I Was Just Playing!

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I would first like to thank my lovely BFF, Di, for kindly transcribing this blog entry, since Clare is currently working on the traditional, end-of-trip game of Luggage Tetris, which I cannot do with my little suction-cupped paws, and because as Di says, while Clare is the Queen of Tetris, Di is the Court Jester thereof.  Also, I'm kinda in the proverbial "doghouse", which would be "bearhouse" if such a thing existed, and that could be considered unfair to us bears, but whatever!     Side note: The pic is of the couch set-up where Clare and Di spent most of the last two weeks (with way more blankets and pillows of course, not sure why Di felt the need to clean it up before getting the picture).  

And why am I in trouble, you might ask?  Well, of course you would!  I am rather fascinating, after all, and this certainly makes a fabulous entry!  It all begins at the end of our visit at KayRena's.  You see, I had thought the game of Hide and Go Seek was so much fun with Di, I talked a certain someone into playing a quick game with me before Clare, Di, and I had to leave back to Di's.  To protect the innocent, I will not reveal the name of my accomplice, but she knows who she is!  Mostly, I just didn't want to have to leave so soon, when I finally had my chance to be back with my playmates among KayRena's kids!  And that's my story and I'm sticking to it!   My little game was supposed to end when Clare loaded the car and wondered where I was.  Sadly, she did not, and I could technically argued that I was left behind, and was not even noticed as missing until they were back at Di's!  I could, and maybe even should, be insulted by this oversite, but since *I* was the one playing hide-n-seek, I don't have a very convincing argument.  Plus, when Clare found out what I'd done, and realized she had to drive back to Orem (almost two hours out of her way), well I wasn't really in a position to complain at all.   So it is that Clare hurried to throw all her stuff into her two bags, load up the car as soon as laundry was done, and head back south to meet KayRena and Tristen in Draper.  They had kindly driven me part way to Salt Lake City so that Clare wouldn't have to drive quite as far (bows humbly to the drivers that probsbly saved me a very squished and awkward trip back to Canada in some box or shipping tube).  After a short visit in a McDonalds parking lot, and a second good-bye in two days, we headed back up to Salt Lake City and the hotel Clare had booked earlier in the day.    

Clare returned the car (right next door to the hotel) and then spent the evening trying to play the afore mentioned Tetris because she's too cheap to pay an extra $35 for a second checked bag.  I sat silently in the corner, thinking about my actions and wondering just how long she would make me wait for another's adventure after this trick.  "I'm sorry, Clare!"   Whatever!   

I'll Never Complain I'm Bored Again!

Ok, I suppose I should start with a little back story here.  For those who have been wondering about the lack of posts recently, or how empty the posts seemed to be when they did exist, it is not entirely because Di and Clare have been ignoring me and talking all hours of the day and night.  Truth is, Clare has been quite sick, but didn't want to make a big deal about it (unlike me who probably would have complained regularly).  She is ok, and we even had a trip to the ER one night to make sure.  Now there's an adventure I've never had before, and let's be honest here, I hope to never have again (as interestingly as it might have been).
    
Anyhow, she's doing somewhat better, at least better enough to take Di and I down to visit my other Utah family; KayRena and kids! We drove down yesterday afternoon, had our traditional tea party (something I was afraid I would miss completely this trip) and then a wonderful movie night, and then I got treated like a King as KesLeigh kindly made sure I brushed my teeth, had a bath and was put to bed, all using her dollhouse accessories.  There was a time when I might have been horrified by this, but after almost two weeks of sitting on a shelf, I was grateful for any attention at all.

Today made the difference though, as I was told we were going to the Museum of Natural Curiosity (as opposed to the museum of artificial curiosity??).  KayRena and Kes joined Di, Clare and me (Di says it's "me" and Clare thinks it's "I" - use whichever you please because I'm a bear and I don't care) as we headed up to Thanksgiving Point where this new adventure awaited me.  Little did I know I would be put through so many wild experiences that I was left more exhausted than any days in Disney!

