The Hancock Hideout: DISNEYLAND!

Paedn and I recently celebrated our 4 Year Date Anniversary. He surprised me with a trip to Disneyland with our best friends. It was such a wonderful surprise. It was nice to have a little escape. I haven't had one in such a long time. I don't know how many of you have read the book, "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. ( I completely recommend it!!) I am still in the process of reading it but I have learned that my love language is quality time. I love to spend "quality" time with Paedn. This does not mean sitting next to each other watching a TV show. I have to be doing something active and engaging; anything from a real conversation, a simple walk, playing games, etc. The past year has been very difficult on our family. Paedn's "fiasco", a new baby and every other little thing that has happened- let's just say it has been a new experience. Because of all of this, Paedn and I have rarely been able to go on dates. So, this surprise trip was exactly what we needed! Paedn definitely hit it right on the nose when he took me to one of my favorite places.

Seeing Mickey!

Peter Pan!

We left Sunday at 3AM. We have done this every time when we have gone before. I thought it would be perfect, Lorelei would continue sleeping until we go to Disneyland at 8:30...WRONG! She slept for maybe 1.5 hours. Silly girl. I thought babies were supposed to sleep amazing in a moving car. She has never been on a road trip so this was completely new to hear. So, we had a very vocal baby for the beginning of the trip. We arrived at Disneyland around 8:30 and we were all already completely exhausted. When we arrived at the front gates, it was a little breezy and chilly so we wrapped Lorelei up like a burrito and had her in her stroller, just her little face was poking through. She was so interested in everything that was haper. She has always been so curious. When walked onto Main Street and who did we see right away? Mickey Mouse! Lorelei LOVES Mickey Mouse. He was down the street and there was a line to meet him so Paed n"oohing"! It was precious. Our first stop- Fantasyland. I was not sure how Lorelei was going to handle the rides. The first ride we went on was Peter Pan. I kept a close eye her to see how she would handle the loud music and all the strangers. She did great! She was so interested in all the commotion. She loved watching the ships whisk by. We sat down, Lorelei on Paedn's lap, lap bar in place, she grabbed the bar and we were off! She was oohing like crazy and waving at everything- she absolutely loved it!! I was beyond thrilled.

Next stop, the Tiki Room. I have to say- this was her absolute FAVORITE! She loved all the music and was dancing and singing along. I couldn't stop laughing at her. I tried to take video but the room was too dark.
Lorelei also was able to ride:
Pirates of the Caribbean (she feel alseep during the cannon fights!)

Dumbo (did not like flying up at the highest hight, she tried to crawl onto Paedn's lap.)
We explored Toon Town and Lorelei met Mickey Mouse! Her face was absolutely priceless. (If you don't know- Mickey is her absolute FAVORITE character.) We rode a few more rides and then had to leave so we can get back home at a reasonable hour. Paedn had to go into work the next day. (hehe!)

Disneyland was a very fun, very exhausting trip! Definitely worth it. We are going to go once more before Lorelei is 3. (that's when we will have to start paying for her.) I love my little family and glad we share so many fun experiences.

for some reason my pictures uploaded out of order...but you get the picture ;-)