Hi all,

Hope everyone had a great time. We enjoyed my first trip to the other Disney. We left Orlando early Friday morning to fly to the other corner of the country before heading to OC. The lay over in Seattle wasn't that bad but did make the sunny skies of SoCal look that much nicer when we landed that afternoon. We were picked up by the sister-in-laws and headed to check in and make the expo before it closed. Our room at Paradise Pier was up high and overlooked California Adventure. The shape of the Building cut off views of the MK so we had to leave the room to see the fireworks. Got to the expo with about an hour left but still had ample time to see everything since it was a little smaller and not as many retail booth to look through. We found a nice tap room/restaurant by The Pond for dinner since we didn't think we would make it to the encounter and didn't make reservations. We got lost driving around looking for a Target. Made it back in time to catch some of the fireworks before heading off to bed.

Awoke before everyone and went for an easy 3 miles to loosen the legs. Was able to shower and grab a snack and try to catch the start of the 5K. Made it to watch the ceremonies and the start. Didn't see any familiar faces but wasn't looking closely at the costumes. I did walk along some of the course before heading back to collect the girls for breakfast and the parks. We headed to California Adventure and did a few rides and lunch at the winery. Got the chance to see and chat with the Druckenmillers as well as the King and Queen of Games before heading over to the Magic Kingdom. The pace and crowds were vastly different between the two parks. We tried to do a few rides but ended up only catching the train from Tomorrowland to New Orleans Square before heading out to get some dinner at HoB.

Got up Sunday around 0415 and grabbed a snack and started getting ready. Had to detour to the lobby BR before heading to the start. The close proximity of the hotels made it very nice and a good walk. I assume that is also why they didn't do fireworks to wake the other guests and neighbors. Headed directly to the corrals as there wasn't much time. I stood waiting to get in the corral longer than anything else and before I knew it we were off. The start was just about as bad for me as the WDW half as it seemed quite crowded. I did get out into some open space about mile 1-2. The parks were short but nice, and that castle is small, but the open roads left plenty of room to get settled into a good pace. Didn't feel bad the whole race but did get a little ache out of my right ankle I twisted a week before over the last 3-4 miles. Finished in 1:39 clock time and 1:37 chip time for 198th overall. Enjoyed most of the run and sights along the way even though it wasn't the most scenic course. They did well with what they had to work with.

After the race and the character breakfast w/ Lilo and Stich meet the gang for the cruise. Enjoyed the company and festivities that afternoon before a dinner with family at Rainforest Cafe. Quite a nice evening up on their patio. Then headed back to the hotel to catch the fireworks, but there were none.

We spent the next two days touring the parks. Made sure to see everything that was not at WDW and compare some of the other rides that are at both parks. I was thrilled to see Mr. Toad again. Space Mountain was great and the Indiana Jones ride was the best, hope that WDW gets some updates to match these two. Did run into Stan and Sheila once more I hope you got some good scores on Buzz Lightyear.

Relaxed the morning away Wednesday before heading to the airport for the afternoon journey back. We did get sandwiched between some other notable arrivals. The Space Shuttle made it back to Fla. just before we did on Thursday morning and we got out of the airport before the Pres. arrived for a campaign stop.