Sam's 3rd! Disneyland!

Sam was treated to an exciting trip to SoCal for birthday #3. The entire family flew down from Seattle and met up with Nana Jan and Papa Alan, and of course locals Aunt TT and Mark. Onto the photos.

On the bus to the Happiest Place on Earth, Sam is ready to meet the residents.

First up is Goofy...."but I want to see Mickey."

Goof is more afraid of Sam...

Finally, Mickey! Put'r there pal.

The birthday boy can finally relax.

With the adorable Minnie.

Sam gets Autograph #3!

...poses with Pluto.

With TT on Donald's boat.

First ride on the teacups! (His fave)

We're going on a punny jungle cruise

Papa offers gorgeous Sadie some mint julep, yum!

the family four.

Check out the awesome dump truck cake that TT made.

matching cupcakes sitting on road cones.

Make a wish!

The candles were blown out in one breath.

Yum!

Pretty Sadie in her party dress.

Sam gets a great hug from Nana.

Palomitas! Seriously, popcorn was Sam's staple at Disneyland.

Bumper cars with Papa.

Boom, crash.

Sam wanted to ride the carousel, but not a horse.

Sadie got cozy with TT.

But I don't want to go on Nemo!

After Nemo, Sam got to finally ride the Monorail.

and he loved every second of it.

Excited to ride Dumbo

and got a photo with Nana.

Sam was stoked to meet McQueen and touch his lightning sticker.

One last go on the bumper cars...

with mini Mickey and TT.

done.

and doner.

Listening to some Manny on the flight home

Of course Sadie got some ears

Fun at the water park

What a day! The whole family went down to the Great Wolf Lodge, a little south of Olympia, for a some water park excitement. Sam was excited to be there, of course, and not at all daunted by what was in store. He wanted to go in each pool and on every slide (at first) but of course, wasn't tall enough for the biggest rides. He found plenty to do in the mean time.

Let's do this!

At first, Sam didn't like this shooting water, by the end of our stay, he was laughing as he walked through.

Sam went down the big waterslide by himself! Just his leg is visible in the photo. Note: this was the last time he went down this waterslide.

Of course Sam wanted to hoop it up.

After a fun first night, Sam needed some down time.

Sam really didn't want to sit near the bear.

But he did want to watch the other kids play.

Sadie is ready for a swim!

But she wanted to discuss her plans with Dad.

"Can we go to the pool yet," asks Sam, repeatedly.

Rarin' to go

Sam tells us about the fun he's having.

Sam's favorite activity, squirting Dad from the jet ski.

Almost too much laughing.

It's almost as if he's actually in motion.

heheh.

This smaller slide was more Sam's speed.

Whee!

Success!

The bucket of water is about to land on Dad and Sam.

Another fun slide for Sam.

What can I say, great photo.

Someone was cute in her swimsuit.