I was only hoping to film her kicking the ball.

SS's soccer games are on Saturdays, and P works Saturdays. Her practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30. I'm technically off work at 5:30, but that is a joke when you do what I do. In short, P goes to practices, and I attend the games. We have joked that we must come across as divorced parents with such acrimony we can't be in the same place at the same time. Until last week, the games were held at a B&G Club 20 miles from our home. Last week we started the last three games and those are held at SS's clubhouse. P is taking personal time to make it to at least one game, since they sometimes play two games back to back.

SS ran to her Baba very happy to have him at the second game this morning. I was annoyed with myself because SS hustled and got amid much bigger kids to kick the ball in the first game. It was such a cool moment, and my camera and phone were on my chair.  I try to be close to SS when she plays, because with all the shouting and different instructions coming at her, it can become very overwhelming.

Not only did P get an exciting greeting, SS walked him to the viewing area, proud to have her Baba in attendance.  Because her mama is lame and misses the milestones that should be recorded for posterity.  SS played the entire first game, and was benched at the beginning of the second game.  And I felt even worse for not capturing that kick for P.  When SS was called to play defense not only did I spring to my feet, I made sure to bring my camera.

Defense is tough when SS is so much smaller than the other kids.  I do worry about her getting run over and hurt. Her coach has been teaching the kids to use their heads and chest, and SS has been practicing.  Having a ball thrown at your head by the nice coach, who realizes how small you are; or by your teammates, who also realize you are tiny is not a problem. The real problem is when the ball comes at you at greater speed.

I was filming, hoping to get SS at least walking towards the ball, even if she didn't kick it. Best case scenario, SS kicked the ball, P sees it, and I film it for her viewing pleasure. Instead, this is what I got.

Not my best parenting moment, because she was not OK.  I dropped the camera, P ran to the field, the referee stopped the game, and SS was in tears. The parents and teammates were amazing, very supportive. The adults were concerned, they are cognizant of her fragility, but that did not stopped everyone from cheering and applauding SS's move.  We were really worried, and chances are that her glasses increased the impact.  Then there's shock, we know SS had every intention of using the top of her head, not her forehead. So she is caught off guard, it really hurt, and she was most likely embarrassed to boot. Thankfully the glasses held up, because we ordered SS prescription sunglasses first.  We now have to hurry and get her a spare set.

But at least she had both Mama and Baba present to offer her support. SS buried her head on my neck and cried for a while. Since P being there was the novelty, I asked her if she wanted to cuddle with her Baba. She immediately shook her head no, much to the amusement of the parents there.

Not a very happy camper, but gladly accepted the juice one parent brought to her. 

SS really earned the Sponge Bob Squarepants popsicle she chose after the game. The ice cream man is smart, and parks his van in the parking lot.  I'm sure he makes good coin during games.

It's been almost five hours since SS's unfortunate headbunt, and I'm starting to feel less anxious. She has not complained since we got home, and is milking her misfortune to get extra time on her iPad.

Today SS earned her big girl street cred.

Her first big girl ride was Grizzly River Run and she handled it like a pro. It's always a good idea to increase SS's confidence by getting her wet. Even better if she gets soaked, which she did in Bug's Land while P and JJ went on the Tower of Terror.

The we somehow talked her into going in The Haunted Mansion. I was really apprehensive about scaring SS and blowing future big girl rides. But between the three of us we were able to ease SS's naturally scariness.

Then our last ride was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Who knew our girth would come in handy. Safely cushioned between us SS did not experience the usual slide around, rocked around from fast roller coasters. SS declared it her favorite. But our girl is fickle and next time she will find new favorites. We had a great time introducing SS to new experiences. Splash Mountain had a 75 minute wait and fast passes were out. We know better than to push our luck with SS, so we'll start our next visit with Splash Mountain.

Last ride of the day.

All good things must come to and end, and the girl and I need to get some rest. SS returns to school tomorrow after a week off on Spring Break. Waking her up tomorrow is going to be a beast.

Friday was my flex day off and I started running errands at 7:00 a.m. And got home late in the afternoon. Yesterday SS had soccer pictures and a game. Then I had a few more errands. I got home at 4:30, we cooked dinner and got some cuddle time with SS.

Today I was up at 2:30 a.m., getting SS's Easter basket ready; and getting us ready to leave home at 6:30. I'm a bit tired and looking forward to a nice bath and hopefully sleep.

She liked it!

SS got scared a few times, it was to be expected. Yet when the most uncomfortable part happened, getting wet with very cold water (it was only 70 degrees), she came alive and laughed it off. It pays off to have a water creature. That and quick dry clothes.

SS is getting ready to brave the Grizzly River Run.

Let's hope she likes it because P has Splash Mountain on our itinerary.

SS's kind of Easter.

This is why Sula was bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5:30 a.m. Well, and the loot the Easter Bunny (Baba went all out with the Bionicles) brought her.

SS is not a morning person, unless loot is involved.

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.