Day 2: Disneyland

The excitement had been building for weeks. The handmade paper ring countdown shrunk and shrunk until finally it was time. I have never been to Disneyland and right along with Addi it felt like Christmas morning. As the weeks passed Addi and I watched a few online Disneyland videos and listened to Daddy remember his early childhood visits.  Her and I really didn't know what to expect.  We were equally giddy to walk into the Magic Kingdom hand-in-hand. When we spotted THE Mickey Mouse only a few steps in, we knew it would be a day that we would not forget.

Landon knew Mickey by name and seemed excited when we told him he would see Mickey, but he was still skeptical to hand out high-fives to this famous giant mouse. He did, however tolerated a kiss on the cheek!

One thing is certain, much of Disneyland joy will come while standing in a line. As fast as we spotted Mickey, a 10 minute line developed (short, in D-Land time). While the boys held our place in line we snuck over to meet Pluto just as he stepped into the Main Street square!

First thing before seeing Mickey we bought Addi a signature book. She was so proud to collect signatures from many, many Disney characters. Next to the signature page is a photograph page where we will add photos of her together with the characters. She said to me, "When I take my little girl to Disneyland I will give her my book and the characters can sign on my same page." Sweet.

Posing in front of Disneyland. Even the flowers were dream-like. (darn passerby who cannot frame a shot!!)

After meeting Mickey and Pluto we met Minnie Mouse. 

When Chip & Dale made an appearance they were dancing and being silly and Landon thought they were hilarious, but he was still skeptical when they touched him, kissed him or asked for a high five!

There are several photo-op spots where a professional photographer will snap a family photo with your camera, for free. They also will take a photo and you have to option to purchase those if you want to. It was so awesome to be in a few photos with my family!

The Princess Castle!

We rode in Dumbo and on the Teacups and we were even swallowed by a whale. As long as the ride did not involve any part of it getting dark, Addi loved it. Landon seemed to up for anything!

We met Cowboy Goofy and he was, acting goofy!

We played in Tarzan's treehouse, rode carousel horses and posed with Dumbo.

We took a ride on a real pirate ship. The canon fired to scare off the crocodiles and other animals that were swimming too close. Daddy and Addi paddled a canoe on the river.

In New Orleans Square, Addi met her first real princess! Princess Tiana was just amazed that Addi's dress matched hers. She said to Addi, "I cannot believe we wore the same dress. Were you in my closet this morning?!" Addi was smiling so big she was unable to speak!

We entered a very special chamber of the castle where Sleeping Beauty, Ariel and Cinderella were meeting guests. Addi was able to visit with them, get their signature and pose for a picture.

By far, Landon's favorite thing was the underwater Nemo submarine. We were seated in a submarine and taken underwater on a Finding Nemo adventure. He was glued to his little round window. He's say, while pointing,  "mamadada, mamadada, ooohhhhh." 

The parade was AWESOME! Loud music, dancing, happy characters, huge, colorful floats filled the street. The kids were waved to or personally greeted by so many characters! It was so much fun!

After the parade we visiting Pixie Hollow. We were a little disappointed that Tinker Bell hadn't made her way back after the parade.

Daddy remembered the "It's A Small World" ride from when he was a kid. No kidding! After 15 continuos minutes of the song, "It's a small world after all, it's a small world after all....", no one could forget that even if you wanted to! It was a very cute, sweet ride, but I think it is there as a joke on the parents. All kids (and grown-ups) will have that song stuck in their heads for a least a month and if your kids are anything like mine, they will sing it out loud for that long! Addi was concerned about each ride and would make Daddy describe it to make sure it wasn't too scary. He said, "All it is a boat ride and different, tiny, fake men from all over the world sing, ''It's a small world after all, over and over and over again!"" Yep! 

After lunch Landon napped through ToonTown, before it closed for the night we went back so Landon could see it. Everything is over-sized, rubberized and looks edible. Mickey and Minnie have adorable little houses that we were able to tour --- and yes, that is Dylan checking Minnie's fridge for beer!

Phew. It's already 9:30 PM and we are tired! Our feet hurt and our senses have been over-loaded ... but we absolutley cannot leave before the grand finale of our grand day --- the water light show, Fantasmic and the huge fireworks display.

We had an unforgettable day together.  {Writing and editing for this post was like reliving the whole day, I'm exhausted!} What I will always remember is their sweet, little faces and how they lit up in awe. I'll remember her speechless smiles when meeting the Princesses. I'll remember her hugging our legs and saying, "thank you for bringing me here." I'll remember Landon's enthusiastic, "YES!" to any question we asked him. There was no agenda, no to-do list, no expectations --- just us, together, making a special memory and making one of her sweet dreams come true and for that I am forever thankful and grateful. 

Daddy tried to get one last picture with the castle lit up behind us. After a solid five minute effort, he gave up. I think our camera was as exhausted as we were and it was not cooperating!

Everybody to bed! Tomorrow Day 3: Disney Adventure Park and breakfast with Ariel!!

She was completely fast asleep on the short walk back to our hotel.

As special souvenirs Landon got a large Mickey and Addi got a large Minnie. Addi also choose a smaller baby Minnie doll. That reminds me... I still have not taken a picture! Landon just loves his Mickey. His new BFF loves to wrestle, but also loves being pushed in the stroller!