Magic Moments - Disney Blog Hop

As most folks, when I walk into Disneyland it's always a magical moment that lifts my soul. Now that I get to share that with my son, Little Buckaroo, makes it even more magical.

My main objective in our June trip was to see Mickey's Soundsational Parade, making it Little Buckaroo's first Disneyland Parade. I wasn't sure if Little Buckaroo would make it through the wait for the parade so I waited till almost the last moment to look for a spot to watch the parade, making me nervous that we wouldn't even find a good spot for my little guy to even see it.

Luckly for me I was able to find a couple that was standing up and had plenty of space in front of them and they kindly let us sit in front of them. Almost instantly Little Buckaroo began to fuss about, fortunately the sound to the drums in the distant caught his interest.

Then shortly we were both enjoying the parade....

Starting Drumline

Darling Minnie

Drumming Mickey

Howling

Waving bye-bye to Donald Duck

Ariel

Mary Poppins

Another 'Magical Moment' at Disneyland shared with my Little Buckaroo.

Wordless Monday

Ka-chow

Family isn't always necessary blood

Family isn't always necessary blood. Being a single mom has been the hardest thing I've ever done and I've done a few things in my life time. Before having my son I was surrounded by folks that wanted to hang out and go places. 

Well, I quickly learned who my true friends were after having my beautiful boy, Michael. Though I stayed away from the outside world for awhile after having Michael, it was a lot for me to handle on my own especially leaving the house with a little baby. I have to admit I lost many a friends during that time in my life. It truely opened my eyes to the true meaning of friendship.

That brings me to my friend and Michael's God Mother, Jen. She was timid around Michael at first but she stuck it out with me and has become part of our little family.

Jen has embraced both of us and has reached out in times that I needed someone there. Even during the toddler meltdowns and mommy breakdowns she stood by with a helping hand. She indures my many trips to Disneyland, even buying a annual pass so she can help out and take pictures of Michael and I.

I am truely blessed to have a friend family like Jen.



 



Mainstreet Meltdown

Even with Little Buckaroo's terrible two meltdown, a day is always better when your at Disneyland. Little Buckarro is at the stage where a stroller is still needed but harshly resisted, he is craving his independence to walk around and explore. Being that our May trip to Disneyland was just the two of us, I desperately needed the stroller as my toddler command center for supplies, large crowd cruising and nap-time bunking. It was a beauitful day and we traffic was light making the start of the day just about perfect. I was safely able to manage the parking lot tram with Little Buckaroo and the stroller, then we entered Disneyland. We headed up the stairs to take a ride around the park on the train and it began.

After some resistance I got Little Buckaroo on the train but only made it to the first stop in New Orleans Square after all eyes where on him having a fit. Thank goodness I remembered to bring his snack bag and for the jazz band playing in The French Market.

Mr Attitude

We hung out in The French Market for a few minutes while Little Buckaroo gobbled down a few snacks but he began to get fussy again so I loaded him up in the stroller and headed back to Mainstreet debating whether or not to just leave. It wasn't necessarly busy that day in the park but I normally put him in the stroller to navigate our way through the park and take him out when we get to where ever it is we are going. Im not quite sure what upset him so but he certainly made me pay for it with a meltdown on Mainstreet.

I still hadn't eaten breakfast and it was now late morning so I decided to get a ham and cheese sandwich from the Mainstreet Bakery, which it pretty good but the cheese on the bread makes it a bit hard. I tried to eat at the counter but once again, Little Buckaroo began to fuss so I took him out of of his stroller. What a difference, I sat on down on the Mainstreet curb and he played with the horse post while sharing my sandwich.

Finally happy.

I'm glad I decided to stay because we got a chance to take a few spins on the Mad Hatter, Little Buckaroo  first time, and he loved it. I love having those special moments, especially at the park.

1st time on the tea cups.

It's as if the morning  was reset and we got a chance to really enjoy the afternoon. Even found a penny (heads up) that Little Buckaroo tossed into the wishing well.

Making a wish

We made our way through Sleeping Beauty Castle....

and stopped for a treat....

