24 Months of Meredith

Disneyland at Night

Everyone knows Disney is the happiest place on Earth, right? But, goodness, they have a way of making it feel like it is all set up just for you. Like it's all this wonderful miracle you stumbled upon.

After an exhausting day of Disney in the blistering sun, we headed home to rest. We were hoping for naps, but Meredith had other plans. We had to content ourselves with showers, dinner and some downtime. Soon enough, though, we were piling back in the car headed back for fireworks and a night time stroll.

My expectations were low. I was mostly excited for the fireworks and hopefully some time to wander quietly with Chris while Meredith slept. Chris wanted to see the Mr. Lincoln animatron (snore) so I took Meredith outside to attempt bouncing her to sleep in the Ergo (oh, hi huge pregnant belly and sore bones).

I was obliviously bouncing her heavy body as I happened upon Mickey Mouse. And as I nearly peed myself with excitement over Mickey, Minnie Mouse walked out. She was obviously headed somewhere else so I just waved with a huge amount of enthusiasm, "Meredith it's MINNIE MOUSE!" expecting her to walk on by behind me. But, no. Next thing I know, Minnie's hands are on my shoulders and she's playing peek a boo with my sweet girl. She hides behind my back popping up several times and then she starts grabbing Meredith's pacifier in a game of keep away. I couldn't even believe it. Once she left, we met Mickey and got our picture taken.

Eventually Chris came out and I told him all about what he missed. As I was telling him, Minnie walked back by us and started playing with Meredith again. It was so sweet. My heart felt like it was bursting out of my chest. I was so excited for Meredith to get to play with one of her favorite characters. It really felt like the whole thing was orchestrated just for us.

 Once Minnie left us, we found a spot just before the fireworks started. The show, of course, was amazing with the lights and music perfectly coordinated. Once the fireworks were over, Meredith fell asleep. Chris and I enjoyed some time strolling around, trying a pineapple whip float and doing a bit of shopping. Soon we called it a night as our feet and hips couldn't quite take it another minute. It was a perfect day, especially the night. Isn't it great when you have low expectations and it turns out to be so spectacular?

Apologies for the really bad quality iphone pictures :)

Sunset.

We're home. It was a wonderful week and I can't quite believe it's already over. Over the next week or so I'll share some photos of the different things we did.

On Saturday night, after a day spent at Laguna Beach and an afternoon of rest, we decided to head for Huntington Beach for sunset and dinner. My mom gave Meredith an adorable beachy dress and I was hoping to catch a few good pictures of her in the sand. I'm happy with how they turned out because they capture her and this stage so perfectly. They certainly aren't the images photographers' dreams are made of :)

Disneyland.

Meredith was happy, I promise :)

Yesterday was one of the most magical days I've lived. The fact that I can even say that feels like magic, because trust me, there were some very non-magic moments. Around 11am I was pretty sure we were going to throw in the towel, head home and spend the day at the playground instead. And then again at around 1pm, I thought we'd bag it all and watch Mickey Mouse from the comfort of our own couch. Toddlerhood is a rollercoaster experience with high highs and low lows and were swinging from one end of the pendulum to the other yesterday, in the midst of crowds, heat, high expectations and poor planning.

BUT!

Around 1pm, we finally rode an age-appropriate ride after only a few minutes' wait, which just so happened to feature one of Meredith's favorites: Winnie the Pooh. And then, miracle of miracles, we got a hug (and picture!) from Winnie the Pooh himself after another short wait. That seemed to turn the day around for us.

Meredith snagged herself (what seems like) a life size Minnie Mouse souvenir. She was seriously carrying it around side-hug style so Minnie and she could share the same perspective of the world. It was amazing. We enjoyed some shorter lines in Fantasyland while most toddlers were probably back napping.

Then there was the parade. Hot dang, Disney knows how to do a parade. Meredith loved it, but with only a fraction of the amount of enthusiasm that Chris and I had. We were seriously freaking out it was so good. I guess the nostalgia factor was high for us.

And then the night. I can't even. It would've been worth the money for the night alone. It was like a magical explosion of happiness. Even with my exhausted aching feet and hips that I thought might shatter into a million pieces every time I took a step, my heart was full.

I have so many more stories- like meeting Mickey Mouse and playing with Minnie Mouse, but I will save them for another post. This morning I feel like I was drugged and beaten in my sleep, but also? So, so thankful. Thankful that a rough morning could turn into one of the happiest nights of my life. Thankful that my husband has a job that affords us trips like this. I feel so undeserving and so thankful.