Website of the Week: SmartVoter.Org

This is a re-post from last November, but it applies again!

You MUST take a look at this non-partisan site before election day. http://www.smartvoter.org

Under the section that says "Find My Ballot," type in your street address and zip code and it will show you exactly what will be on your particular ballot on November 3rd. If you're like me, you'd like to know exactly which races you will be voting on before you show up to cast your ballot. The site even has links to candidate's websites where available.

I highly recommend this site for anyone who wants to be prepared when they walk into the voting booth next Tuesday. Happy voting!!

California Dreamin'...

Last Thursday, we departed Pittsburgh just in time for some very cold weather to blow into town. Good thing we were headed to one of our favorite warm destinations, Southern California. Our itinerary was as follows:

Friday: Disneyland
Saturday: Visit the Kasdans in Orange County
Sunday & Monday: Visit Grandparents in Palm Springs
Tuesday: Fly home

We arrived at John Wayne Airport at 11pm on Thursday night (after working all day) and headed straight to the Alpine Inn, a kitschy but cheap and clean motel within walking distance from Disneyland. After a very short night's sleep, we left to walk to the park at 7:15am. By 7:30 we were in line at the front gates.

Disneyland Railroad, Main Street Station...
The reason we love this place...
First thing in the morning- ready for a big day!
Sleeping Beauty Castle...

By the time we got to the Astro Orbitor (below) at 8:45am, we had ridden Space Mountain once and Buzz Lightyear twice. Our ride schedule was again planned by Ridemax, our favorite Disney Park planning software. We highly recommend it.

An artsy shot of the Orbitor...

The Haunted Mansion decked out Tim Burton style...

Boarding area for the Haunted Mansion...

Obligatory castle shot...

Up Close...

By 10am, we headed over to California Adventure for our first ever look at that park. In the background below, California Screamin'- a great roller coaster that goes upside down!

First Stop... Toy Story Mania!

After riding Soarin' over California, it was time for a mid-morning break... Jim found a giant Disney-style frappucino....

Mickey's Fun Wheel...Looking Up...

Riding the Wheel...

Along the Midway...

The Golden Zephyr. Not so exciting, but a ride too cool looking to pass up...Walking the streets of Hollywood (this part of the park is similar to Hollywood Studios in Florida)...
Loved this restaurant name...

One of Jim's favorites- Carrie is too chicken to ride this...

We found the Mouse...

By 3:30pm, it was back over to Disneyland to find a Pineapple Whip before heading over to the Indiana Jones ride...

We took a short break in Frontierland to enjoy this bluegrass band...

After the Jungle Cruise and another spin on Space Mountain, it was time for our traditional Disney dinner... Veggie Burgers at the Tomorrowland Terrace...

Our favorite landmark in Tomorrowland...

Evening sky over Matterhorn Mountain...

The park is even more magical at night...

Not too late for a spin on Autopia...

Another must ride... King Arthur's Carousel...
Before heading out, we had to find the infamous Club 33. Maybe some day, we'll get to go in...

Two tired, but very happy people...
Traditional last stop of the night (12:30am)... Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street for mochas and cookies... Until we meet again...
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Saturday: Jim's first visit to In 'N Out Burger! He was not disappointed...

Hanging with baby Mitchell... what a cutie!

Cuddle time! We had a great day with Ben and Marissa and Mitchell and were sad to say goodbye after such a short time.

Sunday & Monday: Palm Springs...

Grandparent's house & street...

Downtown shopping...

Love the architecture...Out with Grandma & Grandpa...
What a wonderful vacation. Can't wait to do it again!