We celebrated this spirited little thang’s 6th birthday at Disneyland. She had long back asked if we could go back there on her birthday and she stuck fast to that choice when asked again if she’d prefer that over a local party. It was a good year to go back to Disneyland, too, as we’d splurged on season passes last fall (since Chloe didn’t need one and we registered for 2 fall Disney races!) and they are set to expire at the end of this month!
We got to spend 3 days there. It’s also Disney’s 60th (Diamond) celebration, so the whole park was done up in blue and white banners and such. I felt compelled to take a picture of the kids with the castle in the background.
On our first day there, we tried to “save money” by just bringing breakfast foods from home (Honey Nut Cheerios and soy milk, bananas, nuts, dried fruit). That worked for the first day, but Cameron wanted some of those gooey-in-the-middle (i.e., mediocre) vegan Mickey waffles from Carnation Cafe. So, for the next couple of days, we made reservations for breakfast there.
We rode the favorites, but also rode the newly revamped Peter Pan.
Chloe was a little reluctant. Not only because she was “pretty sho” it would be dark inside the ride, but also because some wicked animatronic step mom kept opening the curtains from the Snow White ride!
She was clearly much happier on the carousel!
We also try to squeeze in a new ride or two on every visit. This time, since it was searingly hot and Cameron is now tall enough (!), Splash Mountain was the clear New Ride of the Visit choice!
You may be wondering if Dylan was on the ride! He was, but he ducked, so he is not in this photo! We did return to this ride so that Tom could also have a turn so somewhere, we have a better picture of Dylan’s first time on Splash Mountain as well!
The kids also rode Space Mountain (while Chloe and I rode Dumbo or something). Dylan was very sweet. It’s not his favorite ride, but since he knew Cameron really likes it, he said he would go with her for her bday!
Cameron’s actual bday was only a partial day at Disneyland. The folks at Carnation Cafe sang happy bday to her, we picked up her souvenir Happy Bday button from the General Store, rode more favorites and then headed out of the park and over to Grandma Sharon’s and Papa Willard’s.
Cameron has matured so much in just these past few months! Not quite sure what exactly was the trigger, but I think theater really helped (being with a very, very sweet and supportive group of kids who were basically encouraged to just be themselves and where their creativity and individuality were honored and respected by all). Anyway, we are truly very delighted by this now-6-year old of our’s. She is spirited, bright, strong, and very hard-working!
