Though Disneyland was great, the anticipation had built for the most important attraction of the trip--LEGOLAND. Hours of exploration on the Lego Land Internet site had led Preston to dreaming of the day we could make a visit to the real Lego Land. He could hardly be contained as we made the 45 minute venture south to Carlsbad, California. Preston's longtime love for Legos was about to meet the greatest land ever built for Lego Lovers.

As we approached the theme park, we experienced the great thrill of it being the first time for all of us. The openness, the young shrubs and trees, and the miniature size of things revealed the newness of this park and gave a whole different feeling to the experience. Decked out for the holidays, the front of Lego Land was smaller than Disney, but it still worked the same...Wait In Line! Though everything was colorful and "blocky", Greg was surprised that "everything" was not made out of Legos. Once inside, navigating a new theme park provided a worthy challenge for Greg since he had never been there before.

Venturing to the left, we first approached the Safari Ride. Long lines made the wait about 20 minutes, but soon we were off. Preston was tall enough to ride alone and experienced the Lego Animal Trail by himself. Brooklyn and Dad led the way with Mom in the middle car taking pictures of both. After this ride, we knew Lego Land was aimed at the very young. The cars took no maneuvering beyond buckling your own seat belt. Susan looked very cute in her car as Preston, behind her, enjoyed the ride even though he had no control of the jeep.

Winter, summer, hot weather or cold--no difference; water is irresistible no matter what. Preston and Brooklyn both risk the challenge of getting wet as they jump on the yellow spots in hopes of being surrounded by water. While the kids all around get wet, it is funny to see the parents get frustrated waiting for their kids won't come out of the water. Anything with water is always a hit!

The most prized souvenir of all was earned at the Lego Land School of Driving--Preston and Brooklyn's very own driver's license. After a 10 minute driving school complete with video and instructor, Preston and Brooklyn, along with 15 others, were let loose on the Lego Land City Streets. After watching all the children, obviously, they slept through driving school and just did their own thing. Luckily, there were tow trucks (actually people) to get them going again in the right direction. Brooklyn, in the red car, follows behind Preston gaining fast as mom gets some worry practice in for what is to come in 10 years.

Of course if there is a driving school for little ones, why not a flying school? Preston and Brooklyn both become aviators skyrocketing up 15 feet or so in their very own helicopter. They made a great team--one working the up and down stick and one working the turn around stick! Though mom and dad sat this one out, with two captain in command, both kids managed to land safely.

After working our way around most of the park, Greg continued not to be too impressed; however, that was until we hit the real attraction of the park--Lego Land Cities. These intricately built models included replicas of Washington DC, New York, various bay side towns, etc., all with moving boats, cars, busses and people. As the sun set, these miniature cities were lighted one-by-one with an evening fireworks show. Brooklyn was most impressed with the Brooklyn Bridge as part of the New York City Skyscraper display while preston liked to boats and the subway. The Statue of Liberty was also impressive as was the parade of soldiers and the marching band in front of the White House. After sunset, the air got colder but that didn't lessen the lure of one last ride. The 45 minute wait for the people powered coaster seemed worth it to the kids who got to peddle their way around the track.

Click here to continue on to our last day at Universal Studios, return to Disney Land, or just go home.