Here is the condensed list for your amusement:

- survived an earthquake and a tornado (apparently the hurricane display wasn't working)

- explored how water works (and get wet, naturally)

- discovered way more than I ever cared to know about geometry

- had my head sat on a table (without my body)

"Staring Whatever"

- put my name on the Marquee of a theatre

- participated in a puppet show

- sat on a giant-Lego chair (meaning the Lego was giant, not the chair, for those who need that specified)

- read news from a TelePrompTer (is that really how that's spelled or has my auto-correct gone berserk? - Hey, thanks Wikipedia, apparently TelePrompTer is the original company that created it, but it has now become generic and doesn't need capitalizing, but I guess nobody told my iPad that.  Now, don't you all feel slightly more intelligent having read that?)

- checked out a vet and got X-rayed

- went to an awesome library with talking statues (Dickens and Mark Twain, whoever they are - fun quotes though)

- climbed through a cave and followed bear tracks to find some old ancestor of mine (he was a little cold and stiff)

- got constricted by a rattlesnake

- danced on a stage

- rode a zip line, And

- held on tight on a rope bridge!

Does that not sound exhausting to you?  Heck, the tornado and earthquake alone would be enough to finish most people off in one day!  But to continue on as if neither had happened... 

Whatever!

Umm... Yeah, about that?

I Have a Guest Speaker Today!

Okay, I'm going to take a little different approach, this post.  

Since Clare and Di have spent a good deal of time sitting up all night, talking, laughing, and generally carrying on like a couple of teenagers on holiday, I've been more or less hanging out, bored, wondering how humans could possibly have so much to say to each other!  In fact, in all of their very wordy adventures, you'd think they might have put some of those words to good use and written a blog post for me!  Seriously, ladies!    
      
 But today Di and I had some of our own time to hang out together, since Clare hasn't been feeling well, so my BFF and I could have a little one-on-one time, so I'll let that slide - for now!  Since she is being so kind as to be my scribe, I'll also let slide that because she is from the States, she's also insisting on spelling words her way.  You win some, you lose some, I'd always say, if I actually said it more than once!  You win some, you lose some!  There, now I can honestly say I always say!

Speaking of winning some and losing some, Di and I decided to fill some of the time amusing ourselves - and everyone else - with a little game of hide and go seek.  Unfortunately, since I'm actually a stuffed bear, it's kind of impossible for me to just go hide on my own, so the game was slightly unusual.  You might enjoy how the results turned out!  In fact, while it might be unlikely, feel free to try to guess and make this an even more fun game!  All ya gotta do is reply to the email if you'd like to send in your guesses, and maybe if you do, we can discuss the responses in another post, if Di gets around to sneaking the blog away from Clare, again. ;)

Yup, it's been an interesting visit so far, despite the relative boredom after last week! But Di does like to dote on me and Clare a bit, so I guess it's also a good time to kick back, take it easy, and let our friend do what she does best when I'm around! It may not be the adventure of a lifetime, but you know, it's still great to be spoiled from time to time.  It really is the way folks should be treating such a world-famous bear!

Whatever!

Boy, am I stuffed!

Before Spa

While today was still rather boring when it comes to adventures, I can tell you I finally got my spa treatment, and I can now hold my head high again (literally).  

 The day started fairly slow, and I was initially really irritated that they went shopping and left me alone, sitting on the couch, staring at a blank tv screen.  I mean, how rude is that!  However, they returned with some special supplies for my spa day, so can I stay mad at them?  

 As usual I got a nice run through the washer and dryer (kinda fun spinning around in the water, and then all the warm air, although I don't recommend it for you humans), and then got my little suction cup paws all cleaned up and scrubbed, as well as my fur de-linted.

The part I wasn't expecting was, well, let's call it reconstructive surgery.  Most if you may not realize that one of my arms had no stuffing left, and the other wasn't much better, and neither was my neck, making it hard to hold my head up.    

What surprised Clare as she started my procedure, was that when she cut one stitch at the back of my neck, the entire seam came undone and I nearly lost my head.  How scary (thankfully I was unconscious for this).  You'll be glad to know the surgery was successful, and I now have two functioning arms (with both beads and stuffing), and more stuffing in my belly and neck, so I sit up straight again.  Yay!   

Then came the best part of today's spa treatment; as Clare tried to cover my "tail" (remainder of a white tag) with black sharpie marker, she discovered it worked well on my fur as well.  She then kindly gave me a full makeover with the marker, possibly making me more black than I was when I was bought (but that was so long ago, I might just have forgotten).

