Faith, Trust, & a Little Bit of Pixie Dust

Faith Trust & a Little Bit of Pixie Dust 

As many of you know (and if you don't know, here you go) my husband and I love Disneyland.  It is one place where we can be a kid again, have fun, enjoy being silly, and escape the craziness of the rest of the world.  We try to go at least 5 times a year as we only live about an hour away right now.  

One of my husband and my favorite times to visit Disneyland is during the holidays, both Halloween and Christmas.  So obviously we had to introduce Olivia to this wonderful time of year at the parks.

During our last visit in October we had a HUGE exciting moment as we watched the parade going down main street  - Olivia PULLED TO STAND, BY HERSELF without braces (HUGE!!!), during the parade and stood up, without braces, for almost 7 minutes.  IT WAS AWESOME!!!!  We were sitting there cheering and crying.  People around us asked if this was her "first time" so we got to share the moment with them as well and we all got to celebrate this kick butt accomplishment - very cool!

People joked that it was "Disney magic" and we said perhaps but it was probably "just time for that" moment.

Then we go back for Christmas time this year and I have to say, I am starting to think that "Disney Magic" has some umph behind it!

When we first arrive Olivia saw a set of stairs.  We have been working, and working, and working with Olivia to get her to sit on her knees but she just doesn't want to.  She makes her legs go completely stiff and just doesn't want to bend them.  Stairs are one of the  best ways to practice kneeling as there is support.  

So what happens when we get to Disney?  She sees a set of stairs (they are decorative and don't lead anywhere) and THROWS her body weight at them….. hmmmmm - my husband and I look at each other with raised eye brows….

Then she does this!!!!

Right to her knees and starts to pull herself up the stairs.  Well alrighty love.  PLAY on those dirty dirty stairs.  YOU GO GIRL! (Yes, I just said that.  I can.  I'm a mom.)

Throughout our 4 hour visit a few other things happened like taking steps while Dad was holding her up, bouncing as music was being played, WANTING to be put down to try to walk.  All awesome and amazing too!

 Then we are watching the holiday parade:

Olivia mesmerized by the holiday parade

And she wanted to stand again, WITHOUT BRACES again.  AND BOUNCED AND BOUNCED with the music as the floats all went past.  

WHAT?!?!  YES!!!!  GO OLIVIA GO!!!!!

So Faith, Trust and a little bit of Pixie Dust is a very true statement in our house now.  

You may say it is "just time" for each of these things to finally happen but I don't believe that.

When we go to Disney it is a time that Russell, Olivia and I are so happy and have 100% family time.  She gets all of our attention without the outside distractions.   Plus everyone around us is happy and she is in kiddo heaven.  All those things put together - why wouldn't she perform at her best?  What better place to celebrate an accomplishment than while IN Disneyland.  She gets it.

Thank you Mr. Disney, cast members and crew.  You guys are the best and we will continue to support the wonderful time and happiness you provide each of your guests.

Be Happy.  Laugh.  Enjoy Chaos.