fearless herself, finds the tables turned

Hillary is our thrill-seeker.

Maddi is our safe-seeker.

My, how things can change.

This is Mickey's big wheel, found in California Adventure.

I purposely sat next to Maddi to help her cope with the anticipated fear factor of the ride.

She didn't need me this time.

However, Hillary nearly climbed out of the little gondola from pure terror.

It's a big ferris wheel, with each cage on its own separate coaster-thingy.

As the big wheel turns, each cage rolls around on its track-thingy.

(I know you've all been there, so you get it, right?)

Big Henry has never laughed so hard.

He and Little sat across from us, in complete hysterics over Hillary's unexpected reaction.


Not so scary for Mr. Casual.


You were a really good sport, Hillary.
So glad you got back on the horse and found your mojo.

looney tunes

First stop: toon town

so cute, shiny, and curvy

I loved it!

We got to meet Mickey.

I must say that I was totally star-struck

He is the real deal.

(until Madge told everyone that Mickey is always played by a girl)

we threw the ninny-muggins in the looney jail

it's pretty fun to play pretend... even at 40

Much more to come.

on a wing and a prayer

Here is a boy that sits in an airplane for the first time.

take off is moments away.

he is headed for Disneyland, and life is good.

Two rows ahead of us, Hillary is weaving a belt to pass the time.

In the row ahead of her, Maddi is window-seated next to a stranger.

a row ahead of her is Daddy.

crazy is the person who chooses to fly stand-by,

but we all made it on the same flight.. just barely.

Los Angeles is whizzing by in the background as we are taken to our rental car.
I'm not sure if this photo depicts the first or second attempt we made to procure our rental car. good times. they are cute.



It's a small world looks just the way I remember it did 26 years ago.

You cannot go to Disneyland and not get this shot.

It is necessary.

Stay tuned for more chapters of our family vacation.

fifteen

My pretty Madgie is 15 today.

She is warm, kind, lovely, and good.

And she came to us.

We get to watch her bloom. It has been a blessing beyond measure to be her mother.

How lucky for me that Mother's Day should share such a wonderful day as Maddi's day.

Happy birthday, Maddi!

We love you!