Still, I feel like a new bear tonight, well stuffed, and looking quite handsome if I say so myself.  

Whatever!

After Spa

 

Bored. Bored. Bored.

I am not a child!

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth or anything, but maybe that would be more fun than sitting on the end of a couch waiting for something to happen.    

 Clare drove up to my good buddy Di's house yesterday morning.  I was very eager to see her, and very hopeful for the spa treatment I always get when I go to her house.  For some reason that hasn't happened yet (although I've heard rumours of it).  They literally talked all day yesterday, except for a brief run to a Walmart for some groceries.  Then today they slept in (big surprise there), and have spent most of today watching tv and talking some more.  

 Like the title says: boring!  Here's hoping tomorrow brings something more interesting.  

 Whatever!

Happy Halloween??

Ok I think I have now come across a whole new level of strange for you humans.  The way I see it, you dress your little ones up in all kinds of costumes (and it seems anything counts in that regard) and then take them on long walks around the neighbourhood in the dark, and they get candy for it.  And what exactly does "trick or treat" mean anyways?  I saw no tricks at all.  Very strange, but I digress...    

So my day started with a trip to the grade school to watch the parade of costumes.  I counted 14 Elsas and 2 Annas (Frozen), 3 Dorothys (Wizard of Oz), at least 15 or 20 variations of wizards from Harry Potter (lost count), 3 Iron Men, lots of princesses, robots, zombies, and then some, including many costumes I had no idea what they were (and some even Clare didn't know).    

After a quick grocery trip, KayRena had to go into work so Clare and I did laundry (ok mostly Clare did that), then watched a movie with some of the older kids before they had to go to their jobs or whatever kids who have graduated do.  When KayRena came home they made what she said was their traditional Halloween supper (sloppy joes and homemade root beer) and then we all got into our costumes.  As I said before, I was not too keen on the costume picked out for me, but it's not like I have any choice in the matter.  Of course, I didn't know the candy deal yet, so I was just a little grumpy as they carried me outside for pictures (if you can't tell, Clare is Strawberry Shortcake and KayRena is Blueberry Muffin, whoever they are!)  

We then headed down the street with lots of other kids in costumes, and started knocking on people's doors and saying "trick or treat" while holding out bags, and I watched in amazement as candy was dropped into these bags.  What is this?  I want in on this!  Suddenly my costume didn't seem so silly, and I got my own little haul, which got too heavy for me to hold up even (Kes insisted I add that part).  Too bad I can't eat any of it.     Two hours later we returned with bags full of candy, and some of us (ie everyone but me) even got to enjoy tasty treats made right on the spot in someone's driveway.  KayRena said they were scones (deep fried) but Clare said they didn't taste like any scone she had before, they were more like donuts.  Must be nice!   So that was my first Halloween.  Weird celebration you all have there! Whatever!

Back With the Family

Two posts in one day!  You won't know what to do with yourselves!  But I promised a catch up, so that you will get, my friends.

I slept in!  Others went to church, but I decided I needed to catch up on a little sleep, and so did Clare, although she had been up most of the night, not feeling well, so we'll give her that.  I must say, for once I really enjoy the extra sleep (you never thought I would say that, did you?). After lunch we carved pumpkins.  Now I remember seeing interesting characters created out of what looked like giant orange tomatoes at Disney but I figured they were all plastic, and that's how they came.  Boy what a mess this project was!  No wonder they did it on the back patio.  It took way longer then I would have expected, but I'll blame that on the fact that the pumpkin is way bigger than me!  By the time we finished and cleaned up, it was time for late supper and then Clare finally agreed to update my blog, which has taken the entire evening (thank you Clare). Here's my proof that I did my own carving.  Kes handed me a marker and said "use this to draw whatever," so I did! :D Whatever!

