Happy Monday Friends! A few weeks ago, my family and I shared in an adventure to DisneyLand, the happiest place on earth….

From the sparkle of the evening lights down Main Street, to the joy of being embraced by Minnie Mouse, to the beauty and simplicity of ‘It’s a Small World’…what magic there is in Disney days…

It had been 12 years since Disneyland last embraced us with its magic…and it’s funny that as 12 years have past….12 years of birthdays, 12 years of becoming adults, 4 graduations, new jobs, first jobs, and all the in-between moments….the magic and joy of this place remain the same within our hearts.

Sure, in 12 years, some of us grew a bit….finally able to reach the height requirement for those bumper cars!

And daddy’s arms used to form the basketball hoop that this ‘little’ big guy used to reach up to with his Monsters Inc. ball…

And his muscles used to be little chubby-boy cuteness…

But still after 12 years…naps on daddy’s back while waiting in line are still the best…

And our love for the teacups ride remains strong (and we have increased our ability and want to spin completely out of control!)….

And we can still do the chicken dance with Tigger in public….

Because this is family. We love. We forgive. We embrace laughter and any and all opportunities to be silly. Through the spinning, craziness of life, we are there for each other. Through the times of growth and seasons of change, we provide a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. We celebrate. And we give thanks.

So 12 years has past and here we are at Disney, embracing the simple joys and the magic of each moment. A reminder that although seasons in life will change, family is forever and the magic of Disney has taught us these very things….

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – Emperor of China (Mulan)

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” – Rafiki (The Lion King)

“All you need is faith, trust, and a little pixie dust!” – Peter Pan

“When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.” – Dory (Finding Nemo)

“But she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.” – Narrator (Beauty and the Beast)

“What makes you different is also what makes you incredibly special.” Dumbo

“‘Ohana’ means ‘family’, and ‘family’ means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten.” – Lilo and Stitch

Adventure is out there. – UP

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” – Winnie the Pooh

“Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before judging them.” – Brother Bear

“No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” – Cinderella

“Do not be fooled by its commonplace appearance. Like so many things, it is not what is outside, but what is inside that counts.” – Merchant (Aladdin)

You guys are my favorite! Here’s to a lifetime of ‘palling-a-round’ with my favorite people….

“It means no worries for the rest of our day. It’s our problem-free philosophy, Hakuna Matata!” – Timon and Pumbaa (The Lion King)