happiest place on earth

It has already been one year. I think I have been to Disneyland this year the same amount of times my entire life prior to this year. And while I feel a little sad for the passes to be expired, I feel some relief too. While it is the "happiest place on earth" it is a far cry from the happiest drive-to-get-there-and-home on earth. Not to mention one of the always-crowded-no-matter when-you-go places on earth. and while I love me some Teacups and Its a Small World, I don't like driving in traffic, fighting crowds, and missing naptime. But don't get me wrong, we loved going. And I don't regret having the passes. And we made some great memories. Thank goodness my Mom got a pass too. She was always great help and company when she could make it.

I know many might not agree, but I also kind of don't like losing that special feeling of going to Disneyland on a special occasion. I don't like the idea of my kids taking it for granted that we just go all of the time. I remember one time when we were there I overheard another mom say they have passes and they come every single week...it's like going to the park for them. And I thought of how sad that is. I remember being young and getting that special trip to Disneyland and feeling SO excited and that I had the BEST parents ever. My feelings were validated when I picked up Chase from school last week and told him we were going to Disneyland (the day our pass expired) and his response was "but it is such a LONG drive". Awesome. Reason #132 for not renewing passes. Reason #1 is the new baby on way. And I don't do Disneyland very pregnant or with a newborn.

A couple of weeks ago, Matt took the day off work and we were able to do a trip with the whole family. We had a great time and it made me excited for the once or twice a year "special" trip we will be making as a family in the future.

(as a sidenote, I am a little sad for the pass to be expiring just when Mia is really getting into it. She is just obsessesed with it's a small world. I can spend the entire ride looking at her smiling face and watching her move side to side to the music. And she sings the song constantly at home)