30th Birthday Roadtrip - 8/8/09-8/16/09 - Finally Completed!!!

[DisneyJamieCA]

Ok, let me start by saying that this trip does end up in Disneyland, but hits a few places before that. Please don't move it!!

That being said, I feel it only fair to warn you - I'm not witty, nor funny. I type as fast I as talk, so while I try to proofread, I don't always catch everything. And I have no patience. So you won't find me dragging this trip report out forever, full of suspensful endings. Nope, I'll probably have it finished within a couple days, probably long before I have any actual readers.

So let's start with the cast of characters, shall we?

Me (now 30 - ack!) - SAHM to 3 kids under the age of 6, Disney lover...and almost always planning a vacation somewhere. Trying to get us to WDW.

DH (42) - Wasn't a big travel lover until he met me. Only went to Disney once before meeting me. He is a convert though and now happily goes along with the next trip I'm planning.

DD(5) - Loves Disney, especially anything princess. Favorite princess now is Belle. Has been to Disneyland 7 times.

DD(3) - Loves all things Disney & Princess also, but much more daring than her sister. First time over 40 in, so big trip for our little daredevil! She has also been to DL 7 times

DS (8 months) - sweet as can be, easy going, go with the flow type of baby. 1st trip to DL for this little guy!

DM (52) - my mom. Love her! Great sport, wonderful babysitter. Her best memories growing up are going to Disneyland - something she's obviously passed on.

DSF (59) - my stepfather. Born & raised in Europe, so Disney was new to him when he met my mom. He's been a good sport and goes with us a lot. I think he might even kind of like it.


Plans: what started out as a short trip for DH & I, quickly blossomed into something much larger. The original plan was for us to go to Vegas for 3 days to celebrate my 30th birthday and our 10th wedding anniversary and my mom was going to watch the kids. She had a better idea - they'd come along and watch the kids at night for us if we wanted. See, she's a big traveler also and if she's going to take off time from work to watch the kids, she'd like to feel like she's had a vacation also. For us = best of both worlds. Somewhere along the way DL got added to the end, which was a surprise part of our trip for our children. And then because my DSF thought it was crazy we were leaving for Vegas on a Sunday, he decided we should leave Sat. and drive to Beverly Hills....and who am I to say no to adding to our vacation??

So our schedule was like this:

Sat: leave EARLY and drive to Beverly Hills, hopefully arriving by lunch time (staying at the InterContintental Century City)
Sun: leave BH around lunch time, in time to arrive in LV by check-in (staying at the MGM Grand)
Mon: my 30th Birthday! No real plans, except dinner at Bennihana's
Tues: Hoover Dam
Wed: day by the pool - cabana rental
Thurs: no real plans except dinner at Tournament of Kings
Fri: leave Vegas early to arrive at DL by lunch! (staying at the Carousel Inn)
Sat: DLR
Sun: DLR until about 3, then driving home


Next up...day 1

[DisneyJamieCA]

Like I said, the plan was for an EARLY start our first morning. It takes about 6.5 hours to get to the LA area from us, without any stops and with 3 kids, we knew we'd have to make a few. Our goal was to be out of the house at 4am - we pulled out at 4:15 - not too bad.



The sun was just coming up as we hit I-5. Pretty cool to see the sun coming up on one side and the moon on our other.



Our drive was pretty uneventful - the kind I like! We stopped at about 7:30 at a rest stop for a potty break and to feed the baby. And since we put the kids in the car in their pjs, an appropriate time to put them in some clothes. Here is our little man after his bottle, pre getting dressed



We pulled off again about two hours later for a Starbucks stop since DH was starting to feel sleepy. Oh, btw DVD players are lifesavers on a long car ride! As are wireless headphones for the little ones.





Poor little man is still rear facing and therefore not able to see the movie, so he filled his time entertaining himself



We finally pulled into the InterContinental Century City at about 11:30am. Not too shabby!

[DisneyJamieCA]

So we had just arrived at the InterContinental. Beautiful hotel.



