Our first day at Disney was spent at California Adventure. We decided this would be a great side of the park to start on due to it's smaller size with three families going, as well as it's characters. The boys don't really know the Disney characters all that well, but they know many of the Pixar characters. They were most excited to meet the Cars characters, so who am I to disappoint them?


Before we could get to the parks, we had to walk to the tram station, then load up on the tram for it to take us to Downtown Disney. Ready to go, boys?


We made it through the very intimidating (ya right) security, and headed off to the gates.

We made a bee line (albeight long line!) to A Bug's Land. 
 
One of Lauren's (our friend's daughter we met with there) favorites, and a great introduction for the little ones - being Benett. First ride? Tuck n Roll's Drive Em Buggies. AKA: slowest bumper cars. Ever.


Next up, Benett had been asking to go on a choo choo ride, but Heimlich was full, so they just had a photo in front of the sign. 
 
Don't worry, we got to ride on him later. Ben couldn't wait for his turn as he watched it go round and round while we waited in line.


Before we headed out of there, Jonah took a ride on Flik's Flyers.

Of course, after we left a bug's land, we missed Lightning and Mater by literally 25 feet, we could hardly believe it. So instead of doing one of the most boyish things and seeing them, we did one of the most girly things we could in that park. And one of my favorites. We rode Little Mermaid. My all time favorite Disney movie, so I was more than happy to go on it. 
 
Jonah? Well, he and his father weren't exaclty loving it. I believe J's comment after getting off was: "Daddy? That was BORING!". Ha! Such a boy.


We rode multiple other rides, 

took a break for lunch,

a photo of me and hubs,
 
got Goofy's autograph and a great photo,

and Benett began doing something he has never done before. He napped in the stroller. Not for long, but a pro in a short period of time, even asking to have one and pulling the blanket over the umbrella so he could block out all that was around him. That's my boy!


The day was long, but we did see a few other characters including the green army men from Toy Story, 
 

Sully from Monsters Inc, 
 
Mr. Incredible, and while we only caught a glimpse of Woody, Jonah did get to meet Buzz Lightyear. 
 
No autograph though, Buzz's hands were sore from fighting Zurg the night before. So cute. I'm sure we could have seen more characters, but now Disney does this thing were characters congregate in areas and you line up for photos and autographs. They are only there for a short window of time, so if you want to meet them, you better line up!
Before heading out, we were sure to get the boys their photo op with their favorite guys, Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. They were so thrilled!

I only wish that Cars Land was open for us, but alas, we will have to return!

We finished our day up and headed home for a rest before heading back for the fireworks at Disneyland. 
 

Which in a word, were amazing. For me, that described the fireworks. For the boys, it describes their souvenier that was most likely maybe more for their dad. Lightsabres. Need I say more? 
 



Next up, Disneyland!