Well, we're finally getting around to updating this blog. It has been a really hectic few days! But we've had fun. We probably over did it, considering Miles' surgery is tomorrow morning, but we had a blast (for the most part).
We left early Friday morning and the trip did not start out well. We parked in long term parking at the airport and took the bus in. We were the last ones to get off the very full bus and discovered that either a) someone had taken Miles' rolling backpack or b) the bus driver set it out with someone else's baggage at another stop. I'm suspecting the latter. We were all really upset. We had just gotten Miles a brand new hotwheels backpack the night before and filled it with a few new toys, his favorite toys, his favorite books on CD, and some library books. I'm particularly upset about losing the latter two, since I'm not sure where to get the CD books and we'll probably have to pay a lot to replace the library ones. So one of the first things we did when we got to Anaheim was to go to Target and at least replace the backpack and toys that we could--an expense we REALLY didn't need right now. But when a little boy is about to have surgery he needs some toys and fun things to do.
The plane that was just supposed to briefly stop in Las Vegas, ended up being a full on layover. We had to change planes after all and wait and therefore got in late to LAX, thus missing our lunch reservations at Goofy's Playhouse. It's probably just as well, since Miles seems to be afraid of Disney characters in costume after all. The kid loves roller coasters, but is afraid of a big Winnie the Pooh--go figure.
That night we ended up eating at Rainforest Cafe in downtown Disney, which was a little too expensive, but fun. We stayed for the next 3 nights at the Candy Cane Inn, which I would NOT recommend. The first night, I went out to the balcony/walk way to talk to my mom on the phone, when I noticed a RAT about 20 feet away. I then realized that the tree across from our room was full of at least 4 rats. Absolutely disgusting! They "upgraded" us to a room that was older and not as nice, but farther from the busy street and no trees directly next to us. Blech.
Then the next day was the big day at Disney. As I just said, Miles LOVES rollercoasters. On his first one he even put his hands in the air. That's my boy! You can definitely tell he has some Coakley blood in him--we can't wait to take him to Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world one of these days.
Here are some pictures from Disney. Warning: this blog post is going to have a lot!







Later in the day we left Disney to rest, shower (it was SO hot!) and eat dinner. We went back to ride some more rides and watch the fireworks. Here is what Miles looked like about 5 minutes before the fireworks started:

Then, once they started, he FREAKED out. He was terrified, so we had to try to rush out of the park. Oh, I forgot to mention that some jerk stole the stroller we rented, so poor Brian had to carry him and it took forever, because half the park was roped off for the fireworks. I wish I had been able to see the fireworks; what little I saw looked really cool.
The next day we slept in, but then drove to San Diego to meet my friend Jen, her little girl Kaia, and her husband Randy at the zoo. Wow that place is huge! I feel like we saw just a small percentage of it. Here are some pics.
Miles with the biggest orangatan I've ever seen:

Miles with his cool new twirly beanie. It's so cute:

Today we briefly went back to downtown Disney to get Jack and Miles little souvenirs. Then we went to Venice Beach and had a nice, relaxing late morning/afternoon. We played in the ocean and sand and had a relaxing outdoor lunch.

Notice our little friend in front of the bucket:

Then we finally got to the Magic Castle, which is absolutely wonderful. I cannot say how much I love this hotel. They are so nice and the facilities are amazing. They've been giving us the "royal treatment" because of the business they've received from our recommendations. Here we are in the pool, which is really nice. They give you popsicles poolside too! :-)

Tomorrow we have to be at the surgical center at 6:15 am. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.