I bet you can guess where I am this week. Yup, Disneyland. All decorated for the holidays, the Magical Kingdom has gone all out with their festive decor. My husband and I are in Southern California for a few days, and had to make a visit to the park one of our stops.
I think in the future we need to agree not to come to Disneyland without a child, in particular, our favorite child. It just isn't the same. We made a day of it, regardless. In fact, we timed our stop there just before the worst storm the state has seen in years. Today it is pouring rain, but it won't stop my plans for finishing up my Christmas shopping.
Yesterday my husband and I needed to rest our old bones frequently, and made quite a lot of stops to refuel our flagging energy tanks. Isn't that pretzel adorable? I admit I did share it, but the lion's share was mine.
My husband was determined to stay for the Christmas light parade at the park, so as dusk fell, we killed some time by doing the Tea Cups ride. Isn't it magical looking, with those pretty colored lanterns?
I hope I never have to go to another parade in my entire life. I am saying it here, parades are completely over rated, even the spectacular ones Disneyland is known for. You stand around for ages waiting for the thing to start, you cannot see a thing if you are under six feet tall, strangers are pushed up against you (WAY too close), and none of your photos ever turn out properly. The entire experience takes far too long and is completley unsatisfactory. I hate parades. Never again, I swear.
My son arrives this weekend, and I am so darned excited to see him, and have him get all reacquainted with Eva. It has been two years since his last visit to the States, and that is a long time in the life of a three and a half year old. He is certain to be enchanted with her. We will sit around and drink tea together and have lovely long chats. We had a huge snow fall in the mountains near us, so I imagine some snow related recreation will also take place.
Hope you all have a great weekend and are staying dryer than we are!
Started reading your post and began to wonder how your son is doing--then, at the end of the post, you told me! So glad that you are going to be able to spend some time with him soon! A boy, even a grown one, needs his Mama!
Posted by: Tricia | December 12, 2014 at 08:55 AM
I've always loved Disneyland, but you are absolutely right about the parades. I'm finished with them. You can never see what's going on, and I hate crowds. Lovely to read your son is coming home for a visit. Enjoy your time together. Hope the weather cooperates. It's been crazy the last few weeks here on the south end of Vancouver Island. Mild temps, lots of rain and wind, everything is flooded, but at least there's no snow. It's always hazardous here when traveling as no one has snow tires.
Posted by: Heartsdesire | December 12, 2014 at 08:56 AM
What a delightful place to be and the Magic Teacup ride was my favorite from seeing in on TV as a child to riding it at DisneyWorld in 1987. I'm with you on the crowds, tho.
Cheers that y'all weren't drowned by that incredible rainfall and hope you're still high and dry.
I can imagine the excitement over your son's planned arrival! Joy, joy, JOY!!
Will soon be finishing the binding on Scottie #2!!! That's a joy, too!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | December 12, 2014 at 09:04 AM
You wrote the perfect blog, you have me dreaming: Family, Christmas, parades and dizzy-land. I grew up in that area of CA. My husband and I, on occasion, cut class and went to Disneyland (or the beach). You will love the teacups and even the parade again when you see it through Eva's eyes. A child changes everything. I found myself hurrying through the parking lot the first time we took my son. Enjoy your family, Christmas should be fun with snow in the mountains even.
Posted by: Stephani in N. TX | December 12, 2014 at 02:12 PM
This month is shaping up to be really special for you & your family! Savor every single minute of your time together!
Posted by: Jan | December 12, 2014 at 03:11 PM
I hope you weather the storm well. Our family is with you on parades. In fact my children (grown ups now) refuse to even watch them on TV.
Posted by: Diane Linford | December 12, 2014 at 06:40 PM
I agree wholeheartedly about the parades! It's just crazy. Personal space people. Somehow we watch the parades almost every visit anyway. Disney World is much closer to us so that's where we go. Love the pretzel! Thanks for sharing the picture. Enjoy your family time :-)
Posted by: Michele | December 13, 2014 at 05:19 AM
I've never been to a Disney Park, but I don't like crowds or lines, so I don't think I'd particularly enjoy them, althought my kids would. Where abouts does your son live?
Posted by: Sarah | December 22, 2014 at 06:26 AM