We had an AWESOME time @ Disneyland.
Our first day we went and picked up our rental cars (a Jeep Wrangler and Mustang Convertible). We then drove to the Santa Monica Pier and checked it out. After we were done there, we went down to Venice Beach. We all loved it there. It was sunny and about 72 degrees. We then needed to make our way to San Jacinto to see some of Dustin's family. We drove through Hollywood and Beverly Hills. We had planned to stop, but we had spent too much time at the beach.
Thursday, we spent all day @ Disneyland. Within the first hour of our arrival, my sisters family and my family were approached by a lady who asked if we would like to be the Grand Marshals of the Parade of Dreams later that evening. We obviously were very ecstatic and obliged. We did our thing and went on rides and met many characters. @ 630 we met up with the lady who took us backstage where we got to hang with the characters and we all received free golden 50th anniversary Mickey ears. We were shown Walt Disney's fire engine that we would ride in. They showed us the signs that they made and that we were able to keep (see picture). We then started the parade where we drove by thousands of people as we waved. They kept saying over the loud speaker, "Please put your hands together for our Grand Marshals, the Goodwin Family from Camas, WA and the Burch Family from Portland, OR." It was very surreal. We then received reserved seating to watch the rest of the parade. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that we will never forget.
The next two days we spent at both Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland in beautiful 80 degree bright blue sky weather. We went on every ride and watched every show. I would highly suggest to make sure that you not only go on each ride, but also check out every show. They were all top notch and provided much needed leg rest while being very entertaining. They were all first class shows. Three days was a little much on my feet, legs, back and shoulders. Next time we will go two days in a row take two relaxing days off then do another two days. This is a vacation that no family should miss. We all had an awesome time! 
Check out some of our pics:
