How much would you pay for all of this?
I cropped his smiling face out of the pictures I have already posted, and now you can really see how much fun he had! A smile was glued on his face the whole trip. 
To me going to Disneyland as a parent is a million times better than I remember it being as a kid!!!
We bought Vance Mickey ears for his birthday. When he opened them he wasn't interested at all. The minute we walked into the park and he saw other people with them on. He immediately said, "Mom - give me those ear things!" He wore them most the day, and I was so surprised.
Vance was REALLY into all the characters - even the ones he didn't know. He wanted someone to hold him, but he was excited to give them all a high five!
The favorite ride BY FAR was the Buzz Lightyear shooting game. We could have gone on it over and over and over again. Actually we did! I think we went on this ride like 6 times and Vance was equally excited every time.
The lines weren't too long and we got to go on all the rides we wanted to. Vance liked to take turns going on some rides with us and some with my parents.
Who knew a carousel was so much fun?! This was a good ride because there was hardly a line. Sometimes we would let him ride this while someone was waiting in line for the next ride.
I couldn't believe my mom went on the teacups. She NEVER will go on this ride with us. She was hilarious though. My dad and Chad tried to spin the teacup as fast as possible while my mom practically laid on the turny-thing to keep them from being able to turn it!
We took a little break and let Vance play in the park in Toontown. Apparently Papa needed a rest because he was asleep in no time flat.
Vance loved Toontown and especially meeting Mickey Mouse in his house.
At the end of the first day Vance was pooped out. He didn't stir during the water show or the fireworks.
Lovebirds after day 1 at Disneyland -
The next day was Valentine's Day we brought a few little things to the hotel room and had a good time. Chad made me coupons for various acts of service which I am STOKED about. We all got a few small things, but I forgot to take pictures.
The beginning of day 2 started out great. We got on the Nemo ride with no line! Next we saw Buzz Lightyear!!! Look at Vance's face when he spotted his favorite character of the trip.
Vance had a Toy Story shirt on with Buzz on it. When Vance met Buzz he touched his shirt. The rest of the day Vance kept declaring, "Buzz touched Buzz (the one on the shirt) with his REAL Buzz finger!" The way he said it it was like - you better never wash this shirt! We also met Jessie and Woody - success!
Vance had a fun day with the rides on day 2. He even went on the roller coaster in Toontown. He wasn't sure about it at first but the workers all gave him high 5's and cheered him on.
The whole time we were there Vance wanted this stupid Lightning McQueen light up toy. It was retarded and $15 so I wouldn't buy it for him. Finally Grandma got it for him and he was beyond excited.
We spent the first night at Downtown Disney. I love the lego store. It's amazing what people can make out of legos. Here are the guys by Woody.
On this trip Vance discovered a love for churros. I seriously think he ate like 6 or 7 over the few days we were there. It would have been more if he had things his way.
Vance showed off his dancing skills while a guy played some blues music on his guitar. Let's just way white boys CAN'T dance.
Chad made Vance a little fort in the hotel. Vance thought it was pretty cool and it kept him out of our bed!
In the morning we started the birthday celebration. I had blown up balloons and had his presents around the room. As soon as he eyed the presents he couldn't wait to open them.
We bought him a few things from the Disney outlet in Vegas to save us money on souveniers at Disneyland. Vance loved them and so did our pocketbooks.
After we opened presents it was time to go to Disneyland!
We bought a collection of old books to go on a potshelf. These books were only $1 each!
I read this article on my friend's blog and it put a smile on my face, made me laugh a little, and made me so grateful for what I believe. I may not be one of those blogs that she is referring to but I understand what she is talking about. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I would love to know your thoughts.
Read the article here.
The thought actually kind of surprised even me. I have been thinking a lot about it the last couple of days and I've decided that a conscious effort to be a little better in the areas we can this year is going to have to be good enough. No detailed, measurable goals this year. No timelines, checkpoints, etc. I've decided that part of being maintaining happiness is knowing your limits. This year setting lofty goals is not in the cards.
Here's what we will do:
We WILL try to give a little more where we can. We WILL try to continue with the resolutions we made in 2010. We WILL stress less and focus on the here and now without agonizing over the unknowns of the future.
Bottom line - we WILL be content with maintaining the status quo.
Thanks Vance for amusing me and being my pretty, pretty prince. I like to think it makes you a well-rounded boy ;)
PS - Chad has come around and decided it's okay for Vance to play girl games. He is hoping this next baby is a girl though - for my sake and Vance's.
Vance had fun putting candles in all the cupcakes.
Grandpa and Vance blowing out their candles.
Grandma helped blow out a few candles too.
Happy Birthday Rand and Georganne! Thanks for getting us together to celebrate and sorry we foiled your plans!
and this -
and this -
Basically we've lived in pajamas, done way too much cuddling, and rotated from couch to bed to couch. I'm ready to have a happy, healthy Vance back and I'm beyond ready to leave my house and get some social interaction!
All the boys thought the pancakes were pretty awesome and we didn't have any problems with kids not eating their dinner that night.
Thanks Grams and Gramps for always being so fun. Hopefully Mickey Mouse pancakes can be a tradition that we pass on to our kids and grandkids too. Love you! 
