THE MAGICAL LAND OF DISNEY

we went to disneyland.

and it was magical!!

After some time in Laguna we took off to Anaheim and spent a couple days feeling the magic! Throughout the last semester of our college careers Kimball and I would often turn to the other (usually in very random moments) and say "I want to go to Disneyland". 

It was something we knew we had to do and as graduation loomed closer I was itching for somebody to ambush me with a microphone and say "Kelsey! you just graduated! what are you going to do now!?" so that I could scream back "I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!" Didn't happen. But we did make the plans with Ali and Nathan and on that overcast, foggy morning we walked to the gates of Disneyland to await the opening of the magical land. 

Ali is a riot. Disneyland is her thing. Fast passes, running speed walking, traditions, crazy faces and doing it all is what she is all about. We could not have gone to d-land with a better couple! Thirteen hours after we heard the magical voice pronounce the opening of the park we heard the announcement of the close. After cramming in 3 rides in the last half hour we walked back to the hotel with sore feet and happy, tired smiles on our faces. 

Taking inventory of the injuries of the day (bruised and blistered feet, head aches, sore muscles and a possible broken toe) we took showers and absolutely zonked (not a word but if you know me you know that it really is). 

Oh glorious, magical, magnificent Disneyland. We thank you.

After a short trip to Downtown Disney the next morning (and the purchase of a mickey mouse cookie cutter...you know me!) we hit the road to return to our vacay in Arizona with the fam. 

Thank you Ali and Nathan for the memories!

because we are blessed.

Laguna Beach

We hit up Laguna Beach with our friends Ali and Nathan for just a tad of beach time before heading to Anaheim for Disneyland!

Lady, my Nikon, didn't make it on the trip but we took our baby camera and shot a few memories.

Thanks to Andy, one of my mother in laws closest friends, we had a beach front hotel that was beyond amazing. By far one of the best grad gifts we received! We hadn't seen Andy since our wedding so it was wonderful to meet up with her and get some lunch. How blessed are we to have so many amazing people around us? Very. 

because i am blessed.

exploring.

With no school and no work and nice weather we've finally found time to explore our neighborhood! Cut offs on and popsicles in hand we scooted to the nearby cemetery to explore.

Living across from a cemetery for the past year and a half hasn't really seemed weird to me but as we passed the cast iron gates and began reading names and dates I finally realized I lived across the street from a cemetery...not just a pretty grassy area with beautiful trees and lots of visitors.

After moseying around for a while and inspecting the war memorial we realized a lot of the people buried there died very young. One particular stretch of land showed a family of 12. The first 9 children died within the year they were born and each were born a year apart. Only the last survived to adulthood. Kimball and I sat there looking at all the markers in complete shock as we realized the devotion this couple had in bringing children into the world. I could not begin to comprehend what losing 9 babies in 9 years would feel like. Mind you this was in the early 1900's and, thank the heavens above, medicine is leaps more advanced today, it's a miracle the strength these people must have had. 

So grateful for our little exploration and coming to a greater understanding and gratitude for the things we are blessed with by living here and now and for the people who teach us to say "thank you" a little more sincerely.

because i am blessed.