Days 12 - 16 - San Diego & Disneyland

The next three days we visited Rich's family for a few lunches and dinners together, did some shopping at a few of the stores we miss most (Trader Joe's, Michaels, Marshalls and Toys R Us) and loaded up a huge box full of treats for the folks back home (which we rarely ever get to do).

We left San Diego after three nights there, and then headed back to Orange County to visit Rich's dad one more time. And for whatever the reason- I didn't take a single pic for three straight days. In fact, I barely took any at Disneyland either. I think it was a combination of trip burnout and just being with family, so my camera wasn't at the ready like usual.

Our last two nights were spent at a Ramada right across the main gate to Disneyland with Rich's stepmom. She uses her scooter to get around more these days due to her polio, and also brought her adorable, certified service dog with her. So Ryan got to hitch rides with her and the dog later in the day when he was tired, and is now asking us for one (it's always a proud moment when your child openly envies the accommodations of the disabled).

Our day at the park was fun, but it being the first Saturday of Spring Break- the park felt like it was at near full capacity and lines were over an hour. Thankfully with Fast Pass and Kay's disability card, we were able to reduce most waits, but we still struggled on to get on all our favorites because of the incredible crowds. We also spent our day at the park with Rich's nephew (a longtime annual pass holder, and therefore an expert at navigating through the crowds) and his friend, Bud (another crazy, fun senior in a cart). You gotta love the senior crowd, because as my nephew Zack says, "They just no longer give a...." (rhymes with 'duck').

Bud's cart is decked out in lights with a blaring stereo, and a horn he honks liberally and screams out, "Mice Cream!" to clear the crowds. Ryan got to bum rides with him too...because after 10+ hours of walking, he was pooped.

A few years later, still no luck!!!

We took a mid-afternoon siesta back at the hotel room for an hour at Grandpa Rich's insistence, and then left again to have dinner with Rich's brother and sister in law outside the park, but we still stayed until nearly 9:30.

Ryan's cousin (who is so much older than him, that he calls Uncle) got him the only souvenir he coveted. He was so ecstatic to finally open it!!! Thank you, Zack!!!

 It was a great way to end our trip, and honestly, though one of the more stressful trips we've taken- still very enjoyable and successful. Really, any trip we take to see friends/family and come back alive is a good one. This is the lesson I takeaway from our recent loss, anyway. As I'd mentioned earlier, the vibrant sister law we went to see in DC had been bravely fighting cancer for over a year... Though she was fighting to stay  alive, she lost her battle a few days ago. If C left us with one lesson- it would be cherish every day on Earth. It may not be a unique lesson to takeaway from cancer, but I refuse to diminish her life and battle by calling it a cliche. C was and is, our hero...for never giving up or giving in, and fighting every cancer cell with a smile on her face. Hope you're flying with the angels, C. Take care of P, okay?