I believe in MAGIC!

After talking about it for a while, we decided to go for it and take the girls to Disneyland.  Originally it was to be only Morgan as part of her 6th birthday, but we decided that to leave Sasha out of this special trip wouldn't be fair.  And even though she's only two, she really does know shockingly a lot about princesses and Disney (thanks to TV and her big sis!).  I always shied away from all the Disney princess stuff in trying to raise strong, confident girls, but now I find myself dancing along to the Mickey Mouse Club or singing the Doc McStuffins song when the girls fall and get an owie.  And then hearing that all Sasha wanted to see at Disneyland was "Ariel" (she would lean in and whisper it) was beyond sweet.

So for three days and two nights we dove head first into the magical world of Disney.  It boggles my mind that humans can create so much well-choreographed happiness and entertainment and fun, but I loved every minute of it.  From waiting in line in the morning, hearing the dramatic theme music playing in the background (and trying not to tear up), to hearing Morgan sing along proudly along with Mary Poppins at the evening parade while sitting atop her dad's shoulders, to seeing the girls eyes light up when they met five different princesses at a special lunch.....it was SO MUCH JOY!

What delightful travelers.  Our best flight yet!

We made it - happy smiles!

She can hardly contain the excitement!

First ride together:  It's a Small World!

Night view of California Adventure - wow!

We decided to splurge and stay at the Grand Californian Hotel so we could easily go back and rest mid-day.  Our short legged travelers needed naps every day, so it was worth taking a break to do that.  It was a really nice hotel and everyone was so friendly.  Because it was Morgan's birthday (well not technically, but two weeks late), she got to wear a special button that said her name and birthday on it.  At first she was reluctant to wear it, but once people started saying "Happy Birthday, Princess!" or "How old are you, Morgan?" she realized it was pretty darn cool.  I loved seeing a sweet smile appear on her face every time a staff member said that, and for the next two days, she made sure she didn't leave our hotel room without wearing it!

HAPPY HOLLOWAYS!

Auntie Love

Dumbo or bust!

 

I was happy that the girls were able to meet so many characters too.  I knew we would see lots of princesses at the special (and especially expensive!) princess lunch that we had planned.  But we also saw lots of characters throughout the park.  The girls didn't mind waiting in line, especially to meet Tinkerbell and another fairy, Silvermist, at Pixie Hollow - for about 40 minutes!  Disneyland truly is magical because your children will do things that amaze you!  They walk (and even skip!) for hours without whining or asking to be carried!  They hug their sibling spontaneously with genuine love and affection!  They agree on things instead of pushing each other's buttons until screaming ensues!  And they suddenly have the patience of a Tibetan monk as they wait in line for a ride they can't see or know anything about!  PURE MAGIC, I tell you!

Waiting in line....with smiles!

You'd think she was the Queen of England

The Queen herself

Donald is so much fun!

In the presence of cartoon royalty... 

ARIEL!!! Sasha acts cool but is beyond excited!

And Goofy is, well, so goofy!

Cars Land on a moonlit night

Seconds of chocolate milk?  Where all your dreams come true!

Brave girl post-Matterhorn.  Not a fan...yet.

I am so happy we did this trip when we did, when the girls were this age.  Things never go quite as planned, but somehow, someway this magical trip came together and was fantastic. This first trip was so special and magical to witness in our girls' eyes.  They really had no idea what to expect, and seeing them delight in surprise and wonder around every corner was such a gift to see as a parent.  I know we will go to Disneyland again someday, but the girls will be older and the magic will be a little bit different.   We are so lucky to have been able to go as a family and make these memories together.

Another princess appears! OMG!

Pure JOY!  At the Disney Jr. Live show.

While it all may be manufactured to be a happy place, the joy that it creates is genuine.  That is the Disney magic.  And I think all of us, Ron, Dinda, and Kim included, felt it.  I know I felt it.  It has taught me that there is magic all around us, not just at the 'Happiest Place on Earth.'  So now, especially if I am having a bad day or feeling overwhelmed, I look for magic.  And guess what?  I find it.  It is everywhere.  In a dewy spiderweb.  In the brilliant color of fall leaves.  In my daughters' sparkling eyes.  And I can truly say I'm a believer.  Thanks, Walt!