 

 

 

Good-bye Mouse

I know this is late, but I'm sure you are all just waiting with bated breath to hear about the last few days. Friday was out last day in the Disney parks, and boy did we manage to pack a lot into our time there.  No one can say that we didn't get our money's worth, that's for sure.  We got there shortly after it opened, spent a number of hours in Disneyland and then hopped (ok walked) over to California Adventure and stayed until it closed at 10:30.  We even considered going back into Disneyland until it closed at midnight, but after some discussion about sore feet, and no rides they really needed to ride still, it was agreed (by them, not me) that we were done for the night.  Still, over twelve hours and two parks is pretty good. The highlight of my day, naturally, was finally getting to meet Mickey (which they actually stood in line to do for me, I guess that kinda makes up for the selfishness of not writing my blog).  There is no doubt that he is a giant mouse, especially compared to me.  Still he was very friendly, and I'm glad I got the chance to say hi.  Oh, speaking of which, a friend tagged my two escorts in an interesting post on Facebook about this very mouse which I thought I should share.  It was a picture of the castle, and said "A trap for humans, set by a mouse". Yup, but as Clare replied, "at least it's a fun trap". 

I think the best comment of the day came from a young cast member on our very first ride of the morning (Flight of Peter Pan).  We had got used to hearing "supervise your children" when boarding almost every ride, only this time he smiled at us and said "supervise your inner children".  For some reason this set both of them into a fit of giggles.  I'm not sure if that had to do with me or what, but I'm glad they thought it was funny.  The rest of the day was spent visiting parts of the Disneyland we hadn't seen yet, and then going back to rides we loved in both parks.  We went to Toontown and saw the homes of many favourite characters including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck.  We rode a very little rollercoaster there, which is probably fun for little kids, but after Space Mountain and California Screaming, well it seemed rather short and under-whelming.  We rode a circus train, flew over Neverland, raced through the Matterhorn on a bobsled again, and went back to the Pirates of the Caribbean.

We also managed to track down two characters that my escorts wanted to meet (besides my goal to meet Mickey).  Clare found out when Merida (from Brave) would be around, and then made sure she was first in line to meet her.  I'm not sure her Scottish accent was real, and I'm fairly certain her frizzy red hair wasn't either, but Clare didn't seem to mind.  Later we went back to Pixie Hollow and KayRena just might have been the first visitor they ever had to wait a few extra minutes to meet a fairy other than Tinkerbell.  When she finally went over to meet Iridessa, she was even introduced as "one who waited to meet you instead of Tinkerbell".  I think Iridessa was thrilled to hear that (must be hard to always be second to some more famous fairy).  So all character goals all met: Mater, Merida, Mickey and a fairy other than Tinkerbell.  Yay us! At about 3:30 we switched parks and immediately went back on California Screaming and the Cars Racers ride.  Still just as fun as the first time!  Then, with aching feet, and a goal to get a good seat at the "World of Colour" show at the end of the night, we went over to Ariel's Grotto for dinner (the only time we didn't eat food we brought with us).  They tell me it was delicious food, but I wouldn't know as I didn't get any.  That might be partly due to the cost.  You know it will be expensive when there are no prices on the menu! Still, the meal included "preferred seating" to the water/light show, which meant the first two levels closest to the water.  Oh yes!

After dinner we wandered the shops and jumped on a few more smaller rides that had very short lines, and then finally made our way down to the waterfront and found our preferred seats were as close to the water as we could get, in the "wet zone", and yes we got wet, well they did; I chose to hide out under the end of KayRena's rain poncho.  Clare didn't wear one of course.  She decided it was more important to protect her backpack and its treasures.  Besides, she's just weird that way. Our walk back to the hotel that night seemed the longest ever.  Again, I wasn't sure if it was because they were sad that it was all over, or if they really couldn't have walked faster if they'd tried (between you and me, I think it was the second one).  It was gone 11 when we finally reached the hotel, and neither hadn't the energy to write my blog for me.  Yet both seemed to have no problem talking in bed about their favourite rides, shows, moments and on and on.  Really?  What about me?  *sigh* The next morning we we're back on the road by 9am with the goal of driving the entire way in one day.  It was mostly uneventful really, just very long.  The best part of the drive came later in the day when we were all bored enough to listen to what I will now call the messed up fairy tales, which needs a bit of background info.  The day we were preparing to leave, KayRena's husband came home with a set of six CDs of princess tales he thought we would enjoy on the drive.  Problem is, the car doesn't have a CD player, just a USB port, so her husband kindly uploaded them onto a computer and then onto a USB drive.  Only iTunes didn't recognize the CDs so the tracks were all "track 1" and so on, AND all the track 1s got listed first, then all the track 2s and so on.  We had no time to fix it, so it played the way it was on the drive.  In other words, we heard part one of every story and then part two etc.  All were read by the same lady, and there was no pause between tracks.  Sometimes it was obvious within a few words that we had switched stories.  Other times it was a few sentences, which kept us on our toes and giggling. I tell all of that, to tell the best mixed up fairy tales line ever; a switch from Little Mermaid to a story we'd never heard before (and don't remember the title).  The narrator was describing Ariel watching the prince's ship sinking in quite a bit of detail, and then suddenly said "and it went on like that happily for some years."  Yup, that's what the last four hours of our drive was like: quite confusing and very entertaining. As I think I said last night, we got home to very excited children (and husband I think, although he was too cool to show it), who eagerly wanted to hear stories and get their gifts.  One even exclaimed it was better than Christmas.  Me, I was exhausted and kinda fell asleep where I landed. Whatever!