However I can't say that I'll ever stay there again. First off, their website makes it sound like they are much closer to local attractions than they really are. Second, we had a horrible experience at check-in. When I booked our hotel via their website, I put that we would need 2 beds because we had 2 adults, 2 children (the baby uses a pack n' play). We also wanted a connecting room if possible with my parents. I know that all hotels say that requests will try to be met, but can't be guarenteed, so we knew we might not got adjoining rooms. But when they told me that even though I was too early to get my room, they didn't have any rooms with 2 beds in them any more and wanted to give me a king with a roll away. Umm, ok....I have TWO kids, how does one rollaway possibly help me? I explained over and over again that I needed two beds. She tried to tell me that I didn't note on my reservation that I had two kids with me. So I pulled out my ressie to show her that yes, I did. After about 45 minutes, where my DH was to the point of forgetting this leg and just driving on to Vegas and paying whatever the going rate was, they finally found a room for us. And her exact words were "I'm just going to move somebody who hasn't checked in yet so that you can have their room with 2 beds."

WHAT? So wait, their reservation & request is more important than mine, even though I'm checking in before them? Interesting. But at the point I was tired and the kids were getting restless, I took the room and didn't ask any more questions. But of course, it wasn't ready. Luckily my mom's room was (which ended up being on a totally seperate floor than us) so we just put all our luggage there so we could finally get some lunch.

We asked the concierge for directions to 3rd Street Promanade in Santa Monica and even though we had those & our TomTom, we still ended up at the Santa Monica Pier.





It was neat and the kids enjoyed it, so I guess it was good. We walked away from the beach area and ate lunch at McD's. Exciting I know! After that we explored the pier for a bit, but it was crowded and hot and everybody was tired (and who am I kidding - I was in the wrong shoes!), so we decided to just head back to the hotel.



My parents kept the baby in hopes he would take a nap (which I don't think happened). In our room, I took a bath, the girls watched tv, and DH fell asleep. We finally were up and ready to go at about 7pm with the idea we walk around the Rodeo Drive area.



Unfortunately (or fortunately probably) all the stores were closed. Except we did see somebody slip out of some secret wall enterance of store and into a limo. Must be nice to be wealthy enough to have the store open just for you. But we had fun anyways...and my girl has good taste



We finally decided (very late) to eat dinner and chose McCormick & Shmicks, as it was a favorite of ours on our trip to Boston. It was good, but we found out their west coast menu is way different than their east coast one.



BTW, I think this is the only picture of all us together this entire trip. Pathetic!

After dinner we went back to hotel for some much needed sleep. The idea was to leave around lunch time in order to get to Las Vegas around check-in time. I think we ended up leaving at about 10:30am and it still took us until about check-in to get there. Go figure.

Before I end day 1, I will give the InterContinental this - their rooms are nice, the hotel is beautiful, the beds were comfortable & they had huge oversized, still soft towels. It's too bad we started on such a sour note.

Up next - the endless drive to Las Vegas and Day 2!

[QueenDoOver]

Great start. Your family is darling. I hate heat and crowds, so would have been with you on ditching the pier. I admire your bravery in attempting such a trip with little ones.

[caligirl stuck in va]

Love it! Keep it coming!!

[simonches]

wonderful !

[DisneyJamieCA]

First, thanks for joining me! It's exciting to have readers.

So, as I was saying in my last post, we left Beverly Hills at about 10:30am to start what was supposed to be a relatively short drive to Las Vegas. But it started of not going our way. We were looking for our Starbucks, found one on the TomTom (GPS)....and it took us to an office building. Must be inside? But since it was a Sunday, it didn't do us any good. We just decided to get on the road and find one along the way. The drive was easy and we got off in Rancho Cucamonga to get some breakfast and for me to check email, etc. Shout out to AT&T for the free wi-fi at Starbucks! I must have taken longer than I thought because we got back on the road later than we had planned. No big deal because we're on vacation, right? Stopped for lunch at the Mad Greek. It was crowded, hot & I wasn't feeling good, so I didn't each much. My parents had the gyros and said they were ok. But my stepfather is Greek, so for him I'm sure it's like saying Taco Bell is real Mexican. Get back on the road and finally we're getting close!

