Ridemakerz

Today was Cozmo’s actual birthday, so Michael and I wanted to do something special for him.  We picked Cozmo up right after school and headed to Downtown Disney for some car building fun at Ridemakerz.  Tita Jay got off work early and wanted to help celebrate too!  I’m glad she decided to join us because I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle two kids in public by myself.  I’m just not ready for that.  Anyway, first we stopped at 7-Eleven for some slurpees.  Cozmo has a good eye for 7-elevens. He spotted one like a mile away and hinted that he was thirsty. Once we got to DT Disney, we spent a lot of time at the Lego Store and Build-A-Bear.  But when we got to Ridemakerz, the hands on fun began.  Michael had this look like ‘where’s my car?’; it made me sad, but today was Cozmo’s day.  Next time, Michael, I promise. =)

Out by the boats outside of Rainforest Café.

   They were pretending to steer the boats. I 'forgot’ my money. HAHA

We built a Pirate Cozmo at Build-a-Bear.

Cozmo picked out Finn McMissile from Disney’s Cars.  Michael was proud to be his little helper.

He installed the chassis, wheels and rims onto Finn McMissile.

While Michael helped accessorize with stickers.

Happy 5th Birthday, Cozmo!

Michael loves spending time with Cozmo and was glad to be a part of his special day!

 

On our way out, we stumbled upon a $20 bill so we continued the festivities at McDonald’s (Cozmo’s choice).

Dumbo, Teacups and the Train

Today was a different Disney visit full of new adventures with Ethan and Nana.  First, we arrived at 9:20am!  That’s super early for Michael and me considering he wakes up around 8:30 in the morning.  We decided that we were going to go on rides that we normally don’t ride on together – like Dumbo, the Storyboat Ride, the Teacups, and the Disneyland train.  Of course we did a few musts like It’s a Small World and Buzz Lightyear which are the boys’ two favorites.  They did such a great job that we ended the day with some yummy ice cream!  I can see more Disney dates in the future as they’re getting easier and easier to take out…

Wherever Michael goes, his collection of Yogurtland spoons go too.  They came with us to Disneyland today!

We had a blast on the Teacups!  Michael and Ethan were in charge of it spinning, and thankfully they didn’t know how to.

Weeee!

They’re not fans of posing for the camera… But I think candid shots capture the mood better anyway.  The boys were genuinely having a great time. =)

Couldn’t skip It’s a Small World. Fifteen minutes of A/C was needed at this point.

Trains, trains, trains!  Oh how they love trains. They patiently waited as the train approached the station.

We rode on Buzz Lightyear, and this time I made the board!  I ranked #67 for the day! It may not be that impressive, but it’s my best score yet. (And I believe there were more than 68 people on this ride for the day)

Is that yummy Michael?!

Irvine Spectrum

Nana and I tried to take the kids to Pretend City in celebration of its 2nd birthday where admission was free all day!  But since the line was out the door, we decided to go to Plan B and hit up the Spectrum instead.  We rode on a trackless train, the ferris wheel and the carousel.  When it got hot, we headed to Target.  Who needs Pretend City when you can play at Target?  There’s so much to do there!

Michael’s eyes are glossy

Ethan is such a character!

We rode on the slowest ferris wheel on earth!

Michael loves wearing his baseball shades

Ethan loves wearing Buzz Lightyear shirts…and pretending to be Buzz

The boys were excited for some Jamba Juice.  The Strawberries Wild turned them wild by the end of the day.

Thanks Nana for all the fun rides!

 

Nana bought each boy a toy of his choice.  Ethan picked two cars that made sounds from Disney’s Cars.  Michael had a difficult time choosing what he wanted.  I think it’s because when he’s out with me he doesn’t get to bring home anything, and whatever he plays with in the stores, I always ask him to put them back.  Well today was his lucky day!  He came home with a new Mobigo game that had a Chuggington theme.  Of course it had to be educational! =)  It tests your memory, teaches you problem solving, matching and classification.  He was so excited to play it that he stayed up during the ride home AND totally skipped his naptime.  I’m so glad that Michael has an affinity of learning, and I hope it stays that way for a long time.

