.  So fun!!

We decided our visit wouldn't be complete without a raft ride - and yes, we got soaked. We asked for a plastic bag for Matt's 'cast' and thank goodness we did!  He was dripping after the ride was over.  Alex actually got serenaded in the store by this opera singer because he saw her birthday pin.  It was so cool!  I will try and post the video later.   
Dinner was at Rainforest Cafe - we love their Jungle soup.  Mmmm.  Steve caught up with us there and we got to jump on a few more rides before we finished the night up with a few more rides and ice cream (way too expensive ice cream, that is).

Happy Birthday, Alex!!

ps - must wear running shoes next time - NOT Converse.  My feet are killing me!