There it is...our hotel! The MGM Grand (which I took a picture of but can't find now. Sorry!). We got a great rate via one of their email specials - $52/night for a regular room, $72/night for their Bungalow Suite. We got the suite, my parents got the regular room, luckily connecting rooms!


(view from the "family room" towards the beds)


(view from the beds to the "family room")


(better view of the family room)


(bathroom - so nice & so big!)


(seperate shower & soaking tub)

The kids made themselves at home right away and broke into the snacks we brought with us



And here is the view from our room. I'd like to tell that you I remember our room number, but I don't.



By the time we were all unpacked and settled, it was time to get ready to go out! DH & I were having an adults night tonight while my parents watch the kids. I think they went to the Cafe in the hotel and then out walking. DH & I had plans to go see Crazy Horse Paris, which is playing at our hotel.



This show is H-O-T! Not for the faint of heart. But it is so good. We had front row seats, which to be honest may have actually been too close. Not because of what you saw, although you could see everything, but because you spend the entire show looking up and it hurts the neck. The show consists of a bunch of different acts and lasts about 1.5 hours I think. Oh and something we didn't know until we picked up our tickets, hotel guests get $10 off per ticket.

After the show we decided to get some dinner and went to Wolfgang Puck's Bar & Grill, also in our hotel. We each had a drink & shared a pizza, which are actually pretty large. Oh, we ate at the bar, so no wait! It was a good dinner and good night out. We played slots for a little bit after that, but called it an early night since DH had been doing a ton of driving.


(us at dinner)

Next up: Day 3 - my 30th birthday, ack!

[KrazyKat4DIS]

I am loving your TR so far! I hope we get an update soon!

You have a gorgeous family!

[DisneyJamieCA]

When I woke up this day I was 30! And in actuality, it didn't feel much different than any other day. I joke about how turning 30 makes me feel old, and I know for some it does, but if anything makes me feel old, it's being the mom of 3! And having the oldest of those 3 start kindergarten 2 days after we got back!

So this day started with breakfast in our room. Oh wait, I take that back. My mom bought us Starbucks, so I had a skinny vanilla latte & a chocolate croissant. I know the croissant totally dismisses the "skinny" part of my latte, but whatever, it was my birthday. It was decided that we were going to head over the outlet mall (Las Vegas Premium Outlets I think) because there were a few things I wanted to get...for the kids of course. Why is that almost every single shopping trip involves getting something for the kids - especially on my birthday?

The outlet mall is great - tons of stores, a lot which are higher end ones. Right off the bat, we lost my stepfather in Hugo Boss. He wanted a new suit and he was taking way too much time, for me anyways. So DH, the kids & I went and window shopped in a few other stores. I walked through Coach, although I don't know why since we have one here. But while we were there, DD5 told me she wanted to use her money to buy me a new wallet for my birthday. Of course I wouldn't let her, but the thought was so sweet, it honestly was present enough. Without boring you with every single step we made that day, I'll just note the stores we did actually buy things at: the girls got dresses (on clearance for $10 each ) at Tommy Hillfiger, I got the baby a bunch of stuff at Carters (which we have here, but since I was there and had the time, decided just to do it) and the girls some school clothes at Osh Kosh. We met up with my mom and she bought me a shirt & DH two pairs of shorts at Lucky Jeans (his birthday is a week after mine). Oh and she bought me a dress at Polo Ralph Lauren (on sale and I'm a size 6 in their clothes it's too bad I can't afford to shop there all the time!). DSF bought me a dress at ....shoot I forget the name, but I love the dress! And then we went into the Disney Store. I could spend forever in there. The girls got new flip-flops, sunglasses & t-shirts. The baby got a Cars suitcase (each of the girls has a suitcase from Disney already). Then my mom found her weakness....shoes. So she bought herself 2 pairs & me a pair at Aerosoles. Love them! They had bought a bunch of other stuff while we were seperated too.

Editors note: I overuse parenthesis, if you couldn't tell!


(The girls showing off some of their shopping loot!)

We stopped at a Burger King on the strip for a late lunch before heading back to the hotel. That is not an area I need to hang out in again. It felt like any minute the tv show COPS would show up. Got back to our room and showed eachother everything we had bought. The girls modeled their new clothes for my parents and before we knew it, it was time to get ready for dinner. We had reservations for Benihana's over the Las Vegas Hilton.

