Mouse Ears and Sunshine...

For those of you who know my family well, you know that our very most favorite place on earth (next, of course, to the cabin on Loon Lake) is Disneyland. JJ and I went there for our honeymoon a year and half ago, and since then, we have talked, as a family, about going back. So, this past Christmas, in lieu of gift giving, we all pooled our money for a trip to Disneyland. Thanks to Molly, our resident travel agent, and my husband's awsome military discount, we were all able to go this past week for four of the most enjoyable days I think I have ever spent with my family. In addition to JJ and Maya, once our two newest family members, Brock brought along his new beau, Vince, who completed our "family". What a time we all had!!!

Our now extended version of the old "Matthews' Family".

"Ed and Mil" in front of It's a Small World - one of my very most favorite pictures of the two of them.

Vince and Brock in Tommorrowland... We had such a good time with Vince, and I believe that he is reflecting the same sentiment about us, too. Whew! What a relief! Our family can get a little crazy sometimes, especially on vacation.

JJ, the group clown, tried on every hat he could find. Brock and Vince however, needed a bit of convincing for me to get this pic! Thanks, guys! You look great!

JJ and I sporting our "Pirate" Mickey Ears. It's hard to tell, but JJ's ears even have a gold hoop earring on one side, just like a real-live pirate!

Disneyland (cont.)...

The first day that we were at the parks, we attended the "Princess Luncheon" at Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure, thanks to Uncle Brock, who made all the reservations. Maya looked so cute in her "Fairy Princess" dress that Brock bought her; she was much too young to really appreciate what was going on around her, so I guess we could say that it was more of an adult indulgence on behalf of our little princess. So fun!

Waiting to go into Disneyland and California Adventure, we took LOTS of pictures of Maya in her new outfit. She was such a trooper, and didn't fuss once when we put layers of clothes on her, followed by her dress... Once again, this was much more fun for the adults than for her. :0)

Although I am sure she did not appreciate being plopped in a stranger's arms, she did not make a peep while we got pictures of her with the Little Mermaid, Ariel.



Uncle Brock and Maya with Belle, from Beauty and the Beast.

Needless to say, by the time the fourth and last princess, Cinderella, glided by our table, Maya had had enough. She was hungry and ready for a nap, which equated to a bit of a cranky child. We figured that Uncle Brock could stand in for her, which was appropriate considering that this enjoyable lunch was all his idea. Thanks, Brother!

Disneyland (cont.)...

JJ and I at my favorite place on earth!



Miss Maya wearing "Auntie Sissy's" mouse ears.

Playing dress-up after riding "It's a Small World". Not traditionally my favorite Disneyland ride, but with Maya riding along, it became truly magical.

This picture was taken as we were saying goodbye... After lots of hugs and a few tears (OK, really, I cried all the way home - ask JJ), we decided that this had been the very best family vacation ever!!!