Disneyland... for FREE!

Yes, my friends, yesterday we had the exciting and rare opportunity to go to "the happiest place on earth" for free.

It all started nine years ago when I taught in Gilbert. In my 6th grade class that year was Cassie. She was a great student and someone who I remember as "one of my favorites" even after all these years. We found each other on facebook and she mentioned that she was working at Disney for the semester as part of a program with ASU. I mentioned that we'd be going to Disney soon (around Bekah's birthday) and she said the magic words, "I can probably get you in for free." Woah!

So a few messages and chats later, we met up at Disneyland. It was surreal to say the least--I'm pretty sure the last time I saw her was when she left my classroom in May of 2002. She is a beautiful, 20-year-old now and I couldn't believe that the little girl I taught grew up to be so great! We talked for a while and rode the carousel before her shift at Pizza Port. It was awesome to catch up and talk to her like a peer.

The rest of the day was spent on the whims of a 3-year-old. It worked out well that she walks so slowly because Malcom only got three hours of sleep the night before, and I'm pregnant. We did a lot of resting in the shade! Bekah seemed to have a lot more fun than last time (December of 2009) because she knows more of the characters now. Yes, she's been properly brainwashed by Disney goodness! :D

We finally tried Tom Sawyer Island, something a friend recommended. Here is Bekah waiting for the ferry ride. And below Malcom and Bekah are trapped by pirates on the island. They had a great time running around, exploring the island while I sat in the shade on a bench.

Bekah's always had a hard time being too close to characters, even ones she loves. But we finally convinced her to take a picture with Woody. Yay!

Another thing I've never tried, the petting zoo. I didn't even know Disneyland had one! Bekah LOVED those goats. She even hugged and kissed one as we left...

...it's a serious miracle that she wasn't rashy and itchy after such an encounter!

Here are the teacups, a must for Malcom and Bekah. I love the pretty lights above--I wish I could have those on my back porch!

Bekah's favorite part of the day seemed to have been the parade we watched in the evening. It was all about dancing and celebrating and she had a blast. She danced for part of it, and sat on her favorite perch for the rest of it. Daddy's shoulders are the best!

We did other things too: we rode Alice in Wonderland, Roger Rabbit, and Pirates of the Caribbean; we ate ice cream, hot dogs, bar-b-que sandwiches, and a divine cinnamon roll; we walked and walked and walked (just like the pioneers!); we looked in lots of shops at lots of toys and such; and we generally exhausted ourselves having a great time together as a family. What a day!

We did NOT get to see World of Color this time. We went into CA Adventure and got tickets as soon as we could, but they were already distributing tickets for the 10:15 show! With Bekah's birthday party in the morning and two overtired parents, we just couldn't stay that late. Good thing the show will be around for many years to come--we'll just see it next time!

It was super fun and was even better because it didn't cost anything to get in. We're still recovering from it today, but it was so worth the effort.