Ok, you guys. Remember how I told you there were 700 photos? I’m splitting it into two posts and still you get this many photos. I’m sorry…narrowing is hard.

Anyway, here are all the details. We arrived in California on Tuesday night, right after Peanut’s bedtime. We waited a while for our luggage, then finally caught the bus to the rental car location only to find out we had booked with a different rental car company. So with a little backtracking, we finally got to the right place, got our car, and headed for the hotel. At the hotel, we ended up waiting for nearly thirty minutes for a crib and some extra pillows, and then finally got Peanut to bed more than two hours late. Poor baby.

But he was up, bright and early, the next morning and happy as could be — especially because we were at a hotel right by the airport with a view of all the incoming planes. Heaven for this child.

That morning (Wednesday), we headed to a children’s museum in Irvine, and spent the morning there. Although it turned out to be spring break for many elementary schools in the area so it was jam packed, Peanut had a blast. We spent most of our time in the library, the city park (a big rug with lots of trucks and cars), and the plaza.

When it came time for a nap, we loaded up in the car and drove around for a couple hours while Peanut slept. We saw amazing houses, and even more amazing views.

Finally we arrived in Anaheim and at our hotel. While Philip checked in, Peanut and I sat down with the other kids to watch some old school Mickey Mouse cartoons. Peanut was enthralled, to say the least.

After checking in, we took advantage of the sunshine and hit the pool. There was a perfect sized slide for Peanut, and he had a blast going down it a million times.

The next morning was Peanut’s birthday. He woke up extra early (probably because he was so excited), and off we went to Disneyland. He loved having his Happy Birthday button pinned to his stroller so everyone could wish him a happy birthday (and they did).

One of our first stops of the morning was in Toon Town. Lucky for us, Pluto was there to greet us. Peanut ran straight up to him and gave him a huge hug (much to our surprise and delight), and then after standing in a short line, he met Mickey Mouse and Goofy, and had the exact same reaction. He was in heaven.

The rest of the day we made our way through the park, hitting all the major rides. Peanut’s favorite was definitely the Jungle Cruise. He was so content the whole day, and loved sitting in his stroller taking it all in as we walked around.

That evening, after a nap back at the hotel, we piled on our coats and hats, and hit up a few more rides.

Then on our way out of the park, as Peanut was on the verge of major meltdown, we saw the fire station and the old fashion fire engine inside. Peanut was beside himself with joy (and the meltdown was averted).

And thus ends the first half of our trip, Peanut’s birthday, and our first day of Disneyland. When we got back to the hotel, Peanut was asleep within thirty seconds. I call that a successful Disneyland day.