Our Disney Escapade

This past weekend we decided to spend the day between the Disneyland and California adventure parks; it was Dad's bday weekend and he wanted to go. Since the munchkin and I frequent the park with our friends (we're AP holders), we decided this day would be all about what Dad wanted to do. We caught all the shows we could squeeze into one day and even visited the Animation Academy in California Adventure since we'd never been in there before; by the way, this is an excellent place to hideout from the heat! 

(Heading out to Disneyland with Elsa and Winnie in tow)

(Let's not forget the Elsa & Anna tee and Sofia the first sneakers!)

Our first stop was one of my husband's favorite shows, (and it helps that our munchkin is obsessed with it too); Aladdin the musical. This show never gets old, and we snagged incredible seats this time; fourth row center and isle seats! (See photos below)

Up next was the Mickey & The Magic Map show at the Disneyland park followed by The Beauty & The Beast show at the Royal Theatre, (which my husband can't get enough of. These guys are the kings of puns and one liners)

As we were leaving the Royal Theatre we noticed the Reception Hall wait was only 10 minutes, since we've never gone in, we decided to check it out. I knew this was where you meet the princesses; that particular day they were Snow White, Ariel, and a surprise royal guest (Cinderella). Now, I didn't think Our munchkin would really care about them because A. She's only seen The little mermaid and Beauty & The Beast out of the classical princess movies and B. She's never shown much interest in any aside from Elsa and Sofia the First.

Now, if you don't know me, you might now know that I've spent a significant amount of energy resisting introducing my toddler to the classic Disney princesses world. In fact, she saw The Little Mermaid while I was away.  My reasons are that I want her to see those movies when she has developed a little bit more of a criteria for herself on the princess stereotype. I want her to strive to be more than just a princess. I want her to know that she's strong enough on her own; she need not wait for Prince Charming or a fairy godmother to rescue her or change her circumstances. And I acknowledge that Disney has taken significant leaps in the direction of changing with the times and writing princesses that are more self-sufficient, multi dimensional characters that little girls can look up to. Still, I resisted the princess thing until I couldn't; it started with Sofia the First. I figure, at least Sofia teaches young viewers strong morals like how to handle challenges in friendships or staying true to your moral compass in spite of outside pressures, being yourself, and (my favorite); just because you're a princess or a girl doesn't mean you can't compete in derby's or participate in outdoor activities. 

Where was this going? Oh yeah:

So here we are about to meet three Disney classic princesses.  I couldn't have imagined my munchkin's reaction:

She was shy but in complete awe. It was as if her facial expression was saying, "you're real!"

If there's an equivalent of starstruck for toddlers, this was it. (See pics below).

Cinderella even told her how she was friends with Sofia (after seeing her Sofia the first sneakers) and our munchkin also showed her her Elsa doll. 

So yes, I've fought the good fight where the princess thing is concerned, but I must say, after seeing our munchkin's face light up and witnessing what a magical moment this was for her; there's not way I would trade that in. I figure she's getting plenty of "more than just a princess," toys, books, and empowering messages from me at home ;)

After our royal Disney encounter, we crossed back to catch the Disney Jr. Show but our peanut passed out so we decided a late lunch break was in order before the Pixar Play Parade. Let me tell you, the water spraying features in that parade were very welcome. In fact, I would say the soldiers guns, the alien's laser blasters, and the gas nozzles the dancers carry in cars could all be additional soakers. Just sayin'.

(Knocked out for exactly one hour, she awoke when the Pixar parade music started!)

After the Pixar parade we crossed back over to Disneyland to catch the Frozen float and the Mickey's Soundsational Parade. Our munchkin's Elsa doll caught sight of Elsa (see photos) and she waved at her and made an "I'm flattered" gesture. Our peanut was elated!

("Elsa! Elsa!")

(Elsa spotted her doll!)

("Bye bye, Elsa!")

We crossed back over, ventured into the Animation Academy where we learned to draw Minnie Mouse in Steamboat Willie and took a break from the blazing heat :)

We ended our night with a prime viewing spot of the World of Color show; courtesy of our fast pass.

It was the perfect family birthday outing that my loving hubby wanted and deserved :) Yay for APs! 

What has been your favorite or most memorable Disney visit? 

A Chica Barnyard 2nd Birthday!

As my little chick's second birthday approached, I began to scour Pinterest boards for ideas for her party. I knew it would be Chica themed as this is her favorite character on TV (followed closely by Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First). The idea to throw her a Chica birthday party came to me pretty much the minute we wrapped up her first birthday party because well, I just really enjoy planning events! (I'm already trying to convince the hubby to let me throw a Christmas party...)

