Family Vacation - Day Eleven

Today is the last day of our vacation, it was such a great time vacationing with the whole family. After packing up, spending some last moments at the pool and after a few tense moments with trying to get the motorhome down and out of the driveway (very narrow, very steep, lots of trees). Dad got halfway down the exit side and there was a huge tree overhanging the road, he decided instead of scratching up the motorhome, to reverse it back up the road and go out the enter side. All done successfully and with about 6" clearance on either side of the motorhome, kudos to Dad, I would have had a hard time backing up a car, never mind a motorhome. Since we had about 4 hours before having to go to airport, we met up with Mom and Dad at the campsite they were going to stay at for the weekend (they are staying in the States for another 2 weeks still), we hung out, had a great lunch and then headed off to the Ontario airport. Our flights were good (Ontario Airport to San Francisco to Calgary), I can't believe how well-behaved both kids are, our flight from San Francisco had one child who literally screeched a good quarter of the way home. We arrived in Calgary just before midnight - a great vacation and fantastic memories - I really enjoyed this vacation.

Family Vacation - Day Ten

More Disneyland. Nancy, Robb, Gabor, Aniko and I headed back to Disneyland today, and although I forgot to plug my camera battery in the night before, I was still able to take a few pictures and videos throughout the day. As we were walking down Main Street, it dawned on us that today was Disneyland's Anniversary (the 53th), it was neat as we reflected that we had been there 3 years before on its 50th anniversary. It turned out to be the hottest day that we had been at the park, so we took it easy and made sure to cool down by going in and checking out the stores along the way too. We did manage to check out Toontown, visiting Minnie's house, Mickey's house and Goofy's place and Gabor even took to the wheel of the tram. On our way to Critter Country we stopped into The Golden Horseshoe (to cool down) and stayed and enjoyed the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies show, we all really enjoyed the comedy/music show. At Critter Country, we rode the Winnie-the-Pooh ride and while Aniko was feeding, Gabor and I checked out the sites, we knocked on Brer Rabbit's door (he wasn't in - he must have been hanging out in Splash Mountain), we saw Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger too, and bounced around. After Nancy, Robb and Gabor went to see the Haunted Mansion, while Aniko and I shopped around New Orleans and listened to the band. We were able to catch the Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger show and were amazed with the actor that played Indy, a great similarity to Harrison Ford. We then slowly headed over to Disney California, where we caught the last of the Pixar Parade, ate dinner and headed back home to start to pack.











Billy Hill and the Hillbillies (check out where their hands are).

Family Vacation - Day Nine

Spent the morning hanging out by the pool, and then Mom, Dad and I headed off to Disneyland, we were able to hit Pirates of the Caribbean again, did the Haunted Mansion ride, Mom and I received bead necklaces from the band playing in New Orleans Square and we rode on the Mark Twain Riverboat before meeting up with Nancy, Robb, Gabor and Aniko (who showed up after the kid's naps). We had Dole Pineapple Whips and then headed over to Tomorrowland to visit Innoventions where they were showcasing the all-new Dream Home, the home of tomorrow. After which we stopped for some popcorn - Gabor wanted to carry the popcorn bucket (with lid) and promptly decided it would make a great portable chair (too cute!). We all went on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. We then headed to Disney California to watch the Electrical Parade, where Gabor gave and received a kiss from Cinderella and a head rub from one Snow White dwarf. Dad and I went for a walk after to take some park night shots as well and then we finished off the day by walking through Downtown Disney before heading back to our Estate.

Portion of Disney's Electrical Parade.


Gabor receiving a head rub from a Snow White dwarf.

Family Vacation - Day Eight

SHOPPING DAY!!!

Nancy, Robb, Aniko and I headed off to Ontario Mills Outlet Shopping Mall for some shopping today. A very full day of shopping. One of the surprises is that Starbuck's have their own store to sell off their surplus items, they only have one so far and it is at the Ontario Mills Shopping Mall. I did get a one cup drip coffee maker for myself. Among the many things I bought, clothes and shoes, I finally purchased a designer name handbag, the "Betsey Johnson Croco Bow Hobo handbag".

Family Vacation - Day Seven

Today we went back to Disneyland and visited the Disney California Adventure Park, riding on the Monsters Inc. ride, talking to Crush, where Gabor had a great time laughing out loud and getting right into the interaction, looked at the Sorcerer's room where you get to see different cartoon effects. We were able to hit the Vineyard for a glass of wine before they closed for a private function, rode the Soaring over California, and did the attractions at Bug's Land, Gabor was finally tall enough to ride on the bumper cars and had a blast with Robb. Sue and George rode the California Screaming and did the Grizzly River Run and got wet all over again. We watched the new parade and did some shopping at the World of Disney too. We missed the new Toy Story ride and the Electric Light Parade as Gabor had fallen asleep, but we will do both on our next visit to the Parks later this week. The weather has been great, warm days, cooler evenings, where we always seem to migrate to the pool area at night to sit and relax and watch the sun go down. The Estate we are staying at is really great and the views are fantastic. It has been a really great vacation. Tomorrow some of us are going to go and hit the outlet malls to do some shopping - should be a great day!

Family Vacation - Day Six

Today was the day to go to Universal Studios, upon arriving Mom was picked to answer a quick questionnaire and then was handed a front off the line pass for the Studio Tour - how perfect that we didn't have to wait in line (although it wasn't too long). The Studio Tour was great - you get to go to the back lot of the studio where they show you the different filming lots that Universal uses. We were able to see vehicles that they used on different shows, a Jaws attraction, a subway earthquake simulation, the set of many different movies and shows, including the set for Desperate Housewives - Wisteria Lane and the set for The Grinch who stole Christmas, a plane crash into a suburban street and many more things. After stopping at the Kwik-E-Mart, we then rode the Simpsons Ride while Mom took Gabor to the water playground and Dad watched over Aniko, we rode the Revenge of the Mummy Ride and Sue and George tackled the Jurassic Park ride (Everyone else opted out as we didn't want to get wet - although it is an awesome ride). We were able to catch a glimpse of Shrek and Fiona as well as distant relatives from Bedrock (notice the resemblance to Mom and Dad?). We finished the day off with watching the Waterworld mini-show.