Cozmo’s Bday Celebration Begins

We helped celebrate Cozmo’s 5th birthday at Disneyland today.  It was an early birthday present from his lolo, and our season passes allowed us to tag along.  We wanted to be there all day, but the hot hot weather prevented us from showing up early. Michael was happy to ride It’s a Small World and Buzz Lightyear with the kids.  Violet watched over Michael like he was her other younger brother.  She is such a sweetheart to him. =)

Cozmo (almost 5yrs old), Michael (2yrs old), Violet (almost 7yrs old)

They treated us to some yummy chicken dinner at the Plaza Inn.  While we waited for our food, the kids entertained themselves with the salt and pepper shakers.  Michael got his first ever Disney lollipop, but never got the chance to taste it.

I guess this is the age where boys get really silly.

Or maybe it’s at this age??

All I know is that Michael has a bunch of facial expressions that are great to capture on camera.

Thanks Tito Pito and Tita Lorna!

Splashing at the Commons

Heidi invited Nicole, the kids and I for some water fun at the Commons in Irvine.  The Commons is in the private Woodbury Community with a huge pool no deeper than 50”, a tot pool that was only 18” deep and a cool splash area.  This was the best water place we’ve been to so far, especially since we don’t quite swim!  It’s so nice that I would consider moving to Irvine or to a community that has this.  Everyone wants a pool in their backyard, but who wants to deal with the maintenance of one?  I know I don’t so this is definitely the next best thing!  Plus, there are lifeguards on duty so you know you’re safe.  There weren’t very many people, and those who were there were so nice that they let us play with their toys.

We’re going to get Michael in swim lessons by next summer. He always starts off just wanting to dip his feet in the water.

…And splashing in the water

Michael threw little fishies into the pool while Adelyn and Denise dove to the bottom to catch them.  They put them back in the net, and Michael threw them back in the water.  They did this over and over.

In the splash area, Michael befriended another girl his size.  They ran under the water rainbows and giggled together.

Wiley is the youngest boy I’ve seen who loves the water!  He splashes around, runs through shooting water without any fear, and even uses his mouth to catch water from the jets.

A group shot of all the kids looking forward:

Logan, Michael, Denise, Adelyn, Wiley

DCA

At midnight Anyleis and I decided we were going to DCA in the morning, and I’m glad we went early because it was pretty hot and humid.  We covered a lot of attractions in just 5 hours, perhaps because some kids are back in school?  Whatever the reason, it worked for us!  We hit up the Ariel ride (again only a 5 minute wait), and then did most of the things kids under 36 inches could do.  We had lunch at the Pizza Port in Disneyland, and boy was that a mistake.  Everyone decided to have lunch there!  We wasted so much time waiting to checkout that our food was already cold by the time we sat down.  Michael’s meltdown was a signal that it was time to go…so instead of walking back in the heat, we rode the monorail.

King Triton’s Carousel – always a favorite, as are any other carousels

I tried to take a pic of the two of us, but my arms weren’t long enough to get both of us in the picture.

Woody, Buzz and Jessie were there.  They came in shifts and you had to get back in line to meet each one.  Woody is so tall, we barely made it in the picture.

Anyleis was nice enough to spin ‘round n round’ on Flik’s Flyers with Michael.

It started to get a little warm so we headed to the Animation Studio.  Michael paid attention and was quite the scribbler today.

Daisy Duck was the session’s character pick.

We finally saw Handy Manny!  Michael asked him why he didn’t have his tools with him, and Manny said they were getting ready for the Playhouse Disney Show.

Welcome Emily Kathryn!

Michael’s first girl cousin arrived today!  Her name is Emily Kathryn and is Ethan’s little sister.  She was born August 23rd at 8:37am.  She was 8 pounds and stretched out 21 inches.  She looks just like Ethan when he was born, but just a little meatier. =)

Welcome to the world, Emily!  You are going to be one tough girl. The boys can’t wait to rough you up!