Sabine and Aspen Source: Disneyland! Day 3

On Monday we headed to California Adventure, which is another theme park right across from Disneyland.

We got in early for the "Magic Hour" and booked it to the new Cars ride, which did not disappoint! It may have been our favorite ride, it had a great story, scenery, and a good, not-too-extreme roller coaster ride. (Except for Aspen, who was too small to go on it, and had to do a lot of waiting.)

But the Cars Land area was pretty great, in general.

We met Lightening McQueen, although Aspen was a little intimidated. We were sure to get lots of pictures with some particular cousins in mind!

Aspen was a little more comfortable with the little cow-tractor,

and fortunately there was a tractor-themed ride that we could all go on!

Aspen had fun trying on Minnie ears on this trip while waiting for Sabine and a parent to do some of the bigger rides, but eventually she opted for a "Baby Minnie" stuffed toy as her birthday present from Aunt Betsy and Uncle Butch. (They sent her a check for her birthday and we said we'd save it for a treat on this trip.) So thank you, Aunt Betsy and Uncle Butch!

We had lunch at Ariel's Grotto, which was another character meal where we got to have some Disney favorites visit us individually at our table! (Princesses, this time.) Just as exciting, mommy's old work friend and her daughter joined us for the rest of the day, so we had a built-in friend. K was 3 years old, and did a good job of interacting with both of our girls.

And the whole reason we came to Disneyland, I think, from Sabine's perspective! Rapunzel, live!

Getting one more hug with her favorite

then Cinderella came by

then Tiana

Aspen and daddy headed back for a nap, while Sabine and mommy headed on to explore more rides with our friends. They are season pass holders, and knew just where to go.

Chip and Dale

A bug's life ride:

Bumper cars:

And the falling jellyfish ride:

After nap time, we reconnected with daddy and Aspen. Sabine took daddy on the California Soarin' ride, while Aspen, mommy, and our friends caught the Disney Jr. show. On our way to the theater, we saw Doc McStuffins! Aspen desperately wanted to meet her, but they had cut off the line for visitors. Aspen watched pitifully from afar, and as Doc started to walk away, she ran up and hugged her anyway. Doc sweetly gave her a quick hug back, even though she was technically done. It happened so fast that I didn't get a picture, but at least Aspen got her hug.