Happy Easter

This is the year SS learned she is no longer considered a little girl. She went up to the Easter Bunny to sit on his lap, and the attendant flipped out and told her NO.  SS could only sit next to him.  Now she looks like she is part of that creepy cult family with 19 kids, and even though menopause is here to stay still counting.  They only give side hugs, and that is what poor SS looks like.

We even got in on the picture this year, we just love The Beagle and were feeling guilty about our Disney indiscretion. And this is why we love Knott's.  SS walked up to the "line" where only two kids were ahead of her for these pictures.

To our knowledge SS has not seen Saturday Night Fever, but darn she's got that iconic move down.

When I saw the Bionicle (last 3 letters are c l e, don't know why showing as d e) box that Grandpa sent SS for her birthday I was so relieved that P is the one who does that stuff with SS. The ages on the box are 9-16, way beyond my scope of knowledge. I got home from work and P proudly told me that SS wanted to assemble the toy herself and succeeded. No joking here people, our tiny girl put that puppy together.  P had to help her with the wheel and helmet, only because SS is not strong enough to push the pieces in until they snap securely.  We are so proud of our little creator. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Our IrishRican girl, aka the cutest leprechaun ever, got in to the St. Paddy's spirit and hammed it up for the camera. After all, how many kids have a holiday named after their father?

How bad did we want to get out of Dodge?

We are tired, really tired, even though we had a blast the past two days. There's something about waiting so long for SS, then waiting even longer for what we were able to give her for her birthday.  It feels pretty darn good to indulge her every now and then,  But our bodies took a beating and sent us a clear message, "You two have NO business having an eight year old.  By you I mean me, but P says he is feeling as beat up as I am.  Uh, no Mr., you are a decade younger, so you do not get to complain about aging.  Nope, no way, this is my turn to bitch about my body falling apart.

That being said, P was done as soon as we exited the Cars ride. He was on a mission to get home ASAP. When we arrived at the garage we noticed that it was going to be a wait for the elevator.  P did not take time to think.  He was done and waiting was not an option and surprised me by deciding to take the Hummer on the escalator.  Oh yeah, he was totally done and could not wait to come home to rest his tired bones.

Where is SS? She is sitting between us, really.

Radiator Springs Racers, last ride of the day.

P got a Fast Pass at ten in the morning and our ride time was between 6:25 to 7:25. We understand why it's such a popular ride. We wanted to buy the souvenir picture, but SS was covered by the eyes on the windshield. Next time we are going to ride in the back seat.

SS's experiences with Knott's collided with the mess that is Disney. The girl is not used to waiting in line for hours for a ride. Heck, I don't think SS has ever waited half an hour at Knott's. And she has always had a picture with Snoopy and other characters.

When the ride ended SS said, "I want to go again." Yikes, she didn't understand the fast pass concept. We had to explain that it was a one time only thing. We also showed her how many people were waiting for over an hour.

SS, we hope you enjoyed your birthday gift.

Forget Mickey, SS met Captain America!

And she got a super hero birthday hug.

Mouse ears have evolved since our last visit.

SS wanted Captain America ears but they were not available. SS did not leave empty handed, she now has Iron Man personalized mouse ears.

A productive day so far.

Our day started with P figuring out our huge stroller fits in the handicapped space in the tram. Yesterday we walked from the parking garage. It was not a fun walk.

Two more pins and I didn't want to ruin a second outfit ruined, so SS's hat came in handy. Yesterday and today's outfits, shoes included are part of the Abus' gift.

These guys were walking by and saw SS's birthday pin. They invited her to be their first picture.

A dainty little girl moment, not many of those.

Our first ride was the Monsters Inc. per SS's request.

Next we headed to Turtle Talk with Crush who must have gone through quite a bit of Humboldt's finest before the show. Dude was in totally tubular mode cha.

SS was first in line to say hi to Sully. 

 

SS enjoyed the maximum allotted time in Olaf's Snow Fest. A nice reprieve from the heat.

Gifts and good night.

We really tired SS yesterday. We returned to the hotel after Fantasmic to open Her birthday presents. P and I have tried to limit what we gift SS since she came home. And every time we are left with just good intentions. SS is a lovely child but as for all practical purposes raised so far as an only child, she can be rather entitled.

We are proud that for the first time we kept it simple. OK we don't count the two days at the park. SS loves her gifts, especially Grandpa's, who gives the best gifts. Sula can't wait to get home to assemble her Bionicle set.

Usually SS would open her toys immediately, but she must have been more tired than we thought.  She got ready for bed and was out right away.

Batman PJs and fleece blanket, Avenger pillow and Dog, and off to dreamland SS went. Tomorrow she will visit California Adventure for the first time.

We do have a Disney guilty pleasure.

Fantasmic, even after a twenty-three year run redeems this over priced, over rated park. JJ was in elementary school when we first saw Fantasmic.

P and I last saw it ten years ago, during the park's 50th anniversary celebration. That is when we bought SS her first mouse ears, with her name embroided. Our baby was born two years after that purchase. The ears color is gold and she still has them. At the time we could not wait to bring SS home and introduce her to Fantasmic.

We even bought a CD of the soundtrack along with the soundtrack for the now defunct Main Street Electrical Parade. It took us a while but we made it. On our own dime and at our own pace.

It was truly magical watching SS take it all in, a smile on her face and completely oblivious to the world around her. It was one of those silly parent moments that fill our hearts with joy. Gee, it's not like we created the damn show.

