We went to Disneyland last month. Actually, we went to Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm on a crazy two-day excursion with six adults, two teenagers, and our two grandchildren, one of which was only two months old. I realize that this could now turn into a running commentary asking “who takes an infant to Disneyland during a pandemic?” but hear me out…this all started with us wanting to take the three-year-old to Disneyland during a pandemic. (After seeing that in writing, I don’t think it’s helping my case so I’ll just get back to the story.)
What started as a thought to take Zander to Disneyland turned into a full-on family trip in which ALL of us wanted to share Zander’s first experience at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Admission to the park has been limited and masks were required so we figured that it may be much more enjoyable and safer than some other pandemic activities like…getting on a plane to go….anywhere. We ended up with all three of our boys, our daughter-in-law, both grandkids, and our DIL’s siblings since none of us had been to Disneyland in years. Then we heard that we could get military tickets to Knotts for $25 each…I mean….how do you turn that down? The more the merrier…and in reality, that was true. We had a great time together!
It took a while to get our group of ten moving the first morning at Knotts, but to make up for it, we were the last people escorted out by security at the end of the night. Did you realize that they literally fan out, sweep the park, and if you stay past your welcome, they very politely help you find the exit, with more people joining a little parade behind you as you walk out? And I’m serious when I say politely. They don’t push you…they just stand next to you…silently…probably thinking of getting home…relaxing after a long day…or maybe how to murder a group of ten that overstayed their welcome. Who knows?
Our first day was filled with roller coasters for most of the group and part of us hanging out in Camp Snoopy with the littles. Zander found several rides that he rode again…and again…and again with each one of us. We realized that this kid is staying firmly on the ground as any ride that rose even two inches was deemed “too high, Grandma!”
It was in one of these lines that we met Zane.
Zane was about the same age as Zander but a head taller and a true force of nature. He stood next to Zander and kept saying, “HI” “HI” “HI” while trying to grab Zander’s hand. He was a ball of excitement that only accentuated how quiet Zander is in social situations. Zander took a step back and Zane advanced, trying desperately to make a connection. Zane’s mother patiently explained that Zander may need a little space and Zane backed up but continued to very excitedly pursue his new friendship. He almost knocked over the guard poles which his mother again, very patiently put back in place. I watched Zander look at Zane with a bit of wonder.
We went on the ride and went about our day. We ran into Zane again a few hours later. True to his nature, he ran up to Zander again and very excitedly greeted him and then greeted everyone else anywhere within his sites. I watched Zane’s mother through it all. I saw a few people take steps back, make comments or get a little irritated with Zane’s energy. Even then, I watched Zane’s mother. If she had any tension over it, she didn’t show it. She just directed Zane when he needed it, and provided guidance on when he might be overwhelming someone around him. And she smiled. A lot…not in a fake way, but in a ‘look at my cool little guy’ way.
So, while there is more to tell about our trip, for some reason, I’ve been thinking about Zane…and Zane’s mother.
I hope Zane always maintains his love for meeting everyone around him, even when some people shrink back. I hope Zane’s mother realizes what a good Mom she is, even if people look irritated. And I’m so glad that we got a chance to meet them. They made an impact on me on what I always want my kids and grandkids to see when they see me looking at them.
That my face always says, “you are the coolest people ever!”
Because….they are!
Mothering, Marriage and Menopause 
I love everything about this. From the family trip to the child and his mother. ❤
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I think we will be making this an annual event for the family – It was a great end to the year last year
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That sounds like a great idea 🙂
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