The restaurant is beautiful and the service was wonderful. Although if I'm being honest I have to admit that I was disappointed they added 2 extra people to our table. I know that's how they do it, but when we're a party of 7, it just makes everything awkward. Maybe it would have been better if the two people who joined us would have talked. We tried striking up conversation and after the third one word answer, we gave up. Dinner was ok. The soup was delicious, but the salad had way too much dressing on it. Dessert was horrible. I'm glad we did it, but now that we have I don't think we'll be doing it again. Here are few pics from after dinner that night


(my little family)


(my mom & me - afterall it's a significant day for both of us!)

After dinner we headed back to the hotel. DH took the kids and got them ready for bed, while I played slots with my mom and DSF. I ended up the night down, my mom was up & I think my DSF was even. When I got back to our room, everybody was alread asleep, lol.

Next up: Day 4, Hoover Dam

[DisneyJamieCA]

My DSF has been living in the US for 17 years now and has always wanted to see the Hoover Dam, but had yet to do it on any of his trips to Vegas. We decided to go along with them so DH could see it. We left our hotel after breakfast and after a realitively easy drive we were there. It was crowded & hot.



There are two tours that are offered - the basic one and then a more indepth one. The kids aren't old enough to do the longer one, so we decided that my mom and I would take the kids on the basic one while DH & DSF did the longer one. The tour started with a movie about the building of the dam, which I'm sure was very interesting, but it was of course the time my girls decided they needed to use the bathroom. Typical. Our tour took us down into the dam and showed us two different stops. I know I should have been more interested in it, but I was tired, hot & had all 3 kids with me. This was one of our stops:



We were done with our tour before the guys' even started, so we went up to the top for one picture. It was 110 in the shade, so it was going to be only the one picture. Luckily, it didn't turn out half bad.


Here is one from the observatory area that DH took after I took the kids back inside.


While the guys did their tour we wandered around the observatory area, went back to the car for snacks, went through the gift shop and ended up in the cafeteria area for the girls to get ice cream and so I could feed the baby. He decided he really like the hat DH was given:



We left Hoover Dam and decided to hit the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory (after a quick stop at Starbucks/Burger King for lunch). I'm not sure what I expecting from the Factory, but it wasn't what we saw. It was tiny! Maybe it's because we have the Jelly Belly Factory really close to us and it HUGE and so that's what I was expecting, but we walked through this factory in literally 2 minutes.


(it was just this hallway! Oh and that my mom and DSF with the girls)

But I love this sign they have and I couldn't agree with it more!



And they do give you a sample of chocolate, so that alone made the stop worth it, lol.


(DD3 showing off her chocolate)

They do have a beautiful cactus garden here, but I have to admit we didn't walk through it since it was so hot and we were all tired by this point. They also have a small M&M World store here, which we ended up shopping at. We had been to the M&M World store on the strip during our prior trip and there were a few things DD5 got on that trip that she wanted to buy for her sister & brother. This store had all of those things and it was much easier to navigate than the bigger store on the Strip. After that we went back to the room to relax, freshen up and get ready for our night.

[DisneyJamieCA]

So we got back to our room and decided to enjoy all the snacks we had lugged all the way from home. DH & I opened a bottle of wine and just sat down & relaxed. It felt wonderful.



While we sat, DD5 gave out the presents she had gotten for her siblings. Here is DS obviously thrilled with his:


Cute how their smiles kinda match, right?

We had only planned on sitting for an hour or so, but before we knew it, it was 8pm! The kids had been begging to go the Rainforest Cafe and since it was in our hotel, we decided it was perfect for this night. DH called down and got a PS for 8:30 (hotel guests get priority!). My mom and DSF decided to do the buffet, I think. On our way to the restaurant we let the kids go in to the gift shop at the Lion Habitat.



Dinner was good. We got seated right away and at a great table. The girls actually ate and DD3 decided she actually likes popcorn shrimp, so score for the new food. But I don't know why we keep taking them there. They thunderstorms freak them out into hiding every time. They were better by the end, but I don't know why they keep asking to go.



