A Disneyland Short Story complete with Photos

In order to do this post right, I must tell you a short story first: Once upon a time, more than a year ago, on a sunny day in the desert a mom went to pick up her kids early from school. This mom had many errands she needed to run that afternoon, like a gazillion or some number like that, and in her shrewd minded motherly ways she realized that to optimize her time, picking up the kids 15 minutes early from school would be the only way to get every one where they needed to be in a timely manner. The first errand they needed to hit was a trip to the library. And this mama's kids LOVE the library, boy howdy, they LOVE it (like mother like children!) So she went and pulled them out of school early and not wanting to tell the lovely secretary there that they were just running errands as her reason for allowing kids to leave school early(this secretary really is lovely. I have told her many times that I'd love to go shopping with her as she's a beautiful woman exuding class and style far beyond that of your average school secretary), the mom explained to the questioning children that she'd tell them where they were headed when they got to the car. Well. This mum's the word moment really peaked their curiosity and got their hearts all aflutter. Their minds were racing with anticipation. By the time we hoped into the car, The Professor blurted out, "Are we going to DISNEYLAND?" Doh. Did that comment just knock the wind outta your sails? Cuz when I realized my kids might have thought I was taking them to Disneyland on the spur of the moment, suddenly the library was loosing a bit of its luster (IF that is even possible, and really, is it?) Right then and there, my friends, I determined that the next time I did take kiddos to Disneyland it would be a SURPRISE and I would pick them up early from school and when they asked "are we going to DISNEYLAND?" I would answer with a heart thumping "YES!"

I got to live out that dream last week.

My brother and sil were headed over there with their kids in tow for a Christmas present and I decided to show up and be their side kick with just my two boys. . . (cue music) Surprise, boys! We're going to Disneyland. And we had a rockin' time!

(As for that moment in the car when I explained where we were going, it did not quite live up to my anticipation. Apparently, I have to keep tighter strings on the secrets at my house. I had no idea my kids read my emails or eavs drop outside my bedroom door. But they had it all pieced together. But it all worked out and I got to live out my dream of a sudden Disneyland vacation, weather I fully surprised them or not.)

Highlights:

• Being charmed by Nora's coy expressions.

• Watching Aaron's enthusiasm for "Soarin' over California". If he hadn't a been strapped in, the kid would have jumped out of his seat with a loud geranimo!

• My boys not being able to sleep the night before at the hotel, they were so giddy with excitement.

• Taking a bazillion pictures with my new camera

• CLUB 33! Whoo-hoo to Emily and her awesomeness for scoring us some tickets to the poshest dining establishment at the Happiest Place on Earth. Their best dessert top three are: 1. the fruit tart 2. the rhubarb pound cake and 3. the coconut macaroon. I know these are the best because I tried every single dessert there. Not kidding. Also, the roasted monk fish with lobster bisque sauce and mixed greens makes a filling afternoon meal
  

• Getting 2 complements from some ritzy regulars at Club 33 for our well behaved children. And I quote: "They were angels." Way to go kids!

• RUNNING to Small World at the end of the evening to try to fit at least one Fantasy Land ride in before they closed and we made it! I was excited to see the changes and new additions to the ride (I was the only excited person on my row, but I have enough excitement to share with two 10 year old boys)

• Checking out the new Toy Story Mania ride with the 3-D interactive video games. Loved that thing. I need to go again soon to up my score!
  

• Making Emily laugh while watching the ducks in line at the Jungle Cruise. Sometimes ducks do try to murder each other.
• The Professor and Elliot pleading for Big Thunder Mountain twice in a row, even though they "hate roller coasters"
  

Also, a special thanks to my husband of the year for finding me a red box in Blythe CA and giving me precise directions to get there all while taking an important conference call with his other ear while at work. I am so glad you picked up the phone, babe, as listening to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is what brought me home safe and sound.