Anyway, so I began "planning" (or more accurately; pinning), around January. It all started with location; I had to find a way to create a barn feel somewhere. My first instinct was to host the party at a park, but that would require renting or purchasing hay bails and other such decorative touches to turn the park setting into a barn setting.  While I searched for a venue, I stumbled upon another mom's blog who held a Lorax themed birthday at Tanaka Farms and as I had recently attended a strawberry themed tour there, it was the perfect fit!

Up next was the invitation, which I could not have pulled off without the help of my talented and crafty mom!
We decided we wanted the invitation to be a barn featuring chica's parents: Mr & Mrs. C (because our little one's parents were hosting the party) and because the party would be held at a farm. We once again turned to Pinterest for ideas and while there were some lovely examples, we decided to go with our own twist.

I also got it in my head that I wanted a Chica barn to use as a photo op for the party. I found a few ideas on Pinterest and again worked on our own twist. My mom handled the roof and I handled the barn base. I think considering the fact that I'm not super crafty, it wound up looking pretty good!

The barn base finished by yours truly:

The finished product, including the roof my mom made: (SH & M modeling the dress up props!)

My mom took on the goodie bags because I'm just not that skilled. I think she did a superb job on them!

I also made Chica heads on a stick and cut outs for table decorations, Chica masks for the kids to use along with the photo booth props, and a fun Chica craft activity.  We also handmade the birthday banner and since adding the string wasn't working out to well, we just taped each triangle onto the banner the farm already had hanging to reserve our tent!

 (M using her Chica mask!)

The birthday girl working on her Chica craft

all the kiddos working on perfecting their Chicas!

SH & SF getting really creative with their Chicas!

Our nephew wrote a special message to the birthday girl on his Chica!

SF's masterpiece; now that's crafty!

M showing off her finished artwork!

The Bday banner, we couldn't fit in her name so we put her name banner on the table ;)

My dear friend, Kari made the cupcakes which consisted of twelve "chica nest" cupcakes and one giant Chica cupcake for the birthday girl.

I think the biggest hit by far was the watermelon tour! We all piled onto the wagon pulled by a tractor which took us all over the farm and we got to taste freshly picked string beans, cilantro, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, cantaloupe, watermelon, and even yellow watermelon! Before returning to our tent all the kiddos got to pick a watermelon to take home!

Carrots!

 

She ate tomatoes! (more than one, too!)

Bananas!!

our guide explains, "Eggplants are berries"- say what???

Let the tasting begin!

cantaloupe & yellow watermelon!

E is still deliberating, meanwhile Sia is loving it!

Aba and the birthday girl's Dad fighting over the fruit! Yes, it was THAT delicious!

Even Sia's youngest pal got a taste! mmm!

K & SH looking so darling

R & D enjoying some fresh yellow watermelon; a first for everyone!

Sia's cousins loving the juicy, sweet watermelon! 

Yum!

Aba enjoying her yellow watermelon!

SF: one in each hand (smart girl!)

Abu joined in the deliciousness!

The additional yumminess we got to taste once off the wagon!

Birthday girl's dad enjoying yellow watermelon!

Perfect treat on a hot summer day!

the watermelon patch

nabbed some to-go!

picked our watermelons!

Everyone had a great time, specially the birthday girl and as her parents we were touched by how many friends came to share in our peanut's birthday celebration.
Enjoy the pics below!

Uncle K enjoying the costume props

Sia and her youngest pal; so sweet!

SF & MF enjoying some dress-up fun!

She refused to eat her Chica cupcake; it looked so real to her...

Uncle K REALLY liked the costumes!

M and her funky glasses

Our little birthday chickadee!

Happy Birthday, Sia!

Fun Pics

I think he enjoyed the costumes more than the kids :P

yup, definitely did.

I even got talked into posing on the tractor! lol

This kiss made it all worth it!

Information on the materials:
Happy Birthday Banner: handmade, construction paper purchased at target

Chica masks: handmade, construction paper purchased at target, sticks purchased at fabric store in Chula Vista

Chica Barn invitations: handmade, card stock and other materials purchased at Michaels.

Chica goodie bags: handmade, materials purchased at fabric store in Chula Vista

Chica barn: handmade, materials purchased at fabric store in Chula Vista.

Chica themed cupcakes by Kari Harle, Tustin, Ca.

Chica inspired tutu outfit by Divalicious Couture

Venue: Tanaka Farms