disneyland

Big Kid Stuff

Posted on August 27, 2015 Written by Tonya

It has been a milestone summer for Lucas. Not only did he turn six four days before he graduated from Kindergarten, I also gave him some pretty cool big kid liberties and tasks.

I introduced him to several of my favorite 80’s movies, including; Home Alone 1 and 2, Mary Poppins, The NeverEnding Story, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, all three Indiana Jones movies and all three Stuart Littles. His favorite was the Indiana Jones series and was thrilled to go on the ride at Disneyland, even though he held his hands over his eyes the entire time.

First library card – July 9, 2015

This summer we also turned off the child lock on Lucas’s car door, he got his first library card, learned how to unlock our front door with a key, helping me out tremendously when I have my arms full and we are trying to get into the house and he attended his first concert! I always hoped his first concert would be Dave Matthews Band, but it was Taylor Swift and although she was amazing, we both felt like we were at the world’s largest slumber party for 13-year-old girls.

Taylor Swift concert – August 22, 2015

This summer, Lucas walked/ran 3+ miles with me more than once, was introduced to Pokemon cards and is now an avid collector and authority on the topic, loves watching Wheel of Fortune and is surprisingly good at solving the puzzles, he made two new friends and completed three activity workbooks (first grade math, reading and writing).

I also taught him how to make a phone call from my iPhone and an all important 911 call.

What a summer! My sweet boy grew leaps and bounds and he is definitely ready for first grade.

Incidentally, speaking of major milestones, today marks my sixth blogiversary! I can’t believe I have been doing this for six years. As always, I wish I had more time to devote to my writing. Thank you for being on this journey with me.

Click on image for source.

Nine Hours And I Want More!

Posted on August 11, 2015 Written by Tonya

Lucas was Lola’s age (18 months) the first time he visited Disneyland. We had just moved to Orange County and I blogged about it here: Week One.

A year and a half is the perfect age to go to Disneyland for the first time. Lola’s first trip was this past Saturday.

As a Disneyland enthusiast and former Annual Passport holder, I have been to the Happiest Place on Earth dozens of times but those first time visits are the best and there truly is nothing like experiencing Disneyland through the eyes of your child.

My sister and her boyfriend were with us for Lola’s inaugural visit and that was very special because it was Leah and I who took Lucas his first time.

Lola’s first trip to Disneyland – August 8, 2015

Our plan was to arrive between 3:00 and 4:00, go on as many toddler-friendly rides as we could, meet Mickey and Minnie if possible, have a treat, buy a personalized mouse ears hat and have Todd pick up Lola just in time for her to make her 7:30 bedtime. The rest of us would stay until closing time (midnight).

The summer months are not the ideal time to visit the park if you wish avoid heavy crowds plus, it was a Saturday, temperatures reaching 90+ degrees and this is the park’s 60th anniversary, so everyone and their mother were there! We had no idea what we were in for, but fortunately our plan worked great.

We were able to do all of the above and both children were the best. I’ve said it before; Lucas knows what a huge effort and expense it is to go to Disneyland that from the moment he hears a trip is planned and for every minute we are there, he is a perfect angel. Accommodating and WAY more patient than I am!

Lola spent more time out of her stroller than in it enjoying the freedom of running around yelling for Minnie. It was too cute! She was also very patient waiting to ride King Arthur’s Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups and It’s A Small World. She was mesmerized by the rides, people, colors and music.

Lola’s second ride at Disneyland – Dumbo the Flying Elephant

I love how Lucas has graduated from Fantasyland to bigger kid rides. He went on the Indiana Jones Adventure and Star Tours this time, two firsts for him.

On this trip, for me the parades were the best part. They are truly breathtaking and always bring tears to my eyes. Each character and fairytale is gloriously represented and the lights and dancers are magical. I instantly become a jaw dropped kid again while watching the night sky light up.

I was saddened to see so many phones held high up in the air trying to capture what only the eyes can see. People were “filming” the action and talking to the person next to them. It made no sense. Especially when their phones were pointed up at the trees.

Disneyland opened July 17, 1955 and has been delighting children and adults alike for 60 years! It is a magical place that brings so much joy to all who visit. Sleeping Beauty’s castle is always a sight to behold, a welcome beacon that greets you as soon as you step foot on Main Street.

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle all lit up for Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration

There is so much to see and do at the park that the nine hours we spent were simply not enough. I already can’t wait to go back!!

The Happiest Place On Earth

Posted on September 19, 2013 Written by Tonya

Like most children, at the mere mention of Disneyland, Lucas’ eyes light up. He LOVES going to the Magic Kingdom and on some level knows what an ordeal it is, from the cost, parking, tram ride, lines, waiting, more waiting, crowds and multiple picture taking, it is a real treat to get to go.

Lucas’ first trip to Disneyland was when he was 18 months old and we had just moved to Orange County. In his short four years and three months on this planet, he has already been a dozen times! I suppose that’s what happens when you are born and raised in Southern California. I never want the enchantment to wear off, so I’m careful about only taking him 4-5 times a year.