   

Short and Sweet

I know I said I would catch you all up on our last day at Disney but my scribe is exhausted and is refusing to do so (I told you she was selfish).

We did have fun yesterday but didn't get back to the hotel until after 11pm, then were up at 7am to pack up and were on the road by 9am.  Four stops, and twelve hours later, we finally pulled into the driveway back at KayRena's house, and were instantly accosted by a group of kids who missed their mom (and let's face it, were eager to get the gifts she brought them back). Before we knew it, it was 11:30 and my blog still hadn't been touched.  The nerve!

 I at least wanted you all to know we had a safe drive back, and promise I will catch you up tomorrow.

 Night friends,
Whatever!

The Original... Disneyland!

Everyone else seemed to have these ears...

 

I understand our park-hopper tickets include one "magic morning" which allows you into the park, on one of your park days, an hour earlier than the park opens, to get on some of the rides when it's not so busy.  Clare and KayRena tried for that this morning, but with  all their getting ready, making lunches and other plans for the day, we left the hotel in time to get to the park right at official opening at 9am.  So much for quiet park time. Today we went to Disneyland, the first park Walt Disney opened back in 1955 (because I know you all wanted to know that!).  Let me start by saying it was crazy busy in there today.  I have no idea if it's because Disneyland is more popular than Adventure Park, or if it's because we are closer to the weekend, but seriously guys, does nobody work or go to school in this state?  It was nuts!  On the other hand, it was pretty fun to see how well decorated it was for Halloween; very fun.

On the plus side, it was another great day exploring my third theme park of the week (and to think that a mere four days ago I didn't even know what a theme park was).  Yup, definitely sold on the idea, just not the crowds.  This park was quite different than the others, all split into themed areas, from Frontierland and Fantasyland to Tomorrowland (although I agree with one cast member who told us it might have been Tomorrowland in 1955, but it's more of a Now-land today).   We started our day in Tomorrowland, which seems kind of backwards if you ask me, but hey, I wasn't in charge.  We rode Space Mountain, an indoor rollercoaster that was almost completely in the dark except when strange ghosts pop out and come towards you (usually stars apparently but this was for Halloween).  I'm really glad my escorts eased me into this one by letting me ride other fast rides and even another rollercoaster first.  At least on those, you can see what hills are coming!

Similar to the other day, I would likely bore you to tears if I described every detail about every ride I went on.  Instead let me say that I got a few more rollercoasters under my belt, got to drive a car on a strange track that wouldn't let you go off it even if you tried, rode a monorail, went in a submarine and saw Dory, Nemo and friends, checked out a haunted mansion decorated like a movie called Nightmare before Christmas (again, a Halloween thing), checked out a jungle cruise and almost got eaten by hippos, met the pirates of the Caribbean from a boat, watched birds and flowers sing in the Tiki Room, and went on a number of rides that were like walk-throughs (or should I say ride-throughs), of fairy tales.  I'm sure there was more, but my mind is just a little overwhelmed right now.  

