I'm back after jetting out of town - solo - for the weekend. It was my mom's birthday and so my siblings and I decided to congregate at the ol' homestead to celebrate with her.
It's always a strange thing to be out on my own. In my normal day-to-day life I am always responsible for other people: preparing food, changing diapers, driving kids here, there, and everywhere, etc. But this past weekend, I was solely responsible for myself (and I'm pretty low maintenance.)
Before I left I snapped pictures with the children so I'd have them to look at:
I did this before I left for Ethiopia, too. I always miss them like crazy and so it's nice to have these on my phone.
Then I set off on an airplane (or two) to the land where I was raised:
Naturally, we went to Disneyland. I mean, where else would we go to celebrate my mom's birthday? Not only is it the happiest place on earth, but it is such a significant part of our family history.
I had to stop and visit our brick - our own little piece of Disneyland. It was a Christmas gift from my brother in 2010:
And naturally, I had to pay homage to my Grandpa Coats' window on Main Street. He was an integral part of the Disney company and helped bring to life so many beloved rides - as well as animated classics. It is such a treat to see him honored in this way.
[Refer to this August 10, 2009 post for more details.]
Now, before we arrived I was a little concerned about how large the crowds might be. Summer break usually equates to a solid mass of people and lines miles long. But somehow - miraculously - there were minimal crowds. I still can't make sense of it, but I'm not complaining! Take a look and see for yourself:
Open space, low crowds, in June = a Disneyland miracle.
I think it was because it was my mom's birthday.
The Haunted Mansion - one of my Grandpa's creations.
Big Thunder Mountain.
And, of course, I had to take in this Mary Poppins performance, because - you know - Mary Poppins is sort of my thing.
The whole time I kept thinking, "Elsa is going to love this!"
(taking her later this summer)
(taking her later this summer)
My sister, Kristin, and my mom, the birthday honoree!
And no trip to Disneyland is complete without a ride on It's a Small World. It is my absolute favorite piece of Disneyland. It makes me happy, in every way possible. Simply put, it represents an ideal that I believe in.
Setting off on a trip around the world.
Watching as my nephew, sister, and brother come off the ride.
We are taking pictures of each other.
See you soon, Disneyland!
(And do me a favor and keep those crowds minimal for my return trip, okay?)
