Thursday, June 7, 2012

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. 

8 comments:

JOE said...

i had a similarly magical night with my buffalo chicken calzone...just saying

but for real. your instagram feed had be cheesing :) so glad it was a fun day.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful recap, Claire! I loved all of your Instagram pictures and I'm so glad you guys stayed. I was so encouraged reading your post. Your positivity is a breath of fresh air.

Adrienne said...

Have seriously loved sharing in every instagram second! So happy for all of you...we have the cheesiest, happiest memories from years of Disney trips!

Anonymous said...

So glad you guys are enjoying it! Isn't it just the best place?!

Anna {dear friend} said...

OH MY GOSH. I just got the shivers.

Because I believe Disney (I've only been to the World) is the most magical place on earth. I am like a kid in a candy store there and I can't wait until the day that I can return again.

Glad you guys had an awesome time. It really just sounds magical!

jodi said...

Ok so now I'm mentally planning our trip to Disneyland. :) I'm so so glad you guys had a great time, even after a rough start. Such a great photo of you guys!!

Kristin W said...

I love that you documented the ups and the downs. I have to say, you both deserve major props for attempting Disneyland with a toddler in tow. I'm vowing that any travel that involves extensive walking is off limits with kids until they are at least 3 years old. So drink an extra drink{Chris}/eat an extra cupcake{you} for that feat. I can't wait to see more pictures :)

colleen said...

i have loved seeing all the photos on instagram - what a special experience for your guys. going to disneyworld is one of my first memories and i still have my dumbo stuffed animal from that trip. something tells me your memories from this will last just as long. keep having a great time!

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