I started Babes In Disneyland back when my second son was born and my oldest son was about 2 1/2 years-old. We were in the thick of diapers, breastfeeding and stroller choices and life was incredibly hectic. Today, we have three beautiful boys and as they have grown, we’ve celebrated and marked many of life’s milestones with trip to the Resort. Last Sunday, we braved the heat and crowds and “celebrated” a few very special milestones.

Aidan is my oldest son and on our way to Disneyland announced that he was going to ride California Screamin’ for the first time that day. My husband and I exchanged puzzled looks but he was determined. When we got to DCA, I took the two younger boys to Disney Junior Live on Stage while my husband took Aidan on California Screamin’. According to my husband, Aidan told him that his teacher told his class about the importance of facing their fears last week and the thought this would be a good thing to do. He kept his eyes shut the entire time but disembarked triumphant. He even stopped to tell the residents of Buena Vista Street all about it afterward.

Brandon had two incredible firsts. He braved the Indiana Jones Adventure for the first time, which was something he had been really wanting to do for a long time, but he just finally hit the height requirement. 

More importantly, Brandon got to participate in the Jedi Training Academy. (Of course, this was the day when the only camera equipment we brought was our iPhones!) Brandon has waited to get picked for the Academy several times before and not gotten picked in the last years. About a year and a half ago he did get picked but when Darth Maul jumped from the Tomorrowland Terrace stage, he errupted into hysterical tears, which cut his training short. 

This time around, Brandon didn’t actually get picked. He was so disappointed that he started cry. As we consoled him and told him we would try again next time, a lovely Cast Member came up, gave him a hug around his shoulders and brought him into the Academy. The rest is pure magic resulting in him not only fighting Darth Vader, but getting to force push the Storm Troopers and a cute moment in which he tries to force push Vader.

 
And then there’s sweet Connor, and perhaps the biggest “first” of all. Sunday was the FIRST time we have visited Disneyland since my oldest son was born more than eight

Contemplating an undiapered bottom at Disneyland.

years ago without any diapers in tow. NO MORE DIAPERS FOR THIS FAMILY! It was such a momentous occasion to not have to carry around diapers and all of the trappings for a diaper change. At the same time, it was really sad because it felt like I was visiting the Resort with three big, independent boys. Where did the time go? How did I survive all of those solo trips breastfeeding with baby food and diapers in tow? Will they continue to love the wonder and magic of Disneyland as they get older?

I’m so grateful to be able to share the wonderment of the Disneyland Resort with my kids and to mark so many of life’s important milestones there.