After dinner we walked the strip for a very SHORT time. All the way to the M&M World Store. DD3 was thrilled to find a real life M&M to get her picture taken with:



After that we headed back to our room. We were all tired from being out in the sun all day.



Next up: Day 5, relaxing day by the pool. FINALLY!

[MegRN]

Beautiful children!! I love the picture of your daughter infront of TIffany's. One thing I thought was amusing was the picture of your son sitting in the front seat. There is a carseat in the driver's seat next to him appearing that the children have taken over the car! Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

[DisneyJamieCA]

Originally Posted by MegRN

One thing I thought was amusing was the picture of your son sitting in the front seat. There is a carseat in the driver's seat next to him appearing that the children have taken over the car! Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

You mean they haven't? We actually moved the carseat up so we would have room to change their clothes. Ya know, just case anybody thinks we let our 5 year old drive and baby ride shot gun without a carseat.

Although that does remind me of a funny story. I'm a SAHM and DD3 was asking me why I don't work. Don't work? Funny. So I was reminding her of all the things I do. And I asked who would drive them to school and ballet. Her deadpan response "Well if you'd just move my carseat to the front seat...."

And

[firefox2]

Great report and pictures, your kids are adorable. I just have to say, I LOVE your husbands shirt, the one that says "Property of my Family 24-7-365"

[DisneyJamieCA]

I didn't ditch the report, honestly! Been busy....and well, lazy. But I'm back, so here's the next installment.

Day 5 still finds us in Las Vegas. This is going to be our relaxing day. We had booked a cabana by the lazy river, which was perfect! We had done this at a different hotel on one of our previous stays and it really is the best way to spend time by the pool. If you couldn't tell, I'm very fair skinned, so laying out isn't an option for me. The girls had been looking forward to this the entire trip and apparently couldn't wait a minute longer.





I'll admit, I didn't take very pictures this day. And we didn't explore their pool complex at all. We literally spent all day in the lazy river. The baby got more attention than anybody I've ever seen and he soaked it up. The girls tested their newly learned swimming abilities and we were all disappointed when they said the river was closing at 5pm.



We slowly returned to our room, showered and changed because we had reservations at Maggiano's, which they were gracious enough to make an hour later for us, since we were going to miss the first time. It's located at the Fashion Show Mall and they have great food! Originally we had planned on my parents coming with us and ordering family style, but they decided to stay back at the hotel, so we just ordered our own dishes. I'd love to tell you what we ordered but I don't remember. I can tell you it was packed and the tables a little too close together for my taste, but the atmosphere was fun, complete with strolling musicians. After dinner we walked over the Wynn, but due to their no stroller policy, we only saw the outside.



We walked through the Palazzo (beautiful!) and ended up in the Venetian. We contemplated doing the gondola rides since the kids wanted to do it so badly, but the cost changed our mind. It helped that they were sold out for the rest of the night also. We'll be staying on Coronado Island next summer and the hotel has them there, so we'll do it then.



It was getting late and we were thinking of going back to the hotel, when we came across Madame Tussaude's. At the same time, my parents called wanting to know where we were because they were getting a cab to come meet us. This is something DSF had wanted to do and they were 10 minutes away from closing, we bought tickets. The kids were free, so even better!



It was a lot of fun, made even more fun by our whole group getting into things.


Umm, am I being replaced?


Show 'em how it's done!


Good luck with that


The Rat Pack has a new member


Future astronauts?

After we were done DH walked back to the Fashion Show Mall to get our van, while the rest of walked to the enterance of the Venetian where he was going to pick us up. Just as we had crossed the street, this car comes speeding through the valet area and stops suddenly in the middle of the exit from the Venetian (that goes on to the strip). This guy jumps out, yells something at the driver and walks around the back of the car, onto the center divide. The woman driving the car then proceeds to try to run him over 3 times! She drove up on the curb and everything, narrowly missing the Venetian sign. That was enough crazy for one night, even in Vegas. DH showed up with the van and we all went back to the hotel.

Next up: Our last full day in Vegas.