Linley is Eight. And Super Great.

 Monday this small woman child turned 8.  She is sassy but smart.  She is dramatic but intensely loves life.  She is impatient but deeply nurturing.  She is loud but her laugh infectious.  She is prissy but prefers to play with the boys.  

When I see Linley, I see a girl I want to be. 

She's an experiencer. A rose-breather.  A sparkle seeker.

She gets it.

But for the heart melt, Allen has said she is becoming all of his favorite parts of the girl he fell in love with in college (she would be me).  

When Allen sees Linley, he sees me.

So, swoon. 

She opted for an American Girl Tea Party this year.

It was an adorable girly good time.

 In addition to toasting teas (or strawberry milk), the girls sewed little stuffed owls for their dolls.We didn't finish.

 Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew.

 The girls didn't mind though.  Because, marshmallows.  

 And cupcakes.

 She has desperately wanted a bike with gears.  Daddy for the win.

Happy 8th Linley Brooke!! 

We think you're pretty special around these parts.

Capturing *southern* California

After 6 hours in the rented minivan (still never happening my darling), we finally arrived at our much anticipated destination: 

DISNEYLAND

Now let's be real.  I wasn't actually anticipating Disney at all.  In fact, I was feeling major amounts of anxiety. And fear.  And dread. Because, Eden.

Buuuuttt, she was a doll.  Amazing.  Patient.  Pleasant even?!?!  Disney, you truly are magical.

//Day One//

We spent the entire day playing in Disneyland.  And it was amazing.  Happy and exciting and amazing.

 Kelly's mom came along, and boy, she was a treat.  Helpful and knowledgeable, our personal photographer, and all around good to have as a travel companion.

 Tarzan and {Tessa} Jane.  Because Eden. She belongs with the monkeys.

 My sexy Iron Men (it's probably totally creepy to call your kid sexy.  But, come on, you know what I mean).

 

Wanna know something extra amazing?!? Between fast-passes, rider passes and just general good luck, we never waited in line for more than 20 minutes.  Our entire trip.  It was crazy.  Sometimes the Heaven's shine down on me.  With good reason. 

Because, Eden.

 And even doubly more amazing: these three are adventurous and fearless and super fun.  And I had no idea.  They could not be bothered by the "little kid rides."  If it wasn't a coaster, it wasn't worth it.  Dang I love these Space Mountain super freaks!!

//Day Two//
This was our magic morning, and we got into the park an hour before opening.  We quickly and excitedly hit up the Matterhorn (since it is uber popular and not fast passable).  And when you are hanging out with Abominable Snowmen at 7am, you can bet it's going to be one super fantastic day.

Also, major high-fives for this guy.  Who did ALL the spinning rides with the kids.

He's the best of the best.  And they are the luckiest of the lucky.

 Splash Mountain was easily my favorite ride in Disneyland.  My riding partners agreed (unless they were on Space Mountain.  Then that was their favorite ride.  Fickle little souls).

 Look at those four!!    

Their excitement makes the heart pitter-patter.

 After a couple runs down the mountain, we hopped on over to California Adventure.  And hot dog, that place is all sorts of amazing.

 California Screamin' was definitely the crowd favorite.  The kids must have gone at least 6 times.

 The Cars ride was also a favorite.  Not because it was super thrilling, but because it was just so well done and fun.  I really loved it.

After a full day on the Adventure side, we headed to Downtown Disney for some dinner at Rainforest Cafe and a leisurely stroll along the sites.

 After dinner, we went back to Disneyland to rest on It's a Small World and watch the fireworks.

 I can confidently say Eden has never enjoyed herself more than she did on that ride.  It almost brought a tear to my eye to see her so completely enamored and full of joy.

 Fireworks, however.  Well, there was a tree.

//Day Three//

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The girls had been waiting for this day for a solid six months.  We woke up and beelined to California Adventure to have breakfast at Ariel's Grotto, with ALL the princesses.  Or at least all the real princesses.

 Any guesses who was Ryder's favorite???

The rest of the day we meandered around California Adventure. You know, like:

Met up with our kind of people.

 Merry-Go-Rounded

 Flew

 Nearly puked on that stupid swinging gondola

Dropped down twelve stories (But really, Tower of Terror rocked my socks.  And poor Tessa).

 Then said see-ya to Disney.  Because ladies and gentlemen, we had conquered it all. 

  And we were exhausted. 

The next day we got up at 3am and headed to LAX for our flight home.  Which went flawlessly.  Not only did Eden refrain from barfing (bless her!!!), but she napped.  TWICE!! 

Clearly the Disney magic hadn't worn off.

I had really low expectations for this vacation (because, Eden.  duh.). So to say it exceeded my expectations would be lame.  We asked a lot of the kids.  We twisted them and turned them and plopped their world upside down.  And they adapted.  While giggling.  It was almost erie how wonderful they were.

I still get goosebumps thinking about the many moments of pure elation I got to watch my four babies experience.  So yes, this vacation most definitely exceeded my expectations, but in a most epic way.

It's pretty rare, but dang, sometimes being a parent is just plain rad.