Happiest Place On Earth

Well, Emily woke up on Friday for what promised to be a pretty darn exciting day!

You guessed it, Emily's first visit to Disneyland!!!
We accompanied Sarah, Reagan, and the kids for one last fun filled day of their vacation. Once inside the gates we followed the crowds...
to our first ride - Small World. Emily wasn't sure about getting on the boat but: Small World - BIG hit!
(Cooper thought so too)
Next, our first attempt to meet some of the characters. Princesses! Emily didn't want to go near them, preferring to look from a distance, so we sent in big cousin Lauren first to pave the way.
Then, we did get Emily close to Tiana... but as you can see, I had to be involved.
But, as we had hoped, a little taste of being so close was addicting and Emily was able to walk up on her own to meet Jasmine.
Even holding her hand! Woo hoo!
Third princess at the Princess Faire - Ariel!

Another willing hand hold! Score!
Emily left Ariel's side jumping up and down shouting, let's go see Belle and Cinderella! She was hooked! So, I sent Daddy off with the rest of the crowd for some "big kid" rides and I took Emily to Cinderella's Storytime in the same area. She had no issues sitting right in the front and was hanging on Cinderella's every word.
The prince's assistant even tried the glass slipper on Emily's foot!
It didn't fit, but I think he should have removed her shoe. I mean, look at her... total princess material! ;)
Since the princesses were such a huge hit we stuck around for the Coronation ceremony where we would be able to spot a couple more princesses! Before it got started some of the Ball attendees led the kids in a little dance class. Emily did participate a little but stayed really close to me.
And by the time the princesses arrived she was back up the stairs...
missing her chance to dance with them...
but very happy to watch.
Later, we were off to Toon Town where we got a little crazy in Mickey's car. Emily was supposed to be driving!
Apparently, she is as good of a driver as Paul thought I was in 2007.
On the streets of Toon Town we ran into Goofy, and this time Cooper felt things out for Emily.
He also drove them around in a fire truck...
and played with her in Mickey's house.


Then, when we got to the movie barn we found Mickey himself!



Cooper and Emily discussed the thrill of that encounter as we walked out and on to Minnie's house...

where Emily made tea for Daddy...

and paid close attention to the cake in the oven. Are we surprised?!
There were a few more rides throughout the afternoon including Dumbo,
and more Small World. Of course! Good thing we got there when we did too because these "unattended bags"...
had the security very nervous and they closed down the ride just after we entered.
Turned out to be no big deal, people just trying to lighten their load, and when it opened up again the whole gang rode for one final hoorah at Disneyland.
(If you are counting, this was Emily's 3rd time and she would have loved to do it a thousand more.)
Before heading out of the park Emily asked Daddy for one very special souvenir from her first visit...
and we posed for one last picture of all of the cousins.
Emily seemed to agree with Disney's self-proclaimed title - Happiest Place On Earth...
and we are glad we were able to share the day with family.

*We have already been back for a second visit - on Sunday. One day left of Sarah and Reagan's passes that we didn't want to go to waste! :)