Just the two of us

Jake and I had our first real get-away since the kids have been born. In fact, it was my first time ever spending a night away from Macy. It felt so strange being at the airport without the girls, and yes I was feeling very sad about leaving them behind. Unfortunately it was a business trip rather than a romantic vacation, but we still had a great time!

I was attending a two-day conference for the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement in Anaheim, California. Jake and I figured that this would be the perfect time to use our Disney volunteer vouchers for free park entry, so we went a day early to spend a full day in Disneyland. We kept this a secret from Kennedy until just before we left. I was asking her for ideas of what Dad and I should do in California. She came up with the idea all on her own saying, "Disneyland is in California. You could go there and have lots of fun!" She also requested that Dad bring her back a Mickey doll. Luckily there were no issues of us going without her. She was actually quite excited to sleep over at Grammie and Pamp's.

We landed late Monday night (July 19th) and took a taxi from Long Beach Airport to our hotel. Our Egyptian driver, who was rather difficult to understand, kept giving us advice on where to eat in "Arab Town" and passed out coupons for kabobs. We ended up just going to the hotel bar for some appetizers before turning in for the night.

Tuesday morning we were up bright and early to catch the bus to the park. We were there just as it was opening. Disneyland without kids is a totally different experience. I missed having them there, but I was also so glad that they weren't with us. It was really crowded, much much worse than when we were there at the end of February. I can't imagine standing in some of the lines with the girls - trying to keep Kennedy from hanging or climbing on everything, and it probably would have been much worse to keep Macy still, knowing that she'd be squirming to get down and walk around. And I can't imagine how tired they would have been, because we were both wiped out by 9:30pm. Jake was ready to quit before I was. I just wanted to go on two more rides, and then stay for the fireworks. We did the rides, but watched the fireworks as we were heading for the exit. And of course we made a final stop for Kennedy's Mickey and Tigger for Macy.

I had a few Disneyland firsts on this trip, which amazes me because I think I've been here quite a few times. My first time paddling in the canoes around Tom Sawyer's Island. My first time riding the big steamship. My first time eating at the restaurant in Pirates of the Caribbean (Blue Bayou). My first time getting totally drenched on Splash Mountain. It was all great, and I can't wait until the next time we come back.

Jake flew home Wednesday morning and I spent the next two days learning about research and prospect management trends and best practices. It really was a great conference, but I sure missed my family! My boss/good friend Paul and I went out to dinner in Downtown Disney at House of Blues. I also got to spend some time with colleagues from other institutions in the state, and from all over the country.

My mom picked me up from the airport, but I arrived after Jake had put the girls to bed. Of course I had to sneak a peek of them sleeping, and they looked just fine. I guess they can manage without me, and I was able to survive a few days without seeing them. Apparently they were excellent house guests, so maybe that means another get-away is in our future!