We arrived at Chicago O'Hare and I managed to navagate the airport and find our gate. We had about a 40 minute wait, not too bad. We had a few snacks and then it was time to board. This flight was 4 hours long. Again we went to the potty many many many times. Gabe (5) became very worried about crashing. He kept reviewing the saftey protocals over and over, just in case. He also kept asking the flight attendents if we were running out of fuel or if we were going to land in the water.

     Once we arrived at LAX, we picked up our luggage. I had put camoflage monkey fabric bows on all of our bags which made them easy to see. We took the shuttle to the Enterprise place. A few things I did not realize: when you use a debit card in lieu of a regualr credit card they automatically take out $350.00 (you will get back the remainder after you return the car) and in California a child must have a car seat until they are over 90 pounds. Carseats are $5.00 each per day. I rented a four door Ford Focus. It was very cute and red with a huge trunk.

     Off we went to the hotel. We stayed at the Rodeway Inn Maingate in Anahiem. It was right next to the employee entrance. This is an older hotel. There was some walpaper peeling near the floor and a few coats of paint on the wall. However, the room was SUPER CLEAN, I had plenty of towles, and a microwave and fridge. The beds were very comfortable. This isn't a fancy place, but it is great for a nice place to lay your head. I paid $44.00 a night and it was well worth it.  

     After we unpacked and decompressed, I realized that I was famished and thought the kids might be as well. So we went to Downtown Disney. It was 8:00pm and thus we did not have to pay for parking. We went to the Rainforest Cafe and put our name in the mix for a table. I had not had the good sence to make priority seating reservations. We were givin an hour wait time. Which means...we went shopping!

     We strolled around a bit, it was chilly and begain to drizzle. We popped into the Lego Store and then to World of Disney. Gabriel bought a Buzz Lightyear gun thing. Molly found a lighty up princess thing. I found a pirate skull similar to the one I got at DW last summer. I filled it with treasure and was quite pleased with myself. We also purchased an autograph book and pen. Back to Rain Forest Cafe.

     At the Rainforest Cafe we sat upstairs. The thunderstrom had just arrived and Molly was a little nervious about going up. I had to carry her. Our waiter was named Chase. He was excellent. Gabriel had a million questions and Chase took the time to answer them. He was very pacient and quite understanding. I had the Cobb Salad which was fabulous! Molly had the mini hot dogs. She hardly touch her food. She was just too tired. Gabe had the mini hamburgers. He inhaled both of them. The kids enjoyed trying to find different things in the "forest". Molly freaked out a bit when the elephants came to life. Chase was quick on the scene to explian they couldn't move from where they were.

     After dinner we went home and went right to bed. It was 10:30pm. To us it felt like 12:20am.

     I will write more later.

To see the next page of this trip report, click this link:  http://www.disneymouselinks.com/Forums/Topic64711-4-1.aspx

 But - a quick tip on the ears for you!  I flew with a serious ear infection once a few years ago.  Had had the infection since April and didn't know it.  Found out 4 days or so before we were to fly.  It was a severe enough infection that the meds didn't take care of it quickly (as the doctor had warned me), so I was prepared for pain on the airplane.  Well, we did mention to the flight attendant that I was flying with an ear infection.  She was incredible.  Before we even started our descent, she brought a cup with an inch or so of warm water in it.  Told me to tip my head so the cup covered my ear (with the ear inside, but not touching the water).  amazingly enough - this was a total godsend.  Yes, it was still a wee bit painful, but nothing like it should have been!

As for the car rental - those are some cheap car seats - most companies charge $8.00 a day, so that isn't bad.  Also - many companies, whether you use a debit card or not, will take out between 3 and 500 dollars when you rent.  I found this out the hard way once when my credit card was later declined because they were holding that money.  So for those renting a car - use a card that you don't plan on using for anything else during your trip!

Okay - all that aside - it does sound like Gabriel is a GREAT older brother!  Sounds like your first day was wonderful.  I love the Rainforest cafe, and understand your frustration with a child that won't eat since I have one myself!

I can't wait to read the rest!

May All Your Days Be Filled With Magic!  And your nights full of Disney Dreams!