California Cousin's Camp

Day One
We left for Disneyland in our van with Grandma, Kelvin, and the Reber girls. We arrived at Dolphin Cove (timeshare) in Anaheim on Saturday in the late afternoon. The timeshare is located just a few minutes outside of Disneyland. We got ourselves settled and hit the pool before bedtime. The Smoot family members in attendance included the following: 40 Attendees: SMOOT: Grandpa Doug (78) Grandma Marian (79), FOLSTER: Peter and Amber Knecht & children - Andrew(14) Reed (11) Owen (8) Lewis (6) Olivia (2), Terran and Summer Jensen & children - Brylee (3) Ruby (1), LEWIS: John and LaCinda, Lauren Reber (31) with Ella (8) Kayla (6) Dessie (4) Olena (2 months), Annie Lewis with Callin (6) Rhett (3) Ollie (1), Paige Lewis with William (6 months), Diana Lewis (26), CJ (24) and Taryn (21), Ed (17), Kelvin (15), HYDE: Michelle, Landon (23), Hailey (12) and friend Mo, ROBBINS: Conor and Mindy, Abe (8) Mylee (6) Anna (4) Nikko(2).

Sunday was our first full day and just happened to be Father’s Day. We celebrated the holiday though three of our fathers were MIA-Stephen, Ben and Doug. We wish them a happy and peaceful week. We were happy to sing to Grandpa Smoot (our trip benefactor) in person and pass on our delicious buttermilk caramel syrup. We enjoyed church and even sent the children up to sing in the Anaheim ward primary choir (by invitation—they had a startling lack of primary kids, so adding the Smoot kiddos doubled their numbers). Afterwards, we headed to the newly dedicated Newport Temple where Grandpa Smoot shared a beautiful testimony and Rhetters “watered” the shrubbery. We then headed for the beach where the children were given the instruction: DO NOT GET WET IN YOUR SUNDAY CLOTHES. It is windy and you will be cold. It was not long before all three Reber girls were found waist deep in the water. They ended up wet, cold and sandy. Punished by the elements. Luckily, they did not whine for long because they fell asleep. You can’t go long in a group of Smoots without needing to find a buffet. On his special Father’s Day, Grandpa treated us all to Old Country Buffet where we made short work of the slurpee and soft serve lines.

Day Two
The Happiest Place On Earth!
On Monday morning, I attached leashes to my two potential runaways (I learned my lesson after Kayla was lost four years ago at Disney…scary!) and we lined up bright and early in our Smoot family T-shirts (Motto: I’d Rather Be Right Than Happy) and headed for the happiest place on earth. Michelle very loudly and proudly exclaimed: "I am so proud of the Smoot women. All of you are wearing size small T-shirts. There's not one medium in the bunch." After a LONG round of pictures, the group split up with plans to meet up later that night for the parade and fireworks. Ella was taken under Diana’s wing with the YSA group, while I got to enjoy the baby group. Trying to keep up with Olena’s nursing schedule made me very thankful to have Mom and Dad Lewis ushering our group from place to place. Mom and Dad were champions to take turns with the babies and with the “fast passes” and “baby back” passes, Annie, Paige and I were also able to go on many of the cool rides. The teacups, carousel and small world ride were especially big hits with this group. I could not get Kayla anywhere near Splash Mountain, but Dessie ventured onto it once. I love her face in the picture—sheer terror! We split up the day by heading home for a late nap, where we discovered that Dessie had a fever and was too tired to return for fireworks. I stayed home to care for her, but the rest enjoyed an evening of fun and fireworks. What an awesome day—even Olena got to enjoy a few rides. I love her look on the Winnie the Pooh ride!

Day Three
Beach Day
On Tuesday the Lewis clan packed snacks and sunscreen and headed to Huntington Beach. The team of Landon, Diana, Ed and Dad Lewis defeated CJ, Taryn and Kelvin in the family volleyball championship. Rhett enjoyed putting sand down CJ’s back and Ella & Callin were only visible as two poking heads. Kelvin was offended by Dad’s suggestion to run three-miles. He did the run reluctantly and then decided to cool off by walking back. He was gone a LONG time. Poor Dessie had not recovered from the previous day’s illness, so she slept for most of the afternoon under the umbrella. Mom tried to get Dee to pick up a lifeguard and I tried to convince Dee to be nicer to Mom.

Day Four
California Adventure
Wednesday was spent at California Adventure (next to Disneyland). I had never been before so I was particularly amazed at Soarin’ and Screamin’ and the 3D “It’s Tough to be a Bug” film with smells and water and large cockroaches under our seats. We sent many family members ahead to obtain fast passes for the ride Cars, but the ride shut down for maintenance repair and was not scheduled to be fixed until much later that night. It is the newest ride in the park, so its popularity made it highly desirable for the Reber girls. I had to convince Dessie and Kayla that the kiddie bumper cars was the ride they wanted to catch. Ella ended up being the only Reber with enough steam to return to CA Adventure after naptime. She reported that the actual Cars ride was very fun!

Day Five
Disney Highlights
It was definitely the right decision to buy a three-day pass to Disneyland. Because we were so close to the park, we could come and go as we pleased. Take a break. Catch a nap. Return rejuvenated. On our third day to Disney, we decided to really make sure we didn’t miss a thing. Of course, we headed straight to the princess line (before it got too long) and ran into Minnie Mouse! What a boon! We lucked out again when the princess line was only a 10-minute wait. (We waited 1.5 hours the last time we visited Disney). The girls were delighted, especially Dessie who complimented each princess on being so beautiful. I love how they all showed off their princess poses. I then had to beg Kayla to ride the Matterhorn with Grandpa and Grandma—she ended up in tears. She did recover and loved the submarine ride (much more than the Matterhorn). I again tricked Kayla into trying the Indiana Jones ride (telling her it was just like the Mater kiddie ride from a previous day)...she was not amused. Oh well, it may be several years before we make it back to Disneyland and I think experiences (even bad ones) can help us grow. Plus, I did get to compliment her over and over again for being brave and she loved that. Dessie was not quite tall enough to do the Indiana Jones ride and so she climbed the Tarzan Tree house with Grandpa. We felt like three days gave us enough time to see and do everything we wanted. We even came home with a baby Minnie hat for Olena. If you asked the girls what the highlight was, they would probably respond: “I met Minnie Mouse” (Kayla) “Sleeping Beauty said I was beautiful.” (Dessie) “I rode all of the rides including the big roller coaster at California Adventureland five times” (Ella) “Taking the family picture with all of us in our Smoot shirts. I especially love when Oliver was trying to grab Olena’s face.” (Lauren)