I was rather fascinated by the castle in the middle of the park (which I later learned is Sleeping Beauty's Castle) and when I insisted that pictures be taken of it, Clare and KayRena got sidetracked by this series of mini statues around the garden in front, and insisted that I pose with every one of them, convinced they were "Whatever sized".  Humph!  Why do they continue to believe that I am here for their amusement! Two interesting tidbits of information I feel like sharing are more about customer service than anything else.  The first came after Clare noticed that every time we went into the bathroom, someone was in there cleaning.  Finally she stopped one of these cleaners, and asked what the deal was.  She learned that every shift they are assigned one bathroom, and they are to make sure the entire thing is cleaned every 15 minutes, because apparently that's how fast they get gross.  While I appreciate the cleanliness, I have to admit that is not a job I would want to do.  Talk about a never-ending job!  Ick. The second story came after Clare lost her Fitbit (you know, those silly gadgets people seem fascinated by as they count their steps each day... the answer is LOTS if you're at Disney, just saying).  Anyways, I digress.  We happened to be near an Info booth when she discovered it, so she asked, and they gave two suggestions; go to the last ride and see if they can check the cars to see if it's there, and if not, report it to "City Hall" and if it's found around the ride after close (they actually do a complete ride sweep after close every day for exactly this reason), they will have record of whose it is.  We headed back to the last ride, half expecting a "sorry for your luck" or even a roll of the eyes, but got nothing like that.  They cast member helping to unload people checked every car as it came into the station, and after 4 or 5 cars he actually found it.  Pretty cool, and talk about dedicated to their customers.  I like this park more and more.

Before we knew it, it was 9pm and the park was closing.  I find it interesting to note that the walk to the parks in the morning seems to take half the time it takes to walk back to the hotel.  I've been trying to figure out if it is that they are more motivated to get to the park, or if it's because their feet ache so much at the end of the day.  I have no proof, but I'm guessing it's the later one. Tomorrow is our last day, and will be interesting for a number of reasons.  First, we are planning to visit both parks (making use of that "hopper" part) and see some of what we missed, but also because it is Friday and the parks are open until midnight!  I have no idea if we will actually stay that late, but I'm guessing that if we do, there will not be a blog post tomorrow night.  I guess what I'm saying is, if you don't hear from me tomorrow, don't freak out, it just means my scribe chose sleeping over me.  I think that might be a little selfish, but what do I know, I'm just a bear. Whatever! 

What is a Rest Day Anyways?

I was told today was a rest day, before we do two more Disney park days.  I wasn't sure I knew exactly what that meant, but apparently it just means we go and walk our feet off somewhere else for the day.  I don't get it.

We all slept in, slightly longer than usual, but were still out of the hotel room by 10am and on our way to Newport Beach as we just had to see the Pacific Ocean (for those who haven't seen it, it looks a lot like the Atlantic to me, only facing the other way).  Clare had it in her head that she need to be able to say she has swum in both oceans.  I don't know if you'd call what she did today swimming, but it was quite amusing to watch.  The water was very shallow, and the waves were not!  I think she got about knee deep before she had trouble staying upright.  She finally gave in and just had fun trying to jump over the waves and seeing how far they carried her.  

In the meantime KayRena had fun building a sand castle (Castle Kittenkaboodle I was told) which included a waterfall, moat, pond, river and farming area.  Mighty impressive if you ask me.  Then they both packed up and took me for a walk down the beach to collect sea shells.  I got a little wet as they sat me in a bucket for the ride, and kept dumping their shell finds on me, but on the most part it was fun watching the the waves crash over the beach.

We Found Dory!

After about 4 hours at the beach, they decided to beat rush hour and get back to their hotel early, but apparently rush hour starts at about 3pm in Los Angeles, because we got stuck in a traffic jam.  I've been told about LA traffic jams, so in a way I think it's fitting that we got in one.  I mean can one really say they've been to LA without being in one?  Would people even believe I've been here if I wasn't in a traffic jam?  One more mission accomplished I'd say.

We got back to the room around 4pm and for some weird reasons, the girls decided to follow up their ocean swim with a pool swim.  Good thing salt and chlorine don't react with each other, or it might have been a fun experience!  I tested the water briefly, but decided I'd rather stay dry, and just sat and watched them.

Once they had showered off all the salt, sand and chlorine, we headed back out for yet another walk... back to Downtown Disney, which is basically a shopping plaza with restaurants and and entertainment, including a Lego store with huge Lego sculptures to take pictures of (or photo-bomb if you are KayRena).  I guess they figured today was the best day to go there, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me when I heard both of them complaining that their feet hurt last night and they were looking forward to their rest day?  What rest day?  Did I miss the rest part?  *sigh* Whatever!

