Having only been back for a few days, we are still very much on a Disney vacay high. What an incredible week. Just keep swimming, Chewbacca and ewoks, hakuna matata, Mad Tea Party, Toy Story Mania, Belle and the Beast...we breathed it all in for six straight days. But as surprisingly wonderful (I say surprisingly because going in, Daddy and I had no expectations for this experience other than to just enjoy the good moments no matter how many or few and far between they were.) as it all truly was, the best, most memorable part of it was seeing the magic of it all through your eyes. Parker - the way you pointed at every animal you recognized and shouted their names as we sailed through It's A Small World, your squeals and screams as you handed Woody your own cowboy Woody doll and touched his hat and hugged him tight, and watching you sleep snuggled in your stroller when you'd had enough. Jake - the extra minutes you wanted to stay and watch Darth Maul interact with everyone else even after your turn to meet him was over, the confidence you exuded after you had ridden "big" rides that you couldn't yet the last time we were there, and the way you celebrated with us as Parker finally warmed up to his favorite characters. Simply priceless.
This time around, the happiest place on Earth was just that...it was happy. And I hope and pray that happy is something you always are. Just remember...sometimes it may not always find you - you have to find it.
Seek to find the good in every situation. It's there, I promise.
Change your circumstances if you can. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone if it requires it. Most times you'll find the only thing holding you back is you. I'm the greatest example of this I know, and so often I wish I wasn't.
Let go if you must. Tough, but necessary.
And through it all, keep smiling. The world will then smile at you.
Hugs and Kisses,
Mom
"Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever." -walt disney
was this their first time to go?! you got some amazing pictures!!! them waving to the storm troopers is ADORABLE!!! i just love all the details you captured! you've inspired me to stop out of the box on the 'normal' angles. :)
ReplyDeleteoh, and what camera/lens do you use? such crisp pics!
Sweet post and pictures!
ReplyDeleteAwww...thanks Kimberley!! No, this was actually Jake's third time and Parker's second time to go. We went when Jake was two back in '09...I had to travel to Orlando for work, so we all went as a family and stayed a few extra days so we could hit the parks. And then the second time we went was in '11 when Parker was just four months old and Jake was four. My sister, neice, and some friends of ours and their family members went, so we had a big group down there. So this was our third time to go with kids, and it was truly the sweetest it's ever been. I'm go flattered that you're inspired. :) I'm my own worst critic, so to hear you so that makes my day!! My camera is a Nikon D90, and all but just a couple of these were taken with my 50mm prime lens. I also used my 18-55mm zoom lens when I knew I was going to be in tight places and would need a way to "back up" without physically backing up which wasn't possible (like the shot of them with Mickey, Minnie, and R2D2). The two pics of the animals were taken with my 55-200mm zoom lens so I could get close up when I physically couldn't. :) I hope this is helpful!! And I hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOops! Meant to say ...so flattered... and ...to hear you say that... Sorry about that! I should I proofread that a little better. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara Beth!!!
ReplyDeleteThis warmed my heart and gave me the biggest smile. You are a wonderful Mom! I always knew you would be. This is such an inspiring post. We all need to try to find the good in every situation. It's definitely a challenge for us "planners"...everything must go according to plan or we get upset and think everything is ruined at times. But life is so much more fun if we just relax and let life happen the way God intended. Love you!
ReplyDeleteAnd YOU just warmed mine!! Your friendship is such a gift, Amanda, and I love you too. Always.
ReplyDeleteWow....I'm crying...what a sweet post and what beautiful pictures you have!!!! I love what you said about we have to find happiness and there is always good in every situation. So true!!
ReplyDeleteThanks a million, Kimmie!!!
ReplyDeleteOh *tears* What a beautiful letter. SO happy to see you had a wonderful time with your boys.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Tesha!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how big your boys look since I took a break from blogging. Sounds like a wonderful trip and I'm sure they will treasure this sweet letter, the photos and of course the memories! Thanks for stopping back at the Lily Pad and for your support!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet Cindi. Your boys are so lucky to have you for a mama! Glad you had a "magical" time!
ReplyDeleteSweet letter! What a FUN trip!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thanks a million! You're in my prayers, Mama!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Crissy! You just made my whole week!
And thank you, Katie! I'm honored you read it. :)