Tenley Does Disneyland

Ok, I'm a little behind, but I'm trying to catch up! Waaaay back on Nov. 13th, we met up with Scott & Gaynor and their 2 cuties Lauren & Amanda, and Joe (sans Sue- sadly) with his 3 beauties Amanda, Roxy, & Kate at Disneyland.

This was Tenley's 1st trip to the Tragic..er..Magic Kingdom, and we weren't sure what she was going to make of the whole thing. We knew she'd have a great time looking at everything, but the rides were a question. 3 year old Lauren likes the "girly" rides like Small World, the Carousel, and Dumbo...although she was very brave and went on her 1st roller coaster ride and lived to tell the tale! We were all very proud of her!! Big Amanda & Roxy as the 2 oldest kids had the most varied taste in rides, and the little ones (like the adults) didn't care much.

Everyone went on the carousel, and as predicted, Tenley was done with that by the second revolution and screamed until Jeff removed her from the offending horse and held her for the rest of the ride. It's a Small World, however, was a different story: she sat in Jeff's lap with eyes wide and a look of wonder on her little face. She swayed to the music, pointed at everything, squealed in delight and clapped her hands. As far as Tenley was concerned, we could have stayed there all day. She was also delighted with the Jungle Cruise, and stood on the seat hanging on to my shoulder with one hand and pointing at all the animals with the other. No so with the Tiki Room- she liked those singing birds for all of 2 minutes, and then she wanted to get down and run around. That would have been rude, so instead she spent most of the show in a corner being held by daddy & having a small meltdown. Unfortunately, she didn't make it to Dumbo: 6 hours into the day (and long after all the other little girls had had a nap) she gave up the ghost and fell asleep in my arms while we waited in line. She only napped for about an hour, and woke up while the guys and the 3 big girls were on the Autopia. Scott & I were looking forward to a spin on Space Mountain, but the FastPasses were gone before noon, and the standby time was 75 minutes, so we gave it a miss.

Highlights of the day:

Seeing 11 of us crowded around 1 tiny table at Village Haus having lunch. It was hilarious.

The warm smile that flooded the face of the older Chinese gentleman when I said "thank you" in Chinese for allowing us to swipe a chair from his table.

Having Roxy velcro herself to me and make me her buddy for the day. She wanted to sit next to me or on me everywhere and hold my hand as we walked. It's a fabulous feeling when a child chooses you to trust and be close with. It also was a great reminder of why I love the 3-6 age, and of how much I'm looking forward to being with Tenley when she hits it.

Gaynor buying Tenley, Amanda & Kate their 1st mouse ears. I remember getting ears as a kid, and it was fun to see my kid wearing them...especially since their golden 5oth Anniversary ears. Thanks Gaynor!!!!

Sharing my Dole Pineapple whip before the Tiki Room show. I love the whip, and so did everyone but Little Amanda!

Watching Tenley toddle around in front of the kennels while we waited to rendezvous with everyone in the morning. (see video at www.jeffandmichelle.net click on Tenley's page!)

Just seeing everyone again, and reveling in how much our girls have grown and progressed since our days in China!!!

Unfortunately, we didn't get many pictures. :( But, we'll be back at Dismal...er...Disneyland on Dec. 5 for the Cast Christmas Party, and we hope to get some more then. We're also going to try some different rides with the Tenster- I have a feeling she'll like things like Mr. Toad & Pirates of the Caribbean.

It was a good 1st trip and it was so great to see everyone!!! I don't know if we'll get a chance to meet up again during the holidays, but I'm looking forward to a Group 103/104 6 Month Reunion in January, and Chinese New Year in Feb!