Back to Disneyland with Parker

It's been over a year but we are back, BABY!

Disneyland officially opened on my birthday so as a gift to myself, Parker and I got tickets! We weren't able to go on my actual birthday (That would have been nuts- opening day) But we went the following Saturday so Tanner could stay home with the littles. We woke up bright and early and were filled with such happy, eager anticipation! It was like Christmas morning! We had to wear masks all day but it was cool and not crowded at all (they have severely limited capacity) so it wasn't bad at all. We strolled right in, no lines, and sat down to eat a snack at the Bengal BBQ before hitting our first ride, Indiana Jones. To decrease crowds, they let us into the park and disperse early. What a beautiful way to start the day. We had a plan: start at Indiana Jones, then Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mt (which we took a pass on) and Winnie the Pooh before hitting Star Wars Land. After that, our plan went out the window because the line for the ride was long and we were sooooo sad when we didn't get into the virtual que for the new ride. We tried so hard! But we made up for the disappointment with lots of Disney treats. Mickey Pretzel, cheeseburgers from the Galactic Grill, Mickey Beignets, adorable popcorn in a Cinderella souvenir cup, Blue Milk with the cool light up cup, and of course a swirled Dole Whip.

It was so fun being back in the park with Parker. He's my best buddy and we work really well together. I couldn't do half the things I do without his help and support. He'd worked extra hard this year helping me hold down the fort, doing his school work, and serving his friends in the church. I'm so proud of the young man he is and I'm so grateful for our sweet relationship. He's a super good kid.

Cast Members waving hello to us as we walked down Main Street- made me cry!

Stately Type tees we'd been patiently waiting a long time to wear!

Blue Milk!

Before I know it, he's going to be driving for REAL!

So sad about not getting on the new Star Wars ride.

15 minute wait for Peter Pan!

Spring time at Disneyland is soooo beautiful!

Can you see us?

They re-did Snowhite and it's sooooo good! I love it!

Parker's hair before Thunder Mt....

and after.... ha ha

Parker took this ride V seriously.

Golden Hour at The Golden Horseshoe

At the end of the day (park hours were 9am-7pm) I got a distressing FaceTime call from Tanner. Rayleigh was crying uncontrollably and was in a lot of stomach pain. He felt like he really needed to take her to the doctor but didn't want to take all of the kids. It was going to take us at least an hour to get home so I texted my friends for help. To be honest, usually when I ask for help like this, no one comes to my rescue, but ironically, Haley said Jackson could come over to watch Ella and Jack while Tanner took Rayleigh to the doctor. She rushed him over and he did a great job! It's ironic because my kids have been struggling lately, and have always struggled, with their relationships with Haley's kids. Her kids are not the friendliest and it has weighed heavily on my heart and mind. The fact that Jackson came to our rescue was a tender mercy. Maybe there IS hope.

As we were leaving, Mickey, Minnie and friends were waving goodbye. What a wonderful way to end the perfect day at Disney. Well, maybe not perfect... but it was pretty darn close.

We rushed to the Urgent Care where Tanner was with Rayleigh and I prayed that everything would be ok. I thought perhaps Rayleigh had a kidney infection- that's the only thing that made sense. But by the time I got there, she was completely fine (perhaps Tanner overrated....) and her urinalysis was clear.

Earlier that day, Liz Jergensen had texted me and invited us to a little birthday party for Jeremy. Since Rayleigh was feeling better, we decided to go and even though I was utterly exhausted, it was sooooo fun! We played Scum, which I'd never played before and I totally won over and over! It was awesome! Jeremy is so fun to hang out with and Haley, Scott, Jill, and Paul were there too. It was a lot of fun! Luckily, I'd picked up a Mickey Mouse Rice Crispy Treat with Reeses Pieces for a little gift for him.

This week was nuts with Parker's State Testing and technical difficulties on top of his regular schoolwork, gymnastics, piano, school pick up and drop offs, my big area meeting for my new Stake Social Media calling and my Stake Meeting (and wrapping my head around this new, confusing calling) dance, mutual, MCO, I had to get a sitter so I could do my OTHER called- Mexican food night at Liz Aguila's house, playdates, and staying on top of chores, workouts, and scripture study. Tanner's work life is picking up the pace and I am finding myself saying "yes" to too many things. But it's all good. We are happy to serve and healthy enough to do it! Parker stayed after church on Sunday to pay his tithing and get interviewed for his Patriarchal Blessing. I was invited to be with him during his interview with Bishop Duncan and it was a really sweet experience. I'm so proud of him!