You’d think I’d have been chomping at the bit to leave on our summer vacation. Yet there I was, driving down I-5, doing my best to psych up to the days ahead.
Don’t get me wrong; I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Disneyland. I kneeled there on the castle drawbridge, proposing marriage to the love of my life. We’ve even gone back a few times since then with extended family. We’ve picked our favorite restaurants, discovered the best snack shacks, and mastered the FastPass system. I could probably deliver the Jungle Cruise spiel myself. This trip, however, would be the first where all five of us Oswalds would visit the place together.
Oh, and we’d also visit Knott’s Berry Farm, California Adventure, and Medieval Times while we were at it. This was to be a summer vacation filled to the brim with amusement.
Perhaps I woke up too early that first day. Or perhaps my inner Scrooge was lamenting the cost of travel. Or maybe that Jim Gaffigan Disney routine echoed in my mind. I was feeling anxious about our family vacation, and trying to imagine how we would corral my rambunctious boys during long hours under the Southern California sun. My worries had sapped my joy from me.
But then a funny thing happened as we drove past the valley town of Lathrop. My daughter asked if we could listen to a present-day Transformers cartoon theme song on my phone (one of her favorite shows). We did it, all while singing along. Then I told her about the Transformers cartoon “from back in my day” and played the kids the hilariously terrible theme song. They laughed and laughed, and I nearly drove off the road in laughter myself. Then I played the remix of that same song by one of my favorite bands…
That (death-defying) laughter-filled turn of events was a gift. I get the sense that God was trying to remind me that while my kids are often crazy, they are full of contagious joy that they are willing to share. They remind me that I can never really know what is coming around the corner. I learned all over again that our time could be filled with joy, if only I might go with the flow of trying to control them.
This trip could be one of eager anticipation, or bracing for impact. I chose the former.
Take a look at a few of my favorite images and memories from our summer vacation below:
Day One: Any amusement worth its salt requires waiting in line. Medieval Times Dinner Theater was no exception.
As it turns out, they let us in the park and crowned us with many crowns.
My wife was more excited than anyone for the show to begin!
Behind his frown he was pretty excited too.
The trumpets sounded and this guy shot out of the smoke.
And sometimes, the horses were ridden by actors with longer hair than the horses.
There was a whole amphitheater full of knights, as it turned out…
…Though it was the yellow knight for whom our section of the arena cheered.
My daughter swooned after catching a flower bestowed by the Yellow Knight. She deserves a chivalrous gentleman…many years from now.
He may not have won the tournament but we all knew he was the best.
Day Two: We head to Knott’s Berry Farm and marvel at big rocks. Okay, okay, marvel at epic geodes.
Much to Ashton’s chagrin, he found he was just tall enough to watch his siblings go on awesome rides. Patient dude.
Feeling blue during her impromptu fashion shoot at Knott’s Berry Farm.
That little guy second from the right is my youngest son. And this is how he looked on almost any ride he took.
Working up to a second wind during the mid-afternoon. Many naps were skipped in the making of this trip.
Ashton looked considerably less freaked out while watching rubber duckies float in a gentle loop.
Day Three: After two days of go-go-going Erica was still going strong. California Adventure was next on the list.
Liam, on the other hand, was high on sugar, SoCal, and amusement parks.
Upon arriving at California Adventure, we found they had opened a store in our name.
Our name wasn’t emblazoned on this building, however. Still, its cool.
My kids owning Radiator Springs, though nobody else realized it.
Goofing off.
Scaling the heights and nets of the Redwood Park. Not quite like the real thing.
Break on through to the other side.
Even the balloons are fancier there at California Adventure.
The sun began to set on our adventures, and on the rest of park.
Had to stop and grab this shot on the way out of the park. Who knew Disney could be so moodily lit?
Day Four: Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom was our final destination, and this guy was beginning to fade.
Auntie, Uncle and the cousins joined us at the magic kingdom. Oh, and Minnie was there too.
I was transfixed by the same stone sphere spinning over a fountain when I was small. This girl’s got great taste.
A rocket full of young-at-heart girls.
My niece had become quite skilled at waiting in line: a wonderful gift, all would agree.
Parades were made to be seen, which is why grandfathers come equipped with shoulders.
Ashton found his second wind after buying a motorized automatic light and noise maker. Buzz Lightyear’s battery was dead two hours later.
With minutes ’til closing, we snapped our final family photo of the trip. Bedtime came about ten minutes later.
We didn’t lose any children. The children didn’t lose any limbs. I didn’t lose my sanity. We may have lost a few pounds from all that walking, come to think of it. In other words, our summer vacation was a resounding success. And as I look back on these photos now, I see that even looking through the camera, it was the people far more than the places that brought so much joy.
I think I’m ready for our next summer vacation. Right now.
Have you ever taken a vacation that you had to psych up for? Sound off in the comments below!
2 comments
Great blog as usual! The cranny faces of Ashton are priceless! Lol
Thanks so much, Steve. I’m a fan of those crabby faces too…for now. Let’s hope his face doesn’t freeze that way!