While it’s fun to go to DL anytime and with anyone, I wish I could have captured the sparkle in Lucas’ eyes yesterday when we went with our good friends. Having a buddy at his level seemed to only intensify the magic and his experience. Thanks, Jen, Tristan and Samantha! I’m thrilled that together the four of us were able to get him on Pirates of the Caribbean, which he is still talking about.

Tristan and Lucas on It’s a Small World

Lucas Today

Posted on September 5, 2011 Written by Tonya

Every month I used to share a list of all of Lucas’ milestones, but I haven’t complied one in a while. Every day Lucas shows me another wonderful side to his personality. His likes and dislikes are as complex as yours and mine. He’s amazing.

Here is what I know and appreciate about my son today:

Lucas doesn’t have to be the center of attention. He is much happier being left alone to do his own thing. He’s a true observer, curious and quiet, taking in his surroundings, unless he’s the only child around and then, all bets are off!

Lucas is very loving IF and when the mood strikes him. He enjoys giving “pat-pats”, especially to babies and stuffed animals and nothing melts my heart more than hearing him say, “Mommy, come up here” when he wants to be picked up.

Lucas loves blueberry bagels, blueberry scones, blueberry waffles, blueberry yogurt, blueberry cereal bars and blueberry muffins, but will NOT eat a blueberry.

Lucas loves water in all forms; he lives for bath time, swimming pools, playing with his water table in the back yard, charging fearlessly for the ocean and diving into fountains.

Lucas loves sitting in his “special” chair to watch TV, singing the “ABC’s” no matter where we are, throwing dirt, meticulously removing wrappers from crayons and dancing. You should see his “hotel dance”.

Lucas’ favorite past time I would have say is playing with his Thomas & Friends trains and is ability to identify each one is astounding.

Lucas’ favorite color is yellow, favorite movie is Cars, favorite meal is macaroni and cheese, favorite dessert is M&M’s, favorite book is Where The Wild Things Are and smiles brighter than the sun when he plays with Play-Doh.

Lucas loves older children and if they give him the time of day, he will follow them around like a little lost puppy dog and talk about them for weeks.

Lucas pretty much refuses to pose for the camera and with nearly 6000 photos of him in iPhoto, I suppose I don’t blame him.

Lucas will ask for his lovey first and then “Mommy” if he hurts himself or bonks into something. I’m not happy with this, but I understand.

Lucas will march over to his lime green time out chair when asked. Shocking, I know!

Lucas isn’t a fan of meat. Occasionally we can get him to eat turkey and only recently (as of last week) has he started enjoying hot dogs.

Lucas is afraid of four things:

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride at Disneyland.
A creepy red mask at a Mexican restaurant we used to like to frequent.
Loud fire alarms like the one that went off repeatedly at our hotel in Hawaii on our first night of vacation.
Roller coaster rides.

As you can imagine, this list could go on and on and on, but I’ll ~~spare you~~ keep some things to myself. Lucas appears to be a typical two year old, but he is my two year old.

The Summer That Was

Posted on September 1, 2011 Written by Tonya

If Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer, Labor Day marks the end.

Sigh…

Here are our summer highlights:

We celebrated someone turning two with a bounce house party and someone else (gulp) turning 39 on a Duffy boat. Both parties included cupcakes!

There were toes in the sand, afternoons spent in wet bathing suits and sun screen applied almost daily.

There were trips to the park, sweet treats devoured and rainbows found while sailing on the ocean.

We had fun at the circus, on the water pad at Legoland and met idols at Disneyland.

There was a girls’ weekend in Palm Springs, a blog conference in San Diego and a glorious week in Hawaii.

Lucas started school and we have already proudly covered our refrigerator with adorable art work.

There was a visit to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and a mini roller coaster ride with fearless cousins.

It was a great summer, full of milestones and memories.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

Week One

Posted on December 18, 2010 Written by Tonya

In our first week in Orange County we’ve been to Disneyland, the annual Newport Beach Boat Parade and a shopping trip to South Coast Plaza and have managed to settle in to our new home. There are still many boxes to unpack and a garage full of items to organize, but the basics are done.

I was five years old the first time I went to Disneyland in the Summer of 1977. How my parents managed to get this shot without another soul in it is beyond me. Fast forward to 2010 and this is what Sleeping Beauty’s Castle looks like today:Lucas loved his first visit to Disneyland or “the Mickey Mouse park”, as it has come to be known in our house. If you ever get the opportunity to visit during the holiday season, it is really worth it. The Happiest Place on Earth becomes the Merriest Place on Earth with holiday decorations abound and it even snows!

We took Lucas on the It’s a Small World ride and he was bright-eyed and excited the entire time bouncing along to the soundtrack and enjoyed being on the boat, even after waiting in line for 40 minutes.

I was pleasantly surprised that he sat through the entire “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, which includes all the Disney characters and Santa Claus too, after waiting another 40 minutes. He was mesmerized by the lights and dancers.

Handing us the park map so we can find our way to the “choo choo”.

Way more interested in his Mickey balloon than meeting Minnie.

It was a memorable and magical first of many trips.

Back to unpacking…

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Big Kid Stuff

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