Welcome foolish mortals!

Birthday planning starts early around these parts. It usually starts with a seed of an idea and grows into a concept. Then it becomes reality after a few months. 

Here are the previous birthday parties: owl, Frontierland & Little Mermaid. 

In May, I asked my soon to be 4 year old what she wanted to do for her birthday party. 

I had looked at a Breakfast at Tiffany's theme. I showed her. Nah. 

I showed her a summer/lemon theme. Nah.

Nothing was working for this girl. 

Then one day lightning struck. We were at "The Happiest Place on Earth". 

"I WANT A HAUNTED MANSION BIRTHDAY!"

The Rolly Crump fan in me rejoiced! 

The mysterious Hat Box ghost who haunts HM fans to this day.
Click the picture for more info.

It's a well known fact that I enjoy time spent at Disneyland. It's a little known fact (as Cliff Clavin would say) that I'm Doom Buggie certified ghoul for the Haunted Mansion. I've spent hours reading about the original ideas, designs, concept art and "imagineering" that went into my favorite New Orleans dark ride. The kids and I have haunted several websites, watching old videos and learning all we could. Do yourself a favor, go to Doom Buggies.com. 

Now I realize that most 4 year olds don't want to even go on this ride, much less go to a party based on it. We will tone it down and play up the "party scene". We'll also make sure that everything is very Victorian. 

We will hang some spectral decor of course! 

MiceChat.com is one of my favorite Disneyland websites.

I'll keep you happy haunts updated on our party progress, just check back into the blog.

...be sure to bring your...death certificates.

This pattern can be purchased on easy for $5.

Disneyland in the Rain.

I had an ultrasound appointment today in Burbank. The medical center is right across Buena Vista Street from Disney studios. I snapped this while waiting for a red light. It's a true spot of happiness. I'm a big Disney history fan & I'm all about historical buildings. It's a fantastic blend of both.

There Is a state of the art cancer treatment center at the hospital, The Roy & Patricia Disney Cancer Center. The upper floors appeared to have a nice view of the studios. I'd like to think that the little Hidden Mickeys in the wrought iron gates help some of the patients. They certainly boosted my spirits in my moment of medical mystery.
I don't want to seem glib at all, I realize the severity of cancer. The complete despair & powerlessness. I just realize that for me, it's the little things. My hope is that for some of those patients, especially the younger ones, that they would find a little glimmer of joy in the Mouse.

To read about the cancer center, go here: http://www2.providence.org/saintjoseph/services/cancer/Pages/default.aspx

Pardon my typing. This is my first entry on my iPad. :)

First Disneyland Trip of the Year

 We went to Disneyland to get our passes updated. They extended our passes after I wrote a letter thanking them for the park's kindness when our stroller was stolen. We were surprised and thrilled! They even extended our parking which I wasn't expecting at all. Here's pictures from our day. Yes, I got a wheelchair, walking at Disneyland and kidney stones don't mix. After trying to maneuver that chair and seriously building my arm muscles, I have a ton more respect for people who have to use them. It's amazing how people on foot don't pay attention and how normal things like chairs and skinny hallways are obstacles. It was sort of like that day in 9th grade when you had to come to school with a "disability" to understand others better. I honestly learned a lesson!
 We had a blast, it's always nice to go all together on a Sunday evening. The weather was perfect and the crowds were small.

This is Mae's favorite ride. She named her horse "Belle." Josiah's horse was "Oswald".

Disneyland has "Family Fun Weekends" going on right now. This weekend it was western themed.  Mae was all about meeting characters, even Clara bell Cow. Josiah was about coloring and watching the dancers.

We took a very relaxing cruise on the Mark Twain.  

This is Oswald. He was Walt's creation before Mickey. He was lost in a bad deal, but the
Disney company acquired him back a couple of years ago.
Josiah loves him since discovering him.

Here's a couple pictures from Cameron's perspective. Mae was excited to see Daisy and Donald.
Josiah and I discuss the carousel. 

Here we are at Flynn's arcade. Josiah played a little Tron.