Gettin' Our Kicks on Route 66

Leaving Vegas we ran into bad traffic at Hoover Dam.  We were disappointed after sitting in all that traffic that we didn't even get a glimpse of the Dam as we drove over the bridge : (

We decided to take our time getting home and experience some things along the Mother Road - Route 66!  It was fun showing the kids where some of the inspiration for the movie Cars came from!

Conoco Station

Shamrock, Texas

Somewhere? in Arizona

 Walnut Canyon Cliff Dwellings

(just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona)

 Meteor Crater in Arizona

We decided the price being charged was too expensive just to see a big hole in the ground, so we didn't actually see it.  Hence, the frowny faces and thumbs down.

 Winslow, Arizona

  

The Wigwam Motel 

Holbrook, Arizona

Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Park

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo, Texas

We still have lots to see on the Mother Road, but this was sure a fun start!

A Disneyland Christmas!

Monday, Dec. 22

By noon Disneyland was so crowded it was difficult to walk anywhere.  I expected it to be busy, but nothing could have prepared me for this!  We still had fun despite the crowds : P

Tuesday, Dec. 23

We spent the day at California Adventure.  The crowds were much better and the weather was beautiful!  The kids played in the splash pads and we rode Grizzly River Run at least four times!  We loved the new Cars Land, especially the Radiator Springs Racers.  However, it was frustrating because the ride kept breaking down.  We stood in line five times and three of the five times the ride broke!  But, at least we got to ride it twice and it sure was fun!

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve at Disneyland was magical!  Thankfully, the crowds weren't anywhere near what they had been on Monday and we had an amazing day!

After three days in Disneyland and not seeing anything focused on Christ it brought tears to my eyes to hear Silent Night played during the firework show on Christmas Eve.  As much fun as Disneyland was, that one moment of silently singing the words to Silent Night stood out as one of the best of our trip.  Christ really is the reason for the season! 

After the firework show it magically started snowing.  Yes, we had a small white Christmas thanks to Disney's magic!  And it was magical indeed!  Merry Christmas from Disneyland!