Disneyland

When Cousin Rene last visited, I wrote that the two boys playing together was "better than Disneyland." You know what's even better than that? The two boys together at Disneyland!



























Up first, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Riley was so excited as the boys waited in line. Later he reported that it was a little bit scary (but he loved it).

However, Pirates of the Carribean was far too scary, which Riley reminded me even tonight, two weeks later. For the entire ride both my kids were attached to me and crying. Teach me to take them on a scary ride! Rene, on the other hand, was a champ. He later accompanied me on Space Mountain and Splash Mountain and my dad on the Haunted Mansion ride. It was so much fun to share that with him, especially pretending that I was super scared and he needed to protect me. He was gallant. :)

Small World was much more Riley's speed. 

Cousin Rene scoped the map for other rides Riley would like, including the train, which we rode several times.

 

Riley's favorite ride, by far, was Winnie the Pooh.

And he was delighted to see the Pooh characters. He stared and smiled at them, awestruck, but refused to get any closer than this for pictures. Ever since Halloween he's been a little distrustful of anyone with a mask, even if their belly is full of honey.

In fact, Riley refused to get too close to any of the characters at Disneyland. . . except one. . . the Big Kahuna. He was so genuinely happy to see Mickey. I could see the love just pouring out of him.






Rilz had such a blast that we decided to go back for round two once Andy got to town. Where Riley had expressed some hesitation the first day at the park -- refusing to go on many rides, more interested in observing -- on day two, the kid owned the place.

It was a lovely day for our little family of four, and I think we all felt really bonded. Andy got to impart some important life lessons (like, "One key to happiness is not feeling like you need to buy things"); I got my first glimpse at our now complete family experiencing activities together; Sloane got held for about 10 straight hours; and Riley got four turns on the Winnie the Pooh ride.  A good time was had by all.