Oh. Am I only on "D?" Whoops. Anyway, moving on...
One of my most memorable birthdays was my tenth, when my parents took my sister and me on a road trip to Los Angeles, and I got to go to Disneyland on the exact day I turned ten. I saved those tickets, with "July 26" emblazoned across the front, and still have them somewhere in the garage, I think. I actually don't remember too many details from the day, just that we went with some family friends, and we got to stay until after the fireworks show and parade at the end of the evening. Just magical. I don't know if it was the first time I'd gone to The Happiest Place on Earth, but it's the only one I remember from when I was young.
Now I live close enough to Disneyland that it's worth it to get the annual passes, and we've been going regularly since Becca was 2 and didn't need a full-price ticket. Ah, those were the days (and there are some "d"s for you, Daddy, Daughter and Dumbo on a dizzy ride).
As with everything else, we have our routines... must go to Small World, must do Autopia, must eat a Mickey ears ice cream bar.
Toontown used to be the first thing we headed for, and the Minnie Mouse house.
Oh, how Becca was so enamored of Minnie Mouse.
It was sad for me, when Minnie Mouse was usurped by Cinderella and the princesses, but I guess that's just how it goes.
And now, it's the four of us, sharing the fun, the same rides, sometimes adding in a new one or two, creating memories. Next year we're in trouble, all four people will need full price tickets, but I still think it's worth it. The lights and decorations at Christmastime are amazing, and if we are able do it, why not splurge a little? The parade, the fireworks, California Adventure, it's all so fun, even for my husband and me. Pretty soon the kidlets won't want to be hanging out with dear old Mom and Dad anymore, even at Disneyland. So I intend to hold on to these days, when they can't get enough of us, for as long as I can.
I went when I was 4 and still have faint memories of how great it was. Still prefer Minnie and Mickey to the princesses too!
Oh, and I have the gnomes!!! Putting them in the post to you this week...
Posted by: Ali | Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Great memories you're making there. I have my own Disneyland memories of going every summmer with my San Gabriel grandmother. I remember the after-dark fireworks and then snoozing in the car on the way home. It's great that you can do that with your whole family!
Posted by: Katie | Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 06:47 PM
Look how young Becca was! We've never been to Disneyland since Disneyworld is so much closer to us. I never thought I'd like it there, but I do. :)
Posted by: Beth | Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 07:11 PM
Looks like a fun time was had by all :)
Posted by: Felicia | Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 05:54 AM
Look at all of you having so much fun. Nice! I will have to live my Disneyland experience vicariously through you. :-) Thanks for sharing your fun!
Posted by: Sue | Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 08:13 AM
Oh yeah! The Dumbo ride was always my favorite. I'd always try to make my mom sick on it.
Posted by: Zylo | Friday, August 24, 2007 at 08:55 AM
I've being researching for holidays plan and reading your blog, I found your post very helpful :) . I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading.
Posted by: Cheap Disney Vacation | Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 08:41 AM