Sticky face

We were at the Pin Trading Post to get a few pins when Little Buckaroo fell asleep for his afternoon nap. I nornally try to leave just before Little Buckaroo takes his afternoon nap but with our late start we were too deep in the park to make a quick exit and it's too difficult to load a sleeping toddler and stroller on to the tram by myself so I decided to stay and stroll around the park while he slept.

My time with Mary Poppins and Bret.

After nap time we ventured over to California Adventure to play around in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Little Buckaroo had a blast running around and exploring.

Plenty of space to run around.

Mikey enjoyed bouncing in the rope bridges.

We finished off the day riding rides in "a bug's land"...

Flik's Flyers

It was a long and wearing day at the parks but so worth all the fun and memories we did have. It's tough being a toddler and wanting your freedom to roam with a protective mommy.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Today the newest RunDisney event is revealed on Facebook, The Tinker Bell Half Marathon a 13.1-mile course through Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim, California.  I have been wanting to do a Disney run on the Disneyland resort but this is going to be a great challenge and adventure. I thought about taking the easy route for awhile by doing The Never Land Family Fun 5K but decided that I needed a challenge. I've been struggling to get back into shape after having my Little Buckaroo, now just over two years ago so I'm hoping the Sassy, feisty, and fun loving, Tinker Bell will sprinkle some of her fairy dust on me and get my booty in gear. The furthest I've ever run was 10 miles about four years ago (in shape and before the baby) and that run was painful...during and after. This run is scheduled for January 29th, 2012, giving me plenty of time to train. There will be events going on that whole weekend, including The Never Land Family Fun 5k and the Disney kids' races. I recuited my best buddy Jen to run with me. She has already given me the "I'm not dressing up in costume" warning...oh, she knows me too well. Now its time for me to step it up in the gym and buy a good jogging stroller. Wish me luck!

April Fools Day

I scheduled our April trip to Disneyland on my Little Buckaroo's 2nd Birthday (April Fools Day).  We started at the day with off with a Minnie and Friends Breakfast in the Park. This was my way of celebrating Little Buckaroo's big day and one of the main highlights of the day. I highly recommend doing a Disney Character Dining experience if you ever get a chance. Not only do you get to eat some decent food but you get your own personal experience with multiple Disney characters.

Minnie greeting us at the table.

Geppette

Eeyore

Gideon



After breakfast we made our way to King Arthur's Carrousel through Snow White's Grotto and we happen to pass by at a great moment that I'm sure happens quite a bit there, Kris had just proposed to Annie. The adorable newly engaged Orange County couple was gracious enough to let me take a photo of them. After taking a few pictures for them and congratulating them we moved on trying not to impose any more on their time.

Annie showing off her new ring.

I think Mikey could ride on King Arthur's Carrousel all day if he could but we opted for riding the merry-go-round twice so that we could make the most of the day. Lucky for us we found the Honorary Ambassador, "Jingles" the lead horse. I'm sure by time the year is over we will have ridden all the horses at least once.



My cutie riding Jingles.

With it being spring time, we got a rare opportunity to see some of the parks newest additions as they made their way through the park (Escorted by a Disney Cast Member of course).

Too cute.



The day was beginning to get hot so what better way to cool off without getting wet then with a ride on "It's a Small World". I love watching my Little Buckaroo's face as we cruise through the nation's of the world. He excitedly points out objects to me as he sways along to the music. This for me is another highlight of the day and makes me melt inside.

Mikey was to busy looking to pose for the camera.



I traditionally give Mikey a ride while in line so he can get a good view of the clock.

Continuing to escape from the heat we made our way to the "Enchanted Tiki Room" to enjoy tropical birds and flowers and their musical performance of "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room". Afterward we strolled through the shop on Main Street to purchase a few mementos (pins and a pressed pennies). By time we made it to the end of Main Street, Little Buckaroo had fallen asleep in his stroller and that meant it was time to go.

All tuckered out. 

Our birthday/April trip went well. I have to thank Aunt Jen for going along and helping out so that I could have pictures of my Little Buckaroo's special day. 

Aunt Jen and Mikey.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I love this picture.