Maybe it was adrenaline or nerves and anticipation. But the night before Disneyland, after the kids went to bed, Y and I couldn’t fall asleep right away. So we stayed up for a bit talking. And that’s when I learned that when my husband went to “the happiest place on earth” during college, he promised himself he would come back with his wife and kids one day.

He didn’t get to go as a kid - a child of immigrant parents who worked six days a week running their small business with Sundays devoted to church. There was little opportunity for family vacations.

But exactly twenty years later, his dream came true.

It felt like a “full circle” moment. Not only did his dream of coming with wife + kids (and three at that!) come true, but this trip was made possible by my in-laws. Though Y didn’t get to go as a kid, it felt even more meaningful that his parents got to treat not only their children but their grandchildren as well (!) and experience it all together (6 adults and 6 children!)

It was a jam-packed day that left me sore and exhausted the next but it was definitely one for the books. Disney is certainly for everyone :)

J was starstruck seeing stormtroopers (his recent obsession has been “The Mandolorian” series on Disney+) and got to ride the Millenium Falcon!
O got to meet Disney princesses, and fell in love with Sweet Daisy (picture), dressed up like Jawa (her favorite from the Mandolorian) for a picture. She was a champ - walked the entire time at the park (minus a short nap in the stroller)!
N took in all the sights, sounds and smells and we’re lucky she was content throughout the day.

We met Mickey and his friends, enjoyed cotton candy and other sugary goodness, experienced the magic of the Disney parade, watched a show, and rode on as many rides as we could possibly get on.

It was a magical day indeed.