My 43rd at the Happiest Place On Earth!

And I was indeed the happiest person on Earth - okay maybe that's a bit exaggerated but.... :-) Spending my 43rd birthday at Disneyland with my amazing husband, beautiful daughter and wonderful mother-in-love - the day was just perfect! I really prayed and asked God for a day that wasn't too hot or crowded - I know, I know, God's got better things to do but...He did it! Most lines were a 15 minute or less wait and there was a nice breeze that would come through every so often.

The day started bright and early (okay so it was 8:15 when we left!). Traffic was non-existent, which on the 5 is a miracle itself. We stopped at our hotel, the Tropicana Inns and Suites and dropped off our car (which rocks because then we don't have to pay for parking!) Disneyland is literally across the street from the hotel so we were at the gates in minutes. We actually had to go to the ticket booth because I needed to turn in my reservation for my birthday ticket (during 2009, everyone is admitted to Disneyland for free on their birthday, provided they register ahead of time.) They gave me a fun special birthday ticket as well as a button with "Happy Birthday Molly" on it (which I cannot for the life of me find at this moment...sigh). And then we were off!

I actually brought my bear, Benjamin Franklin Neal Bear along with me and his tales and view of the Magic Kingdom can be found here.

Our family had an amazing time. We managed to stay until almost 11:00 with Space Mountain as our last ride. And boy is that a last ride indeed - in the dark with loud music and hurtling through the air at speeds that I'd rather not know - well, it was a great way to end my first day as a 43-year old (semi) adult! :-)


At the entrance of Disneyland


Ready for the Matterhorn!


Just in time to see the clock in "It's A Small World" do its thing!




They added Disney characters to "It's a Small World". Here's Peter Pan and I just missed Tinker Bell with him!


Grandma and Granddaughter!


Benjamin looks a little nervous about the tea cups!



Benjamin and I in front of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride




In front of the iconic Castle!




With Cinderella's Fairy Godmother!


Awww...Daddy and Daughter....


Ryan and Benjamin go for a ride on the Mark Twain


Me and Sarah getting ready for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!


Ryan and his dear Mom!


That lollipop looks a bit big S!


Miss Sarah and her friend Pooh!


And with the whole family...


And Tigger too!


And let's not forget Rabbit!


In front of the sign welcoming all to celebrate at the Happiest Place On Earth!


Ready to do battle with Emperor Zurg in the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster!


Hmmm...they look awfully similar....


Here we are gearing up for Autopia!






What a wonderful day! Disneyland - we'll be back!