Twelve Hours of Mouse!

Yup, I found the mouse... over and over and over again, and apparently we weren't even in the park where we expected to see the mouse that much (if at all).  So educational moment, for those of you unfamiliar with Disney California.  There are two main parks, right across a plaza from each other, the original being Disneyland and the newest being Disney California Adventure Park.  Today we explored the Adventure Park.  We were there merely 20 minutes after the park opened (a nice 10 minute walk from our hotel), and we stayed until it closed at 9pm.  Yup, 12 hours! Can I even do justice to this day?  Between my two escorts, I believe we have hundreds of photos, and even some video.  We went on almost every ride there (that wasn't restricted to actual kids) and many of the shows.  Even though it was still a park based on mostly movies, just like Universal Studios yesterday, it was a completely different experience.  I can't explain it, but I definitely preferred today.

We started out on an adventure quest, to earn badges and a final crest (kinda like Girl Guides).  I think it was really meant for little kids, but Clare and KayRena had fun trying to get me through all of the challenges and I managed to ear my Senior Wildeness Explorer sticker.  Go me!  While there we also got to learn our Spirit Animal.  Apparently mine is a skunk (curious, adventurous)   We then went on amazing ride called Soar, where we were lifted off the ground and taken on a quick tour of major parts of the world in such a way that you really felt like you were flying over them, and even lifted your feet every now and then as things went underneath us.  Very cool. i can't exactly remember the order of things after that, but I know I went on my first roller coaster sometime around then.  It was called California Screamer and now I know why.  If I had a voice box, I would have been screaming too!  What a rush though.  The best part was the beginning.  Clare says most coasters drag you up to the top of the first hill and then let gravity do the rest.  This one started with a "3, 2, 1, scream!" announcement and then we were blasted up and over that first hill.  Wild!

I was excited when we went over to Radiator Springs next (Cars movie if you don't know).  I know this movie, and was once again excited to see how exact they were in reproducing this town.  I got to meet Mater (my personal favourite), and have a ride that started out like a leisurely drive through the countryside, then into town to get my tires changed, and eventually out to race another car at high speed through the hills.  Yup, I'm really liking these rides now I've got the hang of them. I won't bore you with details of every ride we took, because well, it would take too long, so here's a quick recap of the rest.  I met Elsa, Anna and Olaf from Frozen.  I rode in a clam shell below the surface and watched as The Little Mermaid came to life (and listened to Clare and KayRena sing along to every song).  I rode a caterpillar named Heimlich from A Bugs Life.  I helped Sulley and Mike save Boo in the Monsters Inc. ride.  I rode Goofys Flight School (not one we plan to ride again, I just want to add).  I got completely soaked on the Grizzley River Run (Clare never did dry off, and her clothes and backpack and contents are now hanging around the room).  I found out the Disney character I am most like is Jack from Nightmare Before Christmas (KayRena is like Mulan and Clare is like Merida from Brave).  Oh and we got to talk to Crush from Finding Nemo (very fun even if I didn't get to ask a question).  

  I'm not sure if that's all of it, but you get the idea.  But by far, the greatest surprise was at the end of the day.  All we really knew was that their daily finale is a show called "World of Colour" and that it was a lights and water show.  Well let me tell you, this mouse knows how to put on a show!  Not only was there huge fountains spouting high above our heads, and coloured lights shining on them, but they used the mist as a screen to show clips from popular Disney movies, and even added fire towers, and smoke effects too.  I only hope that some of Clare's pictures do it justice!  If you are really curious, look it up, there are plenty of videos on YouTube , just try and find a 2016 one :).

Well I don't know if I've done this day justice at all, but I'm exhausted and so is my scribe, so I can't keep her up much longer, and she still needs to try and find photos to add to this :). Yeah I'm a slave driver, I know.

  Whatever!  Footnote:  I apologize for recent blogs coming as one big paragraph.  I don't know what is wrong with the app Clare is using, but she does put paragraphs in, they just don't stay.  Then she tries to go onto the website to edit further, but it won't let her scroll down, so she can only fix the first few paragraphs.  It's driving her nuts, so I thought I'd make sure you all knew it wasn't because she doesn't know what a paragraph is!

So you are the mouse I keep hearing about?