Magic

I'm sure you have all heard about the Dopp Disney Trip 2008. It was awesome! Nikki planned the perfect trip, with just the right amount of together time vs. flexibility. Nikki even made big gift baskets for us, with snacks and toys. Thanks, Nik!
Scott and I wondered if four days at Disneyland and California Adventure would be too much, if the magic would wear off. It didn't! Well, there was one point when we couldn't tear any of the kids away from a COLORING TABLE. Scott and I resisted the urge to bark, "We didn't pay hundreds of dollars so you kids could sit here in the shade and color! Now get out there and stand in some lines!" On the contrary, it was heaven to have down times like that, to keep them happy and relaxed. After every ride, Xanthe would turn to me and say, "Wazzit FUUUUN?" Her favorite was the "Pea-pup wide," with the "lellow peapups." Poor kid had no idea what to expect from a ride. Freestone knew what to expect and he was wary. He preferred to sit out the big rides, hugging and/or wielding his new Mickey Mouse light saber. Ari and Ruby were the dare devils who accompanied Scott on free falls and roller coasters.
On the fourth day, at ten minutes to closing time, we were still running from ride to ride, still feeling the magic. I noticed Golda looking around, as if she wanted to take it all in. Suddenly, tears started pooling in her eyes and she ran to Scott, hugging him. She didn't want to leave Disneyland. When Scott told her she would probably be 13 next time we take a trip to Disneyland, we ALL started crying. Driving out, I heard stifled sobs from the back seat, where Golda and Ruby were looking back for one final glimpse of the magic kingdom. I wanted to take them in my arms and run with them back to the Peter Pan ride. If only the ride could deliver what it depicts...endless childhood, with no worries about the tumultuous years ahead. The best we can do, short of pixie dust, is to hold them close and take them places where time can be slowed, where we can all feel childlike together, where riding in a giant teacup seems plausible and where no matter your age, you are Peter Pan.