The Happiest Place on Earth

In May, we took our annual trip to Disneyland. We stayed at a hotel on Wednesday night and made it to the park when it first opened at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning. A photo similar to this one here can probably be found in every photo album in America. This is the main entrance to Disneyland. Syd is hiding her face because of the sun. (It was about 90 degrees by mid-day.)

Dressed in Style

The girls wore Disney costumes to the park to show their enthusiasm. Syd and Lex looked adorable, but Cameron dressed as Tinkerbell melted peoples' hearts. Her little, green wings in back were the icing on the cake. She has nearly grown out of her costume, though. We'll have to buy a different outfit for the 2008 trip to Disneyland.

Meeting Cinderella

Sitting side by side with Disney princesses is one of the greatest joys of a 5- or 6-year-old girl. This time around at Disneyland, Syd and Lex met several of their movie idols. Notice Lex's head tilt here. We didn't coach her to do that; she's a Disney princess in the making. In Syd's hand you can see an autograph book. The girls each had an autograph book that they carried around with them and had their favorite princesses sign.

And then, in a gleeful turn of events, a Disney employee in one of the shops came up to Syd and Lex and asked them for THEIR autographs! Syd, dressed at Ariel, carefully signed her name as "ARIL." ("I forgot the 'E'!" she later lamented.) Lex did her best to write "Aurora" (Sleeping Beauty), but she needed help spelling it correctly. Watching them sign autographs was Scott's highlight of the entire day.

Belle

Cruella de Ville

The actress playing Cruella pulled off the role with perfection. With a scowl that put her perfectly in character, Cruella told the girls, "Now get out of here!" as soon as she signed their autograph books.

The Disney Glow

Does Lex looked thrilled to be at Disneyland or what?

In Awe

Everything at Disneyland intrigues our girls. Here, they are watching the Dumbo ride with awe and admiration. Lex's pointing and Syd's smiles say it all.