Disneyland - September 2009

We timed our trip to Disneyland this time so that we could be there during Halloween Time - specifically for the "Haunted Mansion Holidays". The Haunted Mansion is completely transformed and becomes "The Nightmare Before Christmas". Brady and I had been to it before, but Gibson had never seen it. So we really wanted him to be able to see it. And it was so worth it - just AWESOME!

The new "stretching" pictures in the elevator at the beginning of the ride...

And instead of a body hanging from the ceiling, this is what you get to see:

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I "accidentally" took a flash picture inside the ride (it was worth the reprimand I got over the intercom).

Of course, there were many great things about visiting at Halloweentime. The decorations were really neat!

The Halloween fireworks show was INCREDIBLE. This picture and video don't begin to do it justice. (There are great videos on YouTube if you want to see the whole show).

At the beginning of the fireworks show, Zero (from "The Nightmare Before Christmas") comes flying out from the castle.

Gibson got to visit the petting zoo for the first time.

The first day we were there was the only day that whole week that "Pirates of the Caribbean" was going to be open. So I think we rode it at least 5 times that day! Gibson had to wear his full Pirate garb!

Splash Mountain!

I can't believe that as many times as we've been to Disneyland, that there are still places we haven't discovered yet. This trip we found a cool little shortcut from the castle to Adventureland and this fountain along the way.

On The Jungle Cruise!

Gibson looks like he's pouting, but he was actually deep in thought: "What ride to go on next?"

The Toy Story Mania ride at California Adventure. It definitely became one of our favorite rides when he visited last February. It's a "must" for first thing in the morning before the line gets too long.

Gibson being an adventurer on Tom Sawyer Island.

Gibson was so cute this trip - he had to carry his own map in his pocket and he would take it out and study it very religiously and then show us the path we were going to take!

The "Jumping Jellyfish" ride. It was so boring that you would have thought we were at Legoland!

Gibson LOVES the tire swing in the Brother Bear play area.

This trip was the first time that Gibson was tall enough to ride "California Screaming" (a HUGE rollercoaster in California Adventure). Needless to say, he has a new favorite ride! We went on it OVER and OVER - Brady had to stop riding because he was getting sick!

My favorite picture!

So there are a few rides where they take your picture and try to sell it to you for $20. I just take a picture of the picture. They don't turn out that well, but you get the idea!

"Space Mountain"

"Splash Mountain" (Gibson is there - you just can't see him wedged between Brady and I).

Splash Mountain again.

EVERYTHING in Disneyland is BEAUTIFUL!

Gibson's bed at our hotel. It's a bunkbed and we wrap the bottom bunk up so he has a fort! (And mommy and daddy can have some privacy).

Gibson fell in love with "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and really wanted this "Scary Teddy" stuffed animal. He sleeps with it every night!

From our hotel room - you can see the crosswalk to the Disneyland entrance - that's why we love this place!

We did the "Hidden Mickeys" this time and it was so much fun! (I recommend getting the book). Here are 2 of the many and many we found.

From the "Mickey Fun Wheel" you could see a lot of the construction in California Adventure. Here's the new "Cars Land" they are building.

They have drained the lake in CA and are building the "World of Color".

OKAY..... I'm ready to go back now!

There's More to Vegas...

Vegas wasn't just about the Pet Shop Boys (although that IS why we stopped there). We had 2 days there and really enjoyed ourselves. We stayed in this great family-friendly resort. It was close to the strip, but didn't have a casino (we actually parked right by our door!). It was a suite and Brady and I had our our separate bedroom, Gibson had an awesome pull-out bed in the living room and it even had a kitchen (AND it was cheaper than any of the big casino/resorts!).

And I found THE WORLD'S BEST Disney Outlet store in Vegas. We had to go there twice! Add in another trip to Trader Joe's and it was a fun time in Vegas!
Gibson and Brady enjoying the hot tub and pool at the resort.

We went to Jack in the Box for lunch (LOVE this place - TACOS - why don't they have any here in SL???) and Gibson insisted on sitting at his own table. He is such a big, independent boy!

We were right next to the MGM Grand, so we walked over to see the lions. We were fortunate enough to see 2 baby lion cubs! Here is one of them taking a nap.

Here's the female lion looking right at me!

Pet Shop Boys - Live at The Joint, Las Vegas, September 26, 2009!

As all of you who "know" me know, I went to the Pet Shop Boys concert in Las Vegas on September 26th! This time they offered a "VIP" package, which was awesome as it saved me having to sit around the back stage door all night to meet them. I got to meet them before the show and then get to bed on time! :)

My VIP badge!

Complete with autographs!

I also brought my PSB Christmas tree topper to have them sign. The idea was to have them each sign their "side" of the ornament, but Neil accidentally signed Chris's side, so Neil signed it twice!

Me - all dressed up and ready to go!!!

Proof that I had THE best seat in the house. Front row and center!

They started out the show with these boxes on their heads... inspired from the "Yes" album cover.

Chris's box where he had his keyboard and electronic drums set up.

The Videos - I got some great ones!




We all know this one; sing along! "West End Girls" - a perfect ending to a perfect show!

Gibson's favorite song, "Love, etc."

I was fortunate enough to capture the one time when Chris came out from his behind his keyboard and walked across the stage! (This is the same jacket he wore on "The Late Show...."