It's a small world after all

As our last "hoorah" in the states, we decided that Disneyland was in order. My brother, Byron, lives in L.A., and as this is our first stop before flying out of the country, it seemed fitting. Bradley and I had been looking forward to this special treat, but I believe Byron was even more excited. Peggy delivered us to the airport, with all of our possessions for the upcoming 2 years stuffed into suitcases and bags. We flew Virgin Airlines, and once we checked our luggage, the gentleman suggested paying for first class, as it was only $78 more, and would include a meal for each us. Sold! We were both excited to experience the comfy seating and food, but 5 minutes before we boarded, they called us to the front desk. Apparently someone else had bought the last 2 first class tickets at the same time we did, and they'd beat us by a virtual moment. Bradley was pretty bummed, and so was I, until they told us that our checked baggage would be free, in order to make up for the error. For me, frugality is more attractive than any posh plane ride. ;o) The in flight music included a "nature" genre. I plugged my earphones in; wrapped my bandana around my eyes; and drifted off into a happy slumber. Los Angeles came quickly, and I was soon hugging my brother's neck. However, before meeting him in the luggage collection area, it hit me. I had thought several times, "maybe we'll get to ride first class on the way back," and "I think I'll watch the Lego Movie on the flight back."

But there won't be a flight back...

for a while...

like 2 years....

I mentally froze and then whispered, under my breath, "this isn't a vacation."

It's so strange how no matter how much you prepare your brain for something; regardless of the time allowed, you can continually be caught off guard by life.

The beginning of our airport fun... 

Arrival in L.A.

And mom said Tetris wasn't a life skill...

For some reason they threw me in the back with the

baggage. I could take offense to that, but I won't.

We headed off to Byron's apartment, where Tobi, Byron's adorably sweet chocolate lab was waiting to play with us before we raced out for some gourmet burgers at Plan Check. Remember the meal we ended up not getting on our flight? Yeah, well, we were pretty hungry by this point. Plan Check didn't disappoint, and with full bellies we settled in for a good night's sleep, finally. Byron was very concerned that we get in some good rest, as he had no intentions of missing out on any Disney fun.

Tobi playing pitiful for some attention.

Me and my bruver. I love him.

Go ahead, it's okay for your taste buds to be jealous.

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How do you explain Disney? It's a magical place that allows you to be a kid, regardless of your age. Somehow Walt transports you into another dimension, free from cares and strife, well, besides the trial of choosing which ride to enjoy first.

The tram ready to take us to our magical adventure.

Excited big kids!

Disney Town

We have arrived...

To infinity and beyond!

In another time I'd be a fairy, and everything would be wonderful.

Autopia. Who's the weirdo in the back?

The guys watching the Star Wars street show.

Star Tours. The force is strong with us.

Yummy corn dogs!

Our alter egos: Buzz, Cinderella, and Stitch.

Indie, I don't think I'm gonna make it!

OH MY PRINCESS! It's Aurora's castle!

It's always crazy whenever Mr. Toad's at the wheel...

Shivering in our boots as we enter the haunted house.

Mad tea party magic after dark.

For you Lego lovers...

All we could think was, "somebody builds these for a living!"

Probably my favorite part of the day: The Sorcerer's Workshop.

We sketched different items and put them in the stereoscopes,

or at least that's what I think they're called. Then we did a quiz to find

our Disney character match: Byron - Jack Skellington; Bradley - Mickey;

Me - Mrs. Incredible. No wonder why I liked it so much. ;o)

Bradley chilling out "on-campus" at Monsters U.

Welcome to Radiator Springs!

The whole town makes you feel like you've stepped into the movie. Awesome!

Gettin' cozy at the cone.

Flo's was probably my favorite.

I was torn as to whether I should let Ramone tattoo me. ;o)

Oh Stanley, if you could see it all now...

Yep!

What a cone head... 

Delicious lunch at Flo's!!!

Mater spotting - just missed my photo op.

The green army men from Toy Story. Great show!

And the Disney Adventure just keeps going...

Choosing our seats for the "Aladdin" show.

I'm pretty sure Byron wet his pants, he was so excited.

He kept turning to us and saying, "I think you guys are really going

to like this show. It's so cool." So, yeah, we made fun of him.

Then we saw the show, and he was right.

Bradley in Disney form.

Great little quartet we found, and enjoyed during our meal.

I told Bradley that I've never been on a ferris wheel,

that I can recall, but have always wanted to go on one.

So, we picked the sliding gondolas on the ferris wheel.

About 3 people from our turn to ride, I thought to myself,

"I'm about to voluntarily enter a locked cage with no safety

restraints, and then be hoisted hundreds of feet into the air.

And, as I've foolishly selected the swinging gondola, I

will be perpetually falling or swinging the entire ride."

My next thought: "I've made a huge mistake."

One of the non-swinging moments in the gondola.

Ready to beat the tail off Byron in the Toy Story

game... but he was too good for me.

Cars ride. Bradley's favorite. Bar none.

Luigi's tires - Bradley coming after us.

Us coming after him.

Good-a times at Casa Della Tires!

Yeah, it's true.

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On Sunday we had our last American service with the brethren in LAX, and then spent the evening relaxing. Byron is such an excellent host. He wants to show us around, but also finds time to just chill and visit. Perfect combo for our tastes!

Dinner at Obika Mozzarella Bar. Very tasty.

Also very trendy, in a good way.

Yogurt Land is a traditional favorite with us 3.

How to Train a Dragon 2, in 3D did not disappoint.

Neither did the popcorn and soda. YES!

Final donut craze before we leave the states.

Walking the dock Monday afternoon.

Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Sorry, still have Disney on the brain.

Beautiful everything.

A brother. A friend. A guy I greatly admire.

Last photo before heading to the airport.

We were so grateful and blessed to have had several days with one of my best friends. Lots of fun and love, and many happy memories were made. I am thankful to have had some down time before our crazy Cambodian adventure truly begins. We'll just be on the other side of the world, and thanks to technology, like Walt Disney says, "it's a small world after all."