Yesterday was May 1st which means that – holy crap – we’re going to have a baby this month. It’s definitely time to tie up any loose ends like getting rid of clutter in our house and, oh yeah, finally naming the kid. In addition to that, though, it’s also important to have as much quality time with Annie as possible, so when Heather was invited to an event at Disneyland yesterday, I decided to drop what I was doing and join them for the fun.
Like the last time we took Annie to Disneyland (on her birthday), we decided not to tell her where we were going so we could surprise her when we got there. While that worked like gangbusters last time (“Whoa! We’re at Disneyland!”), this time it just seemed to confuse and anger her. Even after I announced, “We’re at Disneyland!” she didn’t quite buy it. “Are you sure?” she asked. When I nodded, excited, she just glared at me as if to say, “Not cool, man. NOT COOL!”
Annie soon got into the spirit of things when we walked through the gates and immediately stumbled upon Princess Aurora. I was pleased that the line to meet her was short, but it ended up taking longer than expected because Aurora took a lot of time with each kid. It’s funny – when we were waiting I was like, “Uh! She’s taking too long! Move things along, Princess!” But when it was Annie’s turn I suddenly had no problem with her style and loved all the attention she lavished on Annie. Total hypocrite, I know.
“Your father needs to learn to be more patient.”
Next I asked Annie where she wanted to go the most in Disneyland and she said without hesitation that she wanted to ride the carousel. Annie has no interest in the rides most people love, like Space Mountain, but horses going round in circles to tinkly music? That is da bomb diggitty.
Yes, I realize I said “da bomb diggitty.” Yes, I realize it was awkward for all of us. Let’s just try to move on, shall we?
We, of course, did more princess stuff after that. We rode Ariel’s Underwater Adventure and visited the new Fantasy Faire to watch a performance of “Beauty and the Beast,” which had Annie enraptured.
Dee, the little girl next to Annie, was not nearly as impressed.
From there we hit It’s A Small World After All (which made up for it being closed on Annie’s birthday), sped through the Cars themed Radiator Springs Racers, and took a spin on the Ferris wheel. Contrary to what you may have heard, I didn’t freak out after looking ALL THE WAY down when we reached the top.
“What? You took a photo, Heather? Not cool. Not cool!”
We also took to the skies for Dumbo’s Flying Elephant Ride. I got a kick out of this sign at the entrance:
Being the totally mature adult that I am, I had to do my best impression:
Annie’s going to continue to get lots of attention after the baby arrives, but there’s no denying that our family dynamic is going to change. That’s why I was so glad we could have such a nice day together. What made me even happier, though, was hearing what Annie had to say on the way out. “Dada, next time can we bring my baby brother?” Sounds to me like she’s not nearly as worried the future as I am.
michele says:
Oh…so sweet. I remember those last few weeks as we waited for our little boy to join his big sister. She is going to be an awesome sister. And she’ll have someone to dress up!
Cory says:
You nailed that impression!
Becca Masters says:
OMG! Princess Mouse Ears!!
*ahem*
I am very jealous of Annie and her awesome mouse ears.
At the age of 29, I still have my very first pair ( they are now 27 years old!) and my mom has just bought my daughter her first pair, however I have now decided I want a pair like Annie’s! How can I get some?!?
Also, loved the impression of the safety sign. Well done! Ha ha ha!
Tamela says:
I generally like ferris wheels but that one is SO.SCARY. I hate, hate, hate it. I’ll never forget holding my then 18-month old and crying every time the car went around its little track. My son slept comfortably in my arms but I was a wreck.
Ashley says:
What an awesome day! Yep you nailed the impression!!! I cannot wait to take my little guy to Disney… We’re going to DW next year right after his 4th b-day!
Jackie says:
I LOVE the sign impersonation!
Jen says:
I love the sign that’s at all the rides. I call it the “no dancing” sign.
And I totally have pictures of me and my friends doing the sign impression too.
Trisha says:
Sign Impersonation- Nailed it!!
Annie is just so sweet and loving. I know she’s going to be an awesome big sister.
Shelly says:
We told our 8 year old son that the sign meant there was no Gangnam Style dancing allowed at Disney. He believed us, and we thankfully had a day free from that ear worm song. Meanwhile, his dad and I snickered behind his back at our clever idea.
cynthia says:
Oh, that sign? That’s the “No dancing!” sign, and my family has been getting a kick out of it for years! I’ve always thought they should make a pin (or some kind of marketing) out of it. haha
Also, the ferris wheel at DCA? That thing is scary!
Looks like a good time was had by all!
Auntie_M says:
“Next time can we bring my brother?” Could that girl get any sweeter?????
As for you! Why on earth would any normal human being go up in a Ferris wheel at all??????????????? Ugh!! And especially THAT one!!!! No thank you!!!!
Nice sign impression. But next time, please try the standing position!
Hey…here’s a baby name thought for you: Ferris–to always remind you to not ride in those things!!!!
Marta says:
Your trip looked like so much! The first time I went to Disneyland was last year and I loved it. However, I was absolutely terrified on that ferris wheel and will NOT be going back into the cage of death.
Expat Mom says:
Love it! And yeah, I think parents worry a heck of a lot more than they need to about adding a child to the family. I stressed out for 9 months, to the point of tears, about the fact that my older son was only going to get 15 months of being the only child. It didn’t really matter in the end (though he did recently tell me we probably should have stopped having kids after he was born) and the fact is that the next kid doesn’t EVER get to be the only child, so that’s hardly fair anyway.
Melanie says:
Can’t wait to hear what you end up naming your little guy!
We are due with our first this May and having a boy. It was tough coming up with the name, but I’m glad we’ve settled on it. (waiting to announce it at birth).