Happy New Year!

Dave and I would like to wish everyone a happy new year! 

2015 was full of travels and adventure, and I appreciate you all reading along about our journeys. 2016 looks to be less busy. In August, Dave began a new job with Wilson Chevrolet after Wilson acquired Ron Shirley Buick/GMC. The transition has gone well, and Dave can now sell Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC products, but we don't expect any paid vacation time during his first year.  This is probably for the best - our companion pass through Southwest has expired and we will be taking this time to make foundation repairs to our home and some other minor updates.  I will also be working on my renewal portfolio for National Board Certification, which is due this spring, so I should probably concentrate on that instead of trip planning. 

Looking ahead, we have discussed a return to a Sandals resort in early 2017 (probably a different location than our honeymoon resort), and I have booked a tour through a group at my school for June 2017. This tour will take me back to Germany, as well as Switzerland and Italy with an added stop in Paris. I am excited to revisit some favorite places in Germany and see new sites along the way. I could still use a roommate on this trip, and, no, it won't just be a bunch of middle schoolers. Anyone want to go with me? (I'm being serious - you can check out the tour here: http://www.eftours.com/tour-website/1805286rh). Dates are still approximate and will be finalized when the tour fills up. 

Here's to a fun-filled 2016, wherever that may take you!

Disneyland, Day 3

(I just realized, four months later, that these next two posts never actually posted. Better late than never, I suppose!)

Our final full day in Anaheim would begin at California Adventure. We were in the holding area before rope drop so that we could get Fast Passes for Radiator Springs Racers right away. Fast Passes secured, we then met up with Marta, my sister-in-law, for a day of fun. We rode Toy Story and Little Mermaid in Paradise Pier and the Racers in Radiator Springs, had a yummy lunch in the Bay Area, ate dessert at Flo's diner, and rode Soarin' and Grizzly River Run (the ponchos weren't completely effective). Late afternoon, we hopped back over to Disneyland to visit Pixie Hollow and Toon Town. We ended our day with the nighttime parade, fireworks (and a popcorn bucket dinner!), and shopping on Main Street. It was a great, relaxing day!

Disneyland, Day 2

(I just realized, four months later, that these next two posts never actually posted. Better late than never, I suppose!)

Today started with an early start and an early visitor, Diana's long-time friend Jean. Johnnie and I have heard lots about Jean over the years, so it was nice to finally meet her! We headed out to Disneyland and got started with birthday buttons and a picture with Mickey all dressed up for Disneyland's 60th anniversary. 

Even with the Labor Day holiday, we were able to ride just about everything we wished to ride in a pretty leisurely fashion. After adjusting to Magic Bands at WDW in Florida, going back to the old Fast Pass system was a little strange, but a true Mouseketeer never forgets her touring strategies! Highlights of our day included pictures with the Evil Queen, an amazing lemon cupcake, yummy dinner at Blue Bayou to celebrate birthdays (all four of us turn a year older within six weeks of each other), and reserved seating for Fantasmic. We also had a pretty creepy encounter with some Storm Troopers at Star Tours and spotted Nicole Ritchie and Joel Madden on Big Thunder Mountain.