The front of the bus

We had a great time at Disneyland over the holidays. Here we are, picture courtesy of the monorail driver.

We got to sit in the front cab along with the driver because we happened to be in the right place at the right time in line. (I had seen people in the front car from the ground but had thought it was reserved for annual pass holders or other Disney VIPs -- fancy us getting to ride in the Exalted Car!)

Mickey, er, Minnie Mouse!

Katie was fascinated by the Disneyland characters, especially Minnie Mouse. She had several encounters with Minnie (who she insists on calling "Mickey Mouse"), including several time to have "hugs" and "nosies."

It's a Small World -- all dressed up for Christmas

Colin's and Fedora's favorite ride: It's a Small World, all dressed up for the holiday season. We thought the Disneyland "cast" did a great job of dressing the whole park up for Christmas.

Other favorites:

• Dad: Indiana Jones Adventure
  
• Mom: Soarin' Over California
  
• Katie: flying elephants, teacups, "Blue House", and the "riding the white horse"
  
• Colin: teacups, ladybugs, and the flying boxes (Flik's Flyers)

On the Mark Twain Riverboat

Here we are, on the Mark Twain Riverboat. Colin insisted we board the "big steamboat" but insisted on staying inside for about half the ride.

By the second day, we learned that there are a few attractions -- like the Riverboat -- that aren't crushed with lines, even by mid-morning. We got good at racing to the crowded rides right when the park opened at 8 am. Also, this was the first time I went to Disneyland where I heard the waiting crowd count down to the opening of the main gates.

Hurrah: In-N-Out Burger

A pit stop in Kettleman City on the way down to Disneyland. This year, Katie learned the word for "burger". Colin is a big fan and, not surprisingly, Katie is too -- being the family's most enthusiastic carnivore. She either calls them "bur-gers" or "ha-guh-bers" :-)

Introducing Titus and Tiffany Wong

And here they are, the blushing bride and groom, Tiffany and Titus in a behind-the-scenes shot from the "ready room." Congratulations!

Don't they look good enough to eat?

Part of the fun at Titus and Tiffany's wedding: impeccably dressed strawberries!

Fun things that the kids say

Colin: Can you smell that?
Me: What's it smell like?
Colin: Nothing but much.

Colin just stopped saying this, but he used to ask this all the time: "daddy, will you sit next right to me?"

Katie: Wah! (meaning: "I'm uncomfortable and want to get out of the car")
Colin (hands her a book): Here you go, Katie.
Mom: Good job, Colin. Why did you give Katie the book?
Colin: It will help with her madness.