Hi. We're back and boy did we have FUN! It was quite the experience! Like all epic tales there was drama, tears, extreme bliss, and memories that last a lifetime. And so the story goes...
Once upon a time, in a far away land Queen B made reservations for a three-day park pass to Disneyland, had flights booked, and generally was on top of all things-planning. It was ironic since she was so prepared with written notes, tickets, and packing that our flight out of town was cancelled with no re-booking schedule in sight. Apparently Alaska Airlines had a total system failure and their flight plans were unavailable. These are the exact times when I am more than grateful for a take-charge mate. King B wielded his fancy ipad and booked us on another airline rescuing Queen B from a never-ending customer service line. After many tears that we would indeed be missing a whole day in the Magical Kingdom, she was brought back to life by Princess Pea; whom I must say had an amazing attitude through the whole ordeal. While we were on our second flight (almost 10 hours after we were originally supposed to take off), Princess Pea said to us, "I'm lucky to go to Disneyland, Mom." This time tears of thankfulness for a wonderful little girl who had the attitude I should have had. One of the best lessons I have learned in my life. I love her. The delay of our scheduled plans allowed for two important things that might not have been possible if not for the system meltdown.
First, we got to see my brother Chase and go to dinner with him! He just finished busy season and was in Anaheim for the Arizona NCAA game...Pea was excited to see her Hunka Uncka (a name which my MIL Carolyn gave him...).
Here we are:
Secondly, Papa Steve was allowed to recover from a terrible cold and be back to normal by the time we actually got to go in the Park. A huge blessing for him!
After finally getting there, Pearson was over the moon happy. I loved watching her little face every time she saw something new and yet familiar. Her smile was ear-to-ear the majority of the time. We had no meltdowns and amazingly she got to do almost everything she wanted to AND some things she didn't know she wanted, but LOVED. Here's the short list:
Small World (3 times)!
The Princess Lunch at Ariel's Grotto (where she was introduced to all the princesses in person...a treat in itself!)
Tea Cups
Alice in Wonderland
Nemo's underwater submarine
Storybook Lane
The Carousel
Peter Pan's Flight
Tarzan's Tree House
Gadget's Go Coaster
Jungle Cruise
Roger Rabbit's Ride
Walks through Mickey and Mini's houses in Toon Town
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Flying Dumbo Ride
Aladdin's Theater Show (which was amazing)
2 minutes of a Bug's Life (which she HATED and I don't blame her)
Main street fireworks, ice cream, and shops.
Meeting Mickey, Mini, Goofy, Donald, Tinkerbell, and Chip!
There were so many pictures, but here are some of my favorites (OF NOTE: Pea smacked her nose on a table the day before this trip...which explains the ouchie...)
Princess Pea was cashed OUT by about 7 pm the first full day so she went back to the hotel and King B and Queen B stayed behind to go on our own Disneyland date. First we went to the tribute showing of of
Captain EO...
then on to:
Space Mountain
The Matterhorn
Big Thunder
The Haunted Mansion
and
Indiana Jones.
By the time we arrived back to the hotel we had spent 13 hours inside the park! We were exhausted, but...
Lord and Lady B (Grandma Carolyn & Papa Steve), King and Queen B, and the delightful Princess Pearson packed in as many memories as is humanly possible during our short, but
sweet stay. As a child, Disneyland always seemed like pure magic, which it is, but as an adult I was struck by all the detail. It's perfectly crafted for imagination and we loved every single second there.
Two of my favorite memories are when Pea asked for a "pop with fur on it" which turned out to be cotton candy. She hated it. And when Pea threw two pennies into Small World and wished that she would turn into a tiger and that she could come back to Disneyland someday. It was the CUTEST. THING. EVER.
We love you Pearson and YES we WILL go back. This time we'll bring Babe H, but since she could not be here this time: we brought her back a T-shirt.
And they lived happily ever after...
The End.
