Disneyland.

Some of my most magical memories are trapped there.

And my children’s memories are trapped there, too.

It has been a place where our family has found joy and healing, when things have been hard.

When it comes to Disneyland, I kind of feel like, you either feel it… or you don’t.

My family… we feel it.

It is MAGIC.

It means so much to us to walk through the gates, into the land where time and memories stand still.

Charles loved Disneyland, too.

The first time he went, he was a little skeptical, but all it took was getting him on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and he was hooked onto the joy, he let go of adulthood… and had SO much FUN!

I miss watching his face light up at Disneyland. That was one of my favorite things. I miss everything about him, more so lately. The holidays tend to bring out the memories, and the missing.

One of my favorite Disney memories is really a simple memory. It was cold outside, and we were getting ready for the parade. Charles asked me if I would like some hot chocolate, then he took off to go find some. He came back with hot chocolates for us, he got an extra one, and he offered it to someone nearby that looked cold. That was just who Charles was… kind, and loving, and aware of the people around him. I miss that. I miss his influence in my life.

We have gone to Disneyland many times over the last ten years, after Charles died.

We have NEEDED it.

We went the first Christmas after he passed away, and it was really special. I felt strangely close to him there. And I could hear him whispering to me to keep ENJOYING LIFE. And to HAVE FUN. It made that first year Christmas without him special. We tried to keep living at Disney.

We probably won’t be able to make it to Disneyland this year. My older kiddos are in college now, and it makes getting everyone together in one place, and traveling, more difficult.

One day… we will get there again.

We are all craving a churro right now… and feeling that desire for Disney.

But, for now, I am so grateful for the memories we have… memories are powerful.

And pictures are also powerful.

I always take LOADS of pictures!

They trap the memories and help keep them alive.

Pictures matter! 🙂

Hooray for Disneyland!

I am grateful to have the dreamy memories…

Here are lots of pictures from our trips over the years…