an almost-3-year-old to feel a little ignored. So she didn't get lost in the shuffle, Anna had lots of Mommy time doing really exciting things - grocery shopping, mailing things, calling a tow truck and hanging at Sears while the car battery was replaced - ya know, the fun stuff. Mom decided to take a break from the whirlwind of fun that were the daily errands and go to Disneyland. And, just to get it out of the way...it was HOT!Mom sticks by her 'Thursdays are best' creed so that was the day. Hallie was dropped off at Brownie camp and they were back on the road. In the car, Anna chattered on about "When we get home...." and "Later, Mommy can I....?" She didn't pay much attention to the increase in the number of freeways on the way back from Brownie camp but certainly paid attention to the exit.
"Hey, this is how we get to Disneyland!" "It is? How do you know that?" "Because I see the Mickey signs and the ones with all the friends." "I think you're right, honey." "Mommy, should we go to Disneyland today? I think it's over there." "You mean without Daddy and Hallie?" "Yeah, I think it's okay. Daddy is at work and Hallie is at Brownie camp so we could go because they can't get here." Later she told everyone the same thing quite proudly. This was just Anna and Mommy time because before she was born-d Hallie had Mommy all alone and before Hallie was born-d Daddy had Mommy alone. Smart kid.She also, however, refused to say 'Hi' to anyone unless pressed but after consideration, she would say "I'm still 2" and if they took the bait, she'd proceed to converse with them no problem. In these situations, Mom and Dad usually try to pull away so as to release the poor victim from further obligation but time and again, the foolish people keep it going! Tram guy, security check lady (who didn't even have a bag to check!), queue neighbor...didn't matter.
Anna adjusted quickly to the surprise because she instantly had a plan. The family usually eats
lunch as early as possible since the crowds get hungry all at once but since everyone had a late breakfast this was not an option. It was Anna's choice and it actually went very smoothly. She expertly moved from Peter Pan (you said we always have to do this first, Mommy) to the Carousel to the Tea Cups. Was disappointed to find Small World temporarily disabled but interested in finding newlywed friends Brian and Kristin just outside. The group then proceeded to Winnie the Pooh, at which point a cast member told Brian that an adult would have to hold Anna's juice box. Anna didn't miss a beat and held it up for the lady to take. It was empty anyway and she gave Mom a look like "I deserved that" and threw it away. After that, everyone took a few photos and went their separate ways.
It was finally time for lunch so the Fantasyland Village Haus restaurant was the next stop. Refueling consisted of the usual chicken nuggets and apple slices (yes, she actually chooses apple slices over fries) while plans were made for what to do after intermission. It was so amusing to see just how much thought 
went into the decision. Anna glanced around at what she could see and made her choices. Lunch was followed by Casey Jr., Dumbo and It's a Small World. She got to enjoy one more ride to the front of the park as they chugged through the primeval world of the dinosaurs on the Disneyland Railroad. And, because they never do, they even got hand stamps on the way out. It was so exciting that Anna stayed awake the entire ride home and rehearsed what she would tell Daddy and Hallie. Hallie was very sweet, didn't mind her going at all and they each got to share about the times that they went to Disneyland with Mommy. They don't yet know that Mommy is really the lucky one! (PS we no longer have the sunglasses )