I have done Disney with a six week old and now with an eight year old. The latter is more enjoyable. SS will remember today for years to come. She can get on almost every ride if she is interested. SS walked by the long line to take a picture with Mickey and kept on walking. But she did enjoy It's a Small World and Fantasmic. Disney you redeemed yourself at least for today.

SS received a nice dinner souvenir.

She's a big girl but still needs her Dog.

How cute is our girl? Love how she keeps him on her neck.

SS's dinner included the Pope.

We dined at Buca di Beppo, where the $5 children's menu Fettuccine Alfredo is enough to feed a hungry adult. The ad on our placemats recommended The Pope Room to celebrate first communion, while ingesting massive amounts of pasta. Just like any good Roman Catholic would do.

I really thought it was a joke and I was wrong. OMG the room is real, and well, mere words do not do it justice. The bust in the middle of the lazy Susan was the perfect touch that elevated the room to first class. SS was incredibly relieved that she will never receive communion. Who knew being heathens would raise our stock with our daughter?

P corrected my previous claim of $800 for two days. They recently raised the prices, so our two days would have set us back $1000. How is that feasible for the average family of four? We can only hope SS moves on to another obsession by her next birthday. Until then she better make good use of her pass.

But now she's all about super heroes.

Darn Disney for buying the rights to Star Wars and Marvel. It's why we broke down and decided this year we had to bring her to the most expensive and crowded place on earth.

We just are not Disney people and the admission price is just outrageous. A two day stay (hotel and meals not included) would set us back $800. All that for the pleasure of standing in line for hours and get on a few rides a day.

P decided it was best to get season passes and spread our visits over the year. That, and he can't deny SS's love of pirates, Star Wars and Marvel. So far all four of us are underwhelmed by the park. Maybe we are too old.

We spent about an hour at the hotel, we are going to dinner and back to the park.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

This ride brought back memories of a toddler SS obsessed with Buzz.

Happy Birthday SS!

Eight years ago you were born a world away from us. A few days after a decision was made on your behalf that forever changed yours and our lives.

It has been an amazing experience watching you grow into a super hero, Star Wars, pirate loving girl. Your quirkiness makes us laugh, and your resilience makes us proud to be your parents. We hope you enjoy your two day birthday stay at the happiest place on earth.

Now

P does get me the best briefcases for work. New position required a new briefcase; and no I don't get to decide, because it is what P does. And as much as people think I get my way, P has a self proclaimed gift to choose what I need. I

Then

Just past midnight snack.

P arranged a night away for us for Valentine's Day. We had a late dinner, and just got back from the Improv where Cristela Alonzo ( yes the Cristela from the ABC sitcom) performed. Now we are having our late night/early morning snack, while watching the first SNL show. I don't think we will be up bright and early.

Bubbles

OK, final real goodbye while waiting for valet parking.

Goodbye!

Apple cider brunch.

Bright eyed and bushy ( iPad) tailed.

That was fast.

Sleep well sweet angel, there's one more fun surprise before we head home tomorrow.

SS's swan song to a long, fun filled day.

P made up his mind a year ago and kept his word. He strived to give SS a weekend of memories that will hopefully make her smile for years to come. Or she could look back and hate the whole thing. I kid, I kid.

A soak in the hot tub to wash all her cares away.

Winding down for the night.

Bella SS at Bella Trattoria.

Old fashioned phone call.

SS had no idea that artifact was once used like a cell phone.

Gingerbread house decorating and eating at the inn.

SS's cool eye patches arrived.

SS cool eye patches arrived yesterday, and I arrived home from work to find a very happy and coordinated SS.  Penguins is one of the three designs she selected, and SS had the footie pajamas to match.  How cute is our one eyed wonder?

The downside to the eye patch is that the adhesive is really good, so it hurt when I had to pull the patch off. SS was not amused and was close to shed tears. SS now gets today off, and we resume patching Saturday. By patching on Saturday and Sunday we don't have to worry about waking SS up so early.

Even with an eye patch our girl is just so freaking cute.

It's pirate time twice a day for the next three months.

SS had her vision exam last Saturday and there were two unexpected issues. Although SS has worn her glasses full time as prescribed, her eyesight decreased on both eyes. Dr. B was surprised about this and it brought back the concerns she had last year.

For the next three months we are going to try to get SS's left lazy eye to do some work. For one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening we are going to patch Rightie. It's time for Leftie to engage in team work.

This could have been awful but thankfully SS loves pirates and has a pirate costume. Who knew that such a seemingly silly indulgence would come in so handy. Not only do we have to patch Rightie but SS has to make Leftie work hard. No plopping her in front of the TV.

This is not a problem in the evenings but SS is not a morning person. Like her father she opens her eyes just enough to orient herself until she's ready to leave the house. We were not and are not looking forward to a battle first thing in the morning. But that other indulgence, namely the magic of Legos is a big help. A lot of help because we have to wake up SS earlier now.

 
Pirate hat, sword, patch and Legos at 6:00 a.m. P ordered cute adhesive eye patches with three designs SS selected. They should arrive tomorrow.

The second concern might be a result of SS's birth circumstances. Since we have very little birth history, we do not know the most important piece of information Dr. B needs for treatment. So we are trying a strategy, and in three months Dr. B will reassess progress, if any. Other than this there is not much going on around here.

A booster seat for our big girl.

SS is very happy with her Britax Frontier 90 booster seat, AKA validation that she is a big girl. P told me that the booster is for kids up to 120 lbs. a weight SS will never achieve, not even in adulthood or during pregnancy. This one should be good for another five years. We chose this booster based on safety, SS thinks it's the best option because it has cup holders.