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| Caleb had his sights set on this guy the whole time he waited in line |
Yes, we took the 'American Family Pilgrimage' to the land of Disney!
We came.
We saw.
We conquered.
We've been talking about Disneyland since we gave them this gift at Christmas.
It has been highly anticipated.
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| This is the face of anticipation... |
We were ready.
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| Alaska Airlines is always so kind with inviting the kids to see up front |
Our suitcases were overpacked and we were under rested, but we took a leap of faith that this would work out and we would create some precious family memories.
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| Best seat for the parade! |
We met Grandma and Grandpa from Chicago at the John Wayne airport in California.
It made the trip even more special.
Day 1.
We cashed in our early start pass this first day, fresh and energized.
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| A "first day walk" into the park! |
We entered Main Street Disney.
I couldn't wait until the magical Disney castle appeared on the horizon of the idyllic street. I couldn't wait to see the faces of awe on my kids and introduce them to this world of enchantment.
However, to my dismay, the magical castle was replaced by a painted backdrop of a castle.
It was under refurbishment. 😦
I was rather disappointed, but my Mom quickly reassured me that this place didn't appear any less magical to my children. They didn't know that it was missing.
In that moment I released myself from the burden of trying to make everything about this trip perfect and magical for my kids. That is the burden I carry a lot. I want to make everything just perfect for them and create magic.
I soon realized that to them, the details really didn't matter. It was this time together, undistracted by life, in uncharted territory that made this truly extraordinary.
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| And Tigger made it extraordinary too! |
From then on, I didn't regret or get disappointed by the things that I felt didn't fall into place like how I imagined.
I simply embraced what was.
The long lines.
The food.
The stomach aches.
The drops of rain.
Whatever.
It was all a part of our experience and I wouldn't be able to enjoy it if I was constantly worried things weren't perfect.
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| Still not too old to be excited to meet Cinderella |
The best moment for me was probably the first ride: the Peter Pan ride. Standing in line, the boys didn't know what to think. They were excited, scared, anxious...
When it was our turn, we bid each other farewell and were swept away to a magical experience unlike any other, flying over the homes in a dark London street.
Oh the magic!
From then on, each ride was met with trepidation and excitement and lots of talking and laughter at the end.
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| Memories Together |
Day 2.
We spent the day in California Adventure. 'Cars Land' was a hit. Caleb immediately noticed the "blinking yellow light" and all the small details from the movie in the park.
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| Best Disney Picture right here |
We convinced everyone to go on Radiator Springs ride. It was met with laughter and sheer terror.
The temperature was just right.
John's Fast Pass made the lines not too long.
The day was full of new experiences and lots of leisure.
Another favorite ride was the Buzz Light Year 3D ride. That was the first time the boys experience 3D glasses. They went on it 3 times, thanks to our fast pass!
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| A perfect mix of video game and thrill |
Day 3.
Our third and final day at Disney was met with some weariness.
Our kids were just tired and a bit grumpy.
My first reaction was to get angry and disappointed. I mean, COME ON! Look where you are?!
However, John reminded me they are five and seven year olds who have been walking about 10 miles a day, standing lines, and eating a lot of refined carbs and processed sugar.
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| James loves his sugar |
They were also going to bed at least two hours later than usual in strange beds, and they were getting up earlier and not sleeping great.
They have been hugged by intimidating creatures and characters and forced to pose for memorable pictures.
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| Who doesn't love Winnie the Pooh?! |
They were tapped out.
We took a time out mid day to take a dip in the hotel pool. It wasn't a great pool, but there is something special for the kids about swimming mid day. Grandma and Grandpa played with them in the pool for at least an hour, and surprisingly everyone seemed refreshed and ready to go back into Disney for one last night.
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| Grandma and Grandpa + Pool =Great fun |
However, by nightfall, everyone asked, "are we going to bed yet?!"
Yes, I believe that this was a successful trip, and I can truly say that we DID Disney.
This was a trip John and I talked about since they were born, and we did it.
It was a milestone, one that we all will remember forever.
