Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Back to An Empty Nest

First off, I have to thank my wonderful friends and guest bloggers who shared such amazing ideas with you while I was away for some family time and moving our son into college. I wasn’t able to keep up on all of the comments, but judging from them, everyone enjoyed the guest posts and I am so grateful to Jenn, Kathleen, Carolyn, Jocelyn, Maggie, Christine, Michele, Bev and Doreen! You ladies ROCK!

We had a fantastic road trip from Washington to California where “Chocolate Chip” ( son ) is now loving college life and settling in with a great roommate, academic adviser he really likes, and plenty of food in the dining halls. I’m sure the SoCal weather doesn’t hurt either.

We spent a few days at Disneyland which was way more emotional than I thought it would be. While all of the “classic classics” are still very much alive and we enjoyed the character sightings of pals like Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald etc., I realized on this trip how much of Disney is part of our son’s childhood.

Movies from Pocahontas, all three Toy Stories, Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Monsters Inc., A Bug’s Life, both Cars,  Up…..all of these were part of his childhood, adolescence and now (YIKES) adulthood.
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Woody and Cowgirl Jessie from Toy Story
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His Royal Highness The Lion King
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I love these little alien guys! 
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No intro needed...BUZZ
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Heimlich from "A Bug's Life"
Every time we saw one of these characters or their attractions, it brought back a wonderful memory. I also love Disneyland and its sister park California Adventure for the friendliness of the “Cast Members”, the cleanliness, the attention to detail and ensuring their guests have a wonderful experience.
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It All Started With A Mouse...
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and his gal pal
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faithful pet ( although someone still needs to explain to me why if Goofy and Pluto are both dogs, one speaks and wears clothes and the other doesn't. Don't even get me started on Pooh's lack of pants)
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BFF Donald
You knew I’d find the chocolate right? On Main Street and in the resort kitchens, chocolatiers are busy busy busy!
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A candied apple wearing Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast and marshmallow and pretzel confections including one in honor of Tigger!
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Good thing there was glass between me and the kitchen Smile

11 comments:

Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} said...

I'm glad you had a good trip getting your son settled in! Looks like a super fun trip to Disneyland. :) Glad I could help you out, friend!

Holly Lefevre said...

I enjoyed reading your guest posts (I was a BAD commenter). So glad you were able to make this trip with your son to college and get him settled. Kind of gives me the chills...I know my boy will be there before I know it.

Jocelyn said...

So glad to hear your trip went well and that he is adjusting to college life. Your trip to Disney looks like so much fun...I am drooling over the chocolate treats! Good thing they are on the screen and not with me:-) I was so glad that I could help you out by posting!!! Hugs!

Amanda Joy Petersen said...

We took our 3 yr old and almost 2 year old to Disneyland last October, and we are going again this October. I get a little emotional too. Disney has always been such a part of my life, and now I am passing that onto my kids. To see their faces light up as you go under the bridge... love it!

Netty said...

Sounds like a brilliant trip and you are happy now you've seen your son settled. Great pictures and thank you for sharing. Annette x

Lori said...

Looks like a fun time was had by all! Glad to see you back safe and sound, enjoyed the guests while you were away!

LuLu Kellogg said...

I am so glad you had a good time!! I went to Disney back in February of this year and every time I go, I am just like a little kid. I had never been to Disney in my entire life until 6 years ago. Now it's a yearly pilgrimage! That is also where my husband proposed to me in front of Cinderella's Castle during the fireworks :) Disney will always be a magical place for me and also a place where I can act like a kid for a day. (who am I kidding?....I still act like a kid every day!) Tee hee!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Unknown said...

Sounds like you had some emotional moments but good ones too! It's surreal to see your own children grow into adults, isn't it? Nothing quite prepares you for that moment when they go off on their own... But, you know what? He'll be just fine! He'll likely be fantastic. And no matter, what you're still just a text-message away... Glad to see you back at the blog safe and sound!

Christine said...

It was my pleasure! :) Yikes! Can you hold my hand when it's my turn in a few short years? I missed you--glad you are back!!

Anonymous said...

That's awesome that you were able to go to DisneyLand while down there. I assume Chocolate Chip went as well?

I swear, I do not remember those delicious chocolate confections the last time we were in DisneyLand. But then again, I wasn't as much of a chocoholic at age 11 as I am now at almost 25, so they would've been less memorable than telling Minnie Mouse that I had her comforter on my bed ;)

Hope the son is enjoying college! Took me a few days, but I got used to being a homesick homebody living a couple hours away from home. Now I'm a college graduate who can't wait to get a job and move out of my childhood home (much to my mom's chagrin) :P

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