The Disney Effect
As I walked into the chapel in which I was to be married, my breath caught in my throat and tears stung my eyes. I had to stop. The feeling was overwhelming.
Years later when BC, my son, took his first steps, the same thing happened. These were profound moments in my life.
Jumping back to my high school days, my father was, at the time a middle school vice principal. And he was escorting his eighth grade class on their end of the year class trip to Disneyland. He took me with him.
Growing up in San Diego, I had the pleasure of going Disneyland a number of times throughout my life. So it surprised me as my father and I sat down to watch the Electrical Parade make its way down Main Street and my breath caught in my throat and tears stung my eyes.
Memories.
At that moment as I sat on Main Street, I remembered portions of many of the trips my family and I made throughout the years to Disneyland.
And I was overwhelmed.
I remembered that my parents took my brothers and me to Disneyland on each of our fourth birthdays. I distinctly remember being able to drive the car all by myself in Autopia. A four year old driver! Imagine that.
Disneyland has provided me with many wonderful memories throughout my life.
On Sunday I was, again, stopped in my tracks as I walked into The University Club in Palo Alto. I had to take a breath.
Disneyland Resorts and Silicon Valley Moms Blog put on a reception for the SVMBloggers, that’s me!, and their families.
Disney treated us like VIPs! We entered the room and were provided with gift bags filled with goodies for the family, from light up Mickey ears to autograph books.
Disney also brought many people with them up to the Silicon Valley to help make this day special for the kids. There was a woman doing face painting.
A man sketching pictures of our favorite Disney characters, then giving our us the sketches! (We were given Daisy and Donald Duck.)
There were Mr. Potato heads to create, Disney tattoos for the taking, video games, cookie decorating, and more! It was amazing.
Mickey, Minnie, Buzz Lightyear and Cinderella also made an appearance. Oh what fun!
I think that BC’s crush on Cinderella officially started Sunday. He LOVED her!!
It was an amazing day and the start of many Disney memories for my children.
The Disney Effect.
What a feeling.
For more pictures of the even go to SVMB’s Disney Flickr page. For more pictures of my family go to my photos page.
Anna at Hank & Willie said,
February 12, 2008 @ 8:27 am
So cool! I don’t think anyone would find the coastal connecticut bloggers (which is why there is no such thing) anywhere near as cool. At least don’t think anyone would takeus to disney!
Anna at Hank & Willie’s last blog post..Gametime in tripletville!
Laptop Television Mom said,
February 12, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
What a fantastic day! Your kids are so adorable, and I think Mom and Dad has just as much fun.
Laptop Television Mom’s last blog post..Disneyland: Year of a Million Dreams
Lia said,
February 12, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
I love seeing the kids! Breakfast next week? Kids get together soon too?
Lia’s last blog post..Disney, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways
BonnieG said,
February 12, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
Oh, I love the picture of their eyes closed, getting their faces painted. Just angelic. And the picture of brother’s arm around lil’ sis.. just so sweet. It made me wish I had a little sis for TJ
BonnieG’s last blog post..I Love You, Mickey!
Gunfighter said,
February 13, 2008 @ 6:02 am
Glad you had a good time, SM!
Disney can be whatever you want it to be, and in my family, we love it.
Cheers,
GF
Gunfighter’s last blog post..The Potomac Primary
jen said,
February 27, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
This post is so touching. I know exactly what you mean about “those moments.” They can side-tackle you out of nowhere. Since I had kids, my overly sensitive self got even more so. I
criedteared up while reading the Velveteen rabbit the other day.jen’s last blog post..She Blogs Hard for the Money