Grandma’s Take on the 10th Anniversary DLH Weekend

With Aly and Bill's NJ baby shower about a week away (I can't wait to see the change in the "baby bump" since the DLH), I began to reflect on our exciting Disneyland Half Weekend.

After I checked into the Disneyland Hotel early Thursday afternoon, I headed to the expo. The process for runDisney merchandise at this expo was new to me. You had to go upstairs to get a wrist band, get in line and wait for your group to be brought downstairs. The line went rather quickly. I think this was the first time Aly didn’t give me a “list” to scoop up stuff for her before they got to go the next day. I didn’t get much either, treating myself to a magnet and shirt. I think it was the excitement of the real reason I was there…the baby reveal. Yes, I was enjoying the race weekend, but I couldn’t wait until Sunday.

Anniversary Party attendees
got this nice sling bag.

I picked up my bib, anniversary ticket and swag, and then got a text from Katie and Chris who were at the expo. I met up with them for a bit, but then returned to the hotel to rest.

Water projection on
Rivers of America

Disneyland was calling but I didn't get going until about 8pm. (I know I could have gone earlier, but I was up since 3:30 that morning to catch my flight to the west coast.) I walked around and found a good spot to catch the fireworks. Sat, people watched and talked to others for a while, but the fireworks never happened. A DJ was entertaining the crowd by playing music on a barge in Rivers of America. I rode Pirates twice, which was kind of nice to walk right in. The rides had no lines.The “party” seemed kind of empty.The largest lines were for character pictures. I really wanted to see the special “Paint the Night” parade, but that was at 11pm (2am for me) and I didn’t make it. I slowly made my way back to the hotel exhausted.The kids called saying they were an hour away.I vaguely remember them coming in.

The Queen of Hearts while she
was still running.

My 10k bib was acquired at the last minute through a travel provider who had 1 bib left. It was interesting because I should (and could) have signed up for the 5k, but my competitiveness to capture that last bib took over. Fail. I was not prepared and limped my way through the last 2 miles. Countless runners asked if I was ok as they passed me. I knew it would not be good as I did not train well. Not being a consistent runner, it’s all about the training leading up to the race, no matter what the distance. Lesson learned. But, I finished. My highlight…running through the castle! That is something I never thought I would get to do, as I will never be able to run a half marathon.

The next morning, I cheered on the rest of the family. I saw them all at different points but was able to capture some pics near mile 12. I was a little concerned when Katie and Chris passed and I wasn’t seeing Alyson. She’s usually a faster runner, but as I found out later, she took a tour of all the Disney rest rooms and port-o- potties on the course. 

Katie & Chris with a sunshine glow!

Bill

Alyson

The races were over. Aly, Bill, Katie and Chris had another Dumbo Double Dare under their belts.   Now it was time for the celebration. 

I didn't understand why Carthay Circle didn't change their sign to read The "Baby" Celebration!

Dinner was absolutely delicious, but we were all waiting for dessert.That was the main reason I came.The Disney Bakers made a fun (and delicious) cake. We were all excited when it was cut and we found out…

IT'S A BOY!!!

Of course, I was prepared with a Team Mickey gift. (And, I couldn’t fool Alyson. She knew her Mom and figured out there was also a Team Minnie gift in my backpack.)

Baby S' first Mickey T Shirt and Mickey Onesie

We all went back to our hotels exhausted and excited. The next day we managed to get some “I’m celebrating “ buttons and this grandma-to-be is gladly keeping her new Disneyland souvenir.