A Return to The Happiest Place on Earth

Last week Leila and I tagged along with my family on their Spring Break trip to Disneyland!  I sure do like having an annual pass and will be sad when the time comes when I won't be making multiple trips to Disneyland each year.  In the meantime, I'm just enjoying myself and making as many memories as possible.  Highlights from this trip included:

Leila--She is so fascinated with people and LOVES being outside.  Needless to say, Disneyland was a perfect combo for her.  When we went into the parks our first evening there, she couldn't whip her head around fast enough to take in all of the sights and sounds.  She also liked squawking at all of the people walking past us which brought a smile to most of their faces.  I also couldn't resist making a little Minnie Mouse sunhat for her (which she refused to keep on for very long...oh well).

My Little Minnie

Leila's "first bath"--While we were at lunch one day, I was talking to my mom about giving Leila a bath when we got back to the hotel.  My mom asked if it was her first bath of the trip, but my sister Ashley momentarily thought she meant her first bath...ever!  This pushed her funny button and she was quickly in tears from laughing so hard.

World of Color Heartache--Okay, I know this sounds odd to be listing under highlights, but let me explain.  Jason wasn't able to come with us since he just started his job and has like zero PTO built up.  This meant that we were apart for the first time since we were married almost three years ago.  I was doing surprisingly well with it all (Disneyland offers plenty of distractions) until we watched World of Color one night.  Ashley and Taylor had just joined us so our party, but not our family, was complete.  A tug of emotions had me missing Jason.  That tug became a tidal wave once the song "So Close" was played during the show.  This is one of "our" songs.  Needless to say, a call home was in order shortly afterwards.  It reminded me just how blessed I am to have such a loving husband.  He even let me go to Disneyland without him!

Enjoying the Storybook Canal with Auntie Annie

Answered prayers--One afternoon Jason's parents came to take Leila for the day so that I could have some "alone" time and they could get their Leila-fix in.  After I finished sending her on her way, I was getting ready to head back into the park when my heart dropped: my annual pass was missing!  I knew that I'd had it when I separated from the group.  In fact, I had made sure of it.  Frantically I began retracing my steps through Downtown Disney, repeatedly.  I struck out.  My dad came to my rescue ready to purchase a replacement pass but thought about checking the Lost and Found first.  Both lines for the Lost and Found and Guest Services were really long, so we split up so as not to waste too much time if it wasn't in the Lost and Found.  I finally made it up to the window and explained what I was looking for.  The lady went to check in the back and I wasn't feeling very hopeful.  Lo and behold, she walked out with my pass and I proceeded to lift my arms up in the air, smack the counter and say, "Thank goodness!"  After over an hour and a half of searching and waiting, I was so incredibly relieved and knew that Heavenly Father had been looking out for me.

Shadow Tag--One night my mom and I were sitting at some tables near the Matterhorn after feeding Leila a late dinner (poor girl had her schedule so out of whack).  I was holding Leila when suddenly she started pawing at the table.  At first I thought she was intrigued by the pattern on the tabletop, but my mom pointed out that she was playing with her shadow!  How fun!

Rainy weather--It doesn't even need to be said that when we go to California, we hope for nice weather, especially when we are going to be outside most of the time. We didn't get nice, sunny weather this trip.  It was a little chilly, especially at night, and rained off and on all week.  They were only able to do fireworks one night while we were there due to high winds.  Thankfully it wasn't pouring enough to make us miserable.  Instead we were able to enjoy low crowds and hot chocolate.

Family--That's what this trip was all about after all.  I got to spend some much needed vacation time with my family.  It was fun to watch my siblings interact with Leila.  Each of them are forming their own type of relationship with her.  And my parents LOVE having a grandkid to spoil at Disneyland (and all the time).  Travelling with a 6 month old isn't easy, but everyone was really patient and helpful.  Thanks guys!