3.21.2009

Disneyland!

(Click on the slideshow to open in a new window.)

We decided last year that we would make a trip back to Disneyland for spring break this year. So, the Hugus family and Aunt Heather headed out for a week of fun. We spent the first week of break in California, spending most days in either Disneyland or California Adventure. It was nice being able to take it slow. We took advantage of the Fast Pass program and limited our wait times. Since Robert is four years old, he's tall enough to ride almost everything. Boy, did he love it! We were even able to go back and ride our favorites multiple times. Robert and Erin loved the Buzz Lightyear ride. Charlotte, Michelle, and Jeff loved the Space Mountain ride.

Of course, we couldn't resist getting wet. The weather was beautiful - a bit cool, but it didn't rain. Robert went down the river four times and was completely soaked. Luckily, he was able to borrow Michelle's sweater to keep warm.

We stayed late one night for the fireworks show. We loved the Star Wars themed music and lightsaber show. We also treated ourselves to Jeff's childhood favorite - frozen bananas. They were quite tasty...

Robert was lucky enough to be selected for the Jedi training academy. The music and performers were extremely convincing. Darth Mall periodically stared down the audience while the Jedi teachers prepped the next youngling for battle. It was pretty intense! Robert was completely engrossed in the experience, and I'm sure he'll be telling his friends all about it.

We had a great time. It was a lot of fun experiencing everything again with the kids being older. Pretty soon, they'll be too old for Disneyland - at least, that's what they'll think.

While we were there, we went to tour the Kanstul instrument manufacturing company. It was interesting to see how they make trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas. We were given a preview of the new bass trumpet designed by Kanstul. It was truly unique. Most everything is made by hand, too. It surely gave all of us a new appreciation for the craftsmanship of our own instruments.

It just so happened that the UofA Wildcat softball team was competing in a tournament at University of California Fullerton the Friday we were there. We sat directly behind the Cats' dugout, which allowed us to hear the power of each catch and hit. Michelle and I studied the pitching form of each pitcher, observing their feet placement, hip movement, and arm movements separately. Charlotte and I observed how the outfielders were always moving with each pitch - anticipating the hit and getting ready to field. We'll see if the girls can apply what they observed this next session.