When I Grow Up

A few days ago, Bella proudly announced "Mom! I changed my mind on what I am going to be when I grow up. I am going to be an Author and an Illustrator."

Of course I was proud. Not only for her new creative career choice, but because for the last year or so every time I ask her what she wants to do for a living she has replied, "I'm going to be an Ice Cream Taster".

Now don't get me wrong, if Ben and Jerry called to offer me the job, I may consider packing up the family and moving to Vermont. The thought of eating 'Late Night Snack" and "Chubby Hubby" every day does sound like a dream job. But then again, opportunities for advancement are limited (because really, what could be better than tasting ice cream...maybe ice cream and cake taster?), it gets really cold in Vermont in the winter and I don't like eating ice cream when I am cold, and then there's the health risks...daily brain freezes could cause permanent damage...you never know.

So while Ice Cream Taster sounds like a fun job, I think Author and Illustrator sounds like even more fun. And from the impressive stories and pictures the kid is already writing and drawing at age 7, I think she has a pretty good shot at it.

So for now, we'll just be amateur ice cream tasters. I think I hear Ben & Jerry calling now, from the freezer...

Countdown to Disney

Woke this morning to find Daddy & Bella's countdown to Disney drawn on the family chalkboard. One week from today we'll head off to sunny Florida for the adventure we have been planning for what seems like years. Numerous phone calls to my incredibly helpful cousin (whose husband works at the park) for hotel recommendations, park tips, travel arrangements; hours and hours of searching online for the list of attractions we don't want to miss; and day after day, night after night of daydreaming with a 7 year old on how much fun we are going to have...and it is now a mere 7 days away.

My mom, sister and I - Disney World 1972

Disney World has changed a LOT since 1972. The park had been open less than a year on my first visit. Some of the attractions were not even finished yet. There was no Epcot, no Hollywood studios, construction of the famous Space Mountain had not even begun yet. But the magic of Disney was still there. Right from the start Walt Disney had a dream of creating a magical world and right from the start it did not disappoint. I was 3 years old. I don't remember one thing about it. But I am assured now by my parents that my sister and I were as excited about the trip then as kids are today. They also tell me that I was terrified of the Disney characters in costume and did a lot of crying (sounds about right, I was a very shy child...believe it or not). Nonetheless, we had a great time (thankfully, with photos to prove I wasn't crying the entire time! ).

So as I plan the trip next week with my own daughter, I hope to fill our scrapbook with photos of fun and adventure. Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kindom, Mickey's fireworks, Tea Cups, It's a Small World, and more (and lucky for Mommy, Daddy & Abuela, it's Food & Wine Festival at Epcot while we are there too!) When I suggested lunch at the castle with Cinderella I was informed that "Princesses are for little girls Mommy", so we are having breakfast with the Mad Hatter instead. I can't wait to see the look on her face as we enter the park. That alone will make the trip worth it. A little girls dream coming to reality in just 7 days. Let the adventures begin!