For as long as I can remember the parks have thrilled me. Seeing the characters make me giddy (just ask Bryan and how I almost gave him a heart attack when I saw them!) Walking down Main Street makes me teary. Sad, but true. It is my happy place!
When Bryan and I first started talking, we knew we both loved Disney. He is probably the only person in this world that is jealous of the fact I drove the monorail, and I love that. To meet someone who shares my love of the mouse and the park he resides in is nothing short of amazing. I am a big goofball and I am so happy to be with someone else just as goofy (no pun intended) as me. He is the cheese to my macaroni, an amazing Dad and boyfriend, and someone who has brought so much happiness into my life. He works so hard so I wanted to do something nice for his birthday. I decided to dip into my savings account and plan a trip to Disneyland. As my parents said to me and him, I have never done anything like this for anyone. Very true, but he is worth it :)
It took everything in my power not to tell him ASAP. I had bought the plane tickets and park tickets awhile back and I wanted to blurt it out. Eventually he learned about it and last week we headed to California. The lady at the ticket counter thought we were "too old" to go to Disneyland. I would have punched her if I knew they would have still let me on the plane. We ignored her obvious lack of coolness and left on the plane.
We stayed at the hotel I used to stay at when traveling for work. Bryan is a Marriott man so I was worried he would not love the hotel. I had great experiences there so I knew I would be happy, and fortunately he was too! We were planning on getting up early the next day and debated going to bed but came to our senses and headed to Downtown Disney. Bryan's Dad had told him you could make your own remote control cars there and when you say "cars" to Bryan, his eyes light up. Kind of like me when Hobby Lobby is mentioned. Bryan made a car for each of the boys and he made one for himself as well. I love the look on his face as he drove his car. Pure happiness!
We went over to California Adventure and I was so excited to see "Santa" and the cool tree with even cooler Mickey decorations on it. I of course had to get us in front of the ferris wheel so it looked like WE had the mouse ears.
Then I had to share the awesomeness that is Toy Story Mania with Bryan. This has to be one of my favorite pics although the person who took it cut off Mr. Potato Head.
We were ready to rock!
I look a little TOO excited!
As the day went on, we could feel ourselves getting a wee bit tired. We thought we would make it until park closing but even before dinner, we were wiped out. We barely sat down for lunch. We were on a mission. A mission we accomplished in possible record time. We felt weird as we headed to dinner at Steakhouse 55. Dinner was great, service was great, we saw another Santa, and then went back to Disneyland. Bryan was not aware you could ride in the front of the monorail. I asked and we received. Unfortunately there were no "co-pilot" licenses given although they give them at Disney World. Darn economy. I think Bryan still had a good time. Love this picture!
Bryan was excited for me to see everything lit up. The decorations were amazing and I was in love with the entire park. Yes, I always love it but this time of year is just incredible!
As I was taking this picture, the guy next to us got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend in front of the castle-my dream proposal! She was so excited and kept asking him, "Are you serious?!" I love seeing happy moments in people's lives, even if they are strangers! I was excited for them. Congratulations people I never met nor will I ever see again!
We lucked out that day with no rain. It DID rain but while we were having dinner. We were planning on waiting to see Fantasmic and then watching the fireworks but we were tired. I think if I had put a pillow on a park bench, Bryan would have easily fell asleep. I struggled with leaving because my gut told me that there would be rain the next day (well, my gut and the weather channel) and the entertainment would be canceled. But we made the decision to go back to the hotel and we sat in the jacuzzi. Note to self: find out what the difference is between a hot tub and a jacuzzi!
It was an exhausting but amazing day. We had a lot of fun and I am so grateful Bryan did not throw my camera in the water around the castle. I know it is a lot to handle but I appreciate it!
That is the round up of Day 1. I will write about Days 2 and a half soon!
