The Best Birthday~Ever!

I am remembering back to a time when Disneyland was a chore, fun but a chore. Packing strollers, extra clothes, a blanket, etc... Of course there would be the random stuffed plush Disney character that would just overload you at the end of a long day spent in the sun, in lines and the constant restroom breaks. Well, let me tell you times have certainly changed. We, the adults are the baggage, needing coffee and restroom stops and of course the "I'm so thirsty" coming out of the mid to late 40 year olds mouths. The children no longer complain about stopping to take a picture, they pose! It is us, the older folks that whine when a picture needs to be taken, we don't always look our best. How pleasantly surprised I was to notice that our now tween was so "into" Disneyland that we found ourselves lagging behind and anticipating the next rest while a crazy ride awaited the young ins'. Another ride on the Pirates of the Carribean is a ball for all, no more shock rock rollercoasters for any of us. What a relief it was to have a 21 year old Britt, so responsible and on her toes to wait in line for the dreaded Space Mountain with it's loud piercing rock and roll music. As soon as the girls, Britt, Heidi & Sydney, were off to wait in that 45 minute plus line...we high-tailed it to the nearest air-conditioned building. Oh and the concrete seats in that place, just like a recliner chair with the softest seat for your rear. Feeling refreshed after that cool air and caffeine fix, they were back. The 3 of us had smiles on our faces and felt recharged and ready for more. It was refreshing to be with Heidi at this age, the age of I'm cool if you don't embarrass me. So with that we let the girls go and just followed the "popular girl" and felt cool to be part of her birthday entourage. Big Sis even showed up in a t-shirt she painted just for the occasion. It's an actual stencil she made from a real picture of Heidi showing the peace sign. Beautiful work of an artist and a Little Sis that thought she was so special to have a sister that would actually paint and wear her face on her back. No whining about lines, heat, hunger or thirst, from the birthday girl. This child of fear has become a tween thrill seeker. Hands were raised on every ride and drop with screams of "Rock On! Come on people put your hands in the air!" all while flashing the peace sign with both hands. It was the happiest place on Earth and I wish time could have stood still, well maybe for a few more hours. Time caught in a bottle would not happen, but on film instead. The look of our beautiful redhead enjoying every moment of her special birthday gift from Grandma Annamarie and Uncle Hal, feeling so important and acting like a young lady. She was grateful, thankful and told us while eating dinner that this was the happiest day of her life, the best birthday ever. With birthday gift money from Grandpa & Grandma Nichols in hand off we went to the big corner store. Fully expecting to be in there for what would be an eternity, she knew right where to go and what she wanted. Over to the Nightmare Before Christmas section of the store a t-shirt and shoulder bag are what she desires. What? This can not be it, there has to be a giant stuffed Disney something she will be begging for. Never happened, she is now a 12 year old. Just like when she was turning 3, she knew what she wanted then and now was going to get it, all on her own. So on the eve of my little Pumpkin Head's 12th birthday, Happy Birthday, Dear Heidi, Happy Birthday to YOU...AND MANY MORE (days just like this)