The Parrillos Take In Disneyland

The Parrillos Take In Disneyland - Early 2016

Earlier this year, we were able to make a quick stop at Disneyland in Anaheim with the kids as part of Uncle Charlie and Aunt Sasha's wedding. This was our fourth time at the "Park that Walt Built" and I think I can safely say that we fall a little/bit more in love with Disneyland and California Adventure every time we go there.

Here's some photos of our last visit in 2014 when Nat was pregnant with what would become Frankie!

We went in 2013 when SD was just a little thing. Here's the photos from that trip.

And the first time we went as a family to *any* Disney park was when we went with the Morans back in 2011 when Ellie was less than two years old. We were just a family of three back then!

This trip had some new experiences including where we stayed (yeah! Disneyland Hotel.) and characters. One of them was spending time in the new Star Wars Launch Bay where we met both Chewy and Darth Vader. The girls reacted VERY different to each of them. Ellie and SD got right in there with Chewy. He was awesome. But...look at the Vader photo below. Ellie is nowhere to be found. He was genuinely a bit scary. Chewy was loveable!

A trip wouldn't be complete without visiting the original Small World ride, right?

We tried a new character dining experience at the Disneyland Hotel and it was great! The kids met all sorts of characters like Chip/Dale, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, etc.

And because the two parks are so close together, we were able to spend time in both Disneyland and California Adventure. The Pier area is always so much fun. SD loved walking around with me.

And...we couldn't go down the boardwalk without playing a few games. Look at those smiles. Nothing like junk prizes from carnival games puts a smile on kids faces, eh?

SD was brave and was able to meet a few of her favorites including Buzz Lightyear (where she said..."To infinity and beyond!") and Captain Hook! Again...Ellie is nowhere to be found.

But Ellie was super brave and took on a few challenges. Because of height requirements, she was the only one to participate in the "Wilderness Explorers" area. Here she rode a rope swing/zip line.

And she climbed a rock wall.

But it wasn't all activities. Frank took in Radiator Springs with me during some downtime.

Cars Land is something that Sadie just loves.

Having been to Trader Sam's in Orlando at the Polynesian, we had to try the original one at the Disneyland Hotel. It was great, but we both thought the effects were 'better' in Florida.

While we love being home, the Disney Parks sure seem to be their 'happy place'. Look at these faces.

We also rode in the nose of the monorail!?! You can't do *that* in Orlando at WDW!

And...a trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to see the singing birds/flowers/tikis at the Enchanted Tiki Room while eating a few Dole Whips.

2023 - Our Year In Review

Well, hello there. By now, you've received our holiday card, spotted the url on the back and decided to come check out what's doin' on here. Before, I get into the Year In Review, I'd like to acknowledge one item and call attention to an omission on our (giant) card. First, they can't all be 'bangers' as the kids say. Our Griswold-inspired Paris card last year that was art directed, costumed and created by Nat is pretty hard to beat. This year, we stuck with the full-family photo on the front, but in a much less funny way. And, second, the omission. I was told (by leadership) that there "wasn't room" - on the back of the card - to offer our kind regards to those who celebrate Festivus. That oversight has been made right with the amended corrected back-side of our card you can see below: Now, on to the 2023 Year in Review for the Parrillos. Milestones and Birthdays We have, somehow, a teenager (8th grade), an 11-year-ol...

2024 - Our Year in Review

Hi there. By now, you've received our annual Christmas card and were curious enough to come visit this here spot on the Web to see what's doing. Good news for you: plenty was 'doin' with the Parrillo family this past year. But, before we get into our Year in Review, I'd first like call attention to a couple things with our 2024 Christmas card. While we will always have a hard time topping our Griswold-family-inspired card from 2022 , this year's card includes something novel: artificial intelligence. And that's fitting, right? 2024 sure seems like the "Year of AI". The AI at play here is courtesy of Google Photos and their AI Magic Eraser. Say goodbye, trampoline in the background. Replaced with grass and trees. Magic, indeed. Secondly....related to this year's card, I'd like to acknowledge an omission. For the second year in a row, I've been told by "Leadership" that there simply isn't room ...

2022 - Our Year In Review

Well...hello there. 2022 was a banner year in the Parrillo household. We had new experiences. New growth. New emotions. And new fun. Together as a family. There's nothing more a guy like me could want: three strong, independent and kind kids. And the best leader-of-the-pack in Nat anyone could imagine. Now...on to that Christmas card. By now, you've already received it in the mail and that's why you're here. I'm sure you saw the photo. And, you either laughed. Or....wondered what the heck is going on? I'm certain that *some* of you are in on the joke, right? This was a little moment of joy in 2022 when Nat surprised us all with these embroidered berets right on the spot in Paris this Summer. What's the inspiration? None other than Clark and Ellen and family on their trip to Europe in the 1980's. Alright...now with the yucks out of the way, let's talk about 2022. Despite my b...

The Parrillo Family

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