Saturday, September 20, 2008

Alta Sierra Biblical Gardens - Labor Day

On Labor Day (9/1/2008) we visited the Alta Sierra Biblical Gardens in Grass Valley. It was a beautiful hike through the woods with sculptures (stone and wood) of biblical scenes and characters. It kind of went through the life of Jesus. It was pretty spectacular. Pictures to follow...



Note: This attraction is not entirely recommended based on the fact that it has a pretty Catholic sway. Just keep that in mind.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Disneyland Recap...

So I am finally getting around to doing an update of the Disneyland trip. Here are the pictures to start..



Day One - Sat, August 16, 2008:
Flew to LAX. Took forever to get one bag from baggage claim. Had possible celebrity citing. Took a shared van shuttle ride to Anaheim - which took forever. Finally got to hotel and checked in. Went to Downtown Disney for dinner. Tried Rainforest Cafe, but the wait was 60 mins. Had dinner at Tortilla Joes. Got to be early.

Day Two - Sun, August 17, 2008:
Woke up early and had early entrance to the park. Rode Star Tours, Space Mountain, Mattahorn, and Peter Pan. Stopped by Main Street for breakfast and had Mickey waffle. Headed out to park (Indiana Jones, etc). Went to California Adventure. Had lunch. Got Fast Pass for Tower of Terror. Saw High School Musical traveling live show. Rode Tower of Terror. Got Fast Pass for California Screamin. Saw Aladdin Musical Spectacular - had priority seating and got 3RD ROW (it was one of the most incredible shows). Rode California Screamin. Went to Downtown Disney and bought me some flip flops because my feet were torn up. Had dinner in DCA. Saw Electric Light Parade. Went back to Disneyland. Rode Haunted Mansion (gotta do it at night)Starcade and walked around the park. (Park arrival: 7:00 am, Park departure: 10:00 pm - total time 15 hrs)We both got Sun burnt and I swear I suffered permanent damage to my leg muscles. I was in pain for about a week.'

Day Three - Mon, August 18, 2008:
Sleep in. Arrived at DCA around 12 pm. Got Fast Pass for Soarin over CA. Had lunch. Rode Soarin over CA. Went back to Disneyland. Saw the Tiki Room. Got FREE anniversary pins from City Hall in Main Street. Went on Jungle Cruise. Enjoyed the park. Pirates of the Caribbean. Waited 1hr and 15 mins at Blue Bayou to sit right along the water for our anniversary. Had romantic candle lit dinner. Got free dessert. Enjoyed the park. Saw fireworks show. Left park.

Day Four - Tues, August 19, 2008:
Trip to Universal Studios. Took bus ride to Universal City. Left 8:00 am, arrived in US at 10:30 am. Did The Mummy Ride and Jurassic Park - which got me wet and TOTALLY freaked me out. Did Backdraft to dry me off (I literally looked like I jumped in a pool). Had lunch. Enjoyed other attractions and ride (Tram ride, Simpsons ride, House of Horrors, T2 experience, etc). Visited City Walk briefly. Took bus ride home. Had Denney's by our hotel for dinner. Went back to hotel room and immediately fell asleep.

Day Four - Wed, August 20, 2008:
Day of rest. Slept in until lunch. Got McDonalds from next door. Took a nap. Took a swim. Took a shower. Headed to Downtown Disney and ate at The House of Blues. (Tokio Hotel was apparently was playing that night). Bought some souvenirs. Went back to hotel. Went to bed.

Day Five - Thurs, August 21, 2008:
Last day in park. Hit Fantasyland at park opening. Waited 60 mins for Finding Nemo (previously Submarine ride). Went to DCA and rode the water rapids ride. Went back to Disneyland. Had lunch. Saw last minute rides and attractions. Went back to hotel to rest. Returned to park for dinner (hot dogs and Mickey pretzel). Saw bits of Parade of Stars down Main Street. Rode the Disneyland Railroad (my little tribute to Walt, who loved trains). Watched lights on Main Street come on and said goodbye to the park. Went back to hotel and went to bed.

Day Six - Fri, August 22, 2008:
Accidentally overslept. Rushed to pack. Checked out and ate Continental breakfast. Took shared van shuttle ride back to LAX. Waited for 20 mins to check in. Shuffled through security. Had lunch (CPK). Switched gates. Got on plane. Took off. Landing gear did not retract. Landed in LAX. Got OFF plane. Waited for new plane. Switched gates. Visited bookstore. Switched gates again. Got on new plane that worked (Original departure: 12 pm Actual departure: 2pm). Flew home. Greeted Drake. Had dinner with my folks. Sorted laundry. Enjoyed sleeping in own bed. :)

Overall it was an amazing, crazy, exhausting, scary and thrilling trip. I only wish we went for two weeks. It was awesome. God was amazing in provision and we are so happy to have passed our first year of marriage. Such great blessings from God.

Hope all is well with everyone. More later.

In Christ,
Jason and Sarah