Friday, March 2, 2018

Arnold Goes To Disney, Day 5

I am hoooooome!!!!!

Oh, my goodness, "Disneywand" might be dubbed the "happiest place on earth" but home is the best place on earth.  It is good to be home.

My day began around 5:30am when the Mama woke up the kiddos.  She had been up before then, but let them (and me) sleep a bit longer.  I really enjoyed the snuggles with Anya.

Now, this is the way to smuggle. See
how right-side-up I am?

After a packing frenzy and a semi-leisurely breakfast, we hit the road for the airport, just over an hour away.  Thankfully, we left plenty of time because traffic was backed up due to fictitious accidents.

Loaded and ready to road trip!
I did end up being in the main cabin
with the humans, at Jayce and Anya's request.
Bless them.  I was getting a kink in my back.

The flight was a boring as I remember.  It was slightly less than 2 hours, but somehow one of the small children managed to be bored despite two snacks, juice, a comic book, a new coloring book and pens, a fuzzy blanket, and a grandparent being present.  Not sure how this happened, but I was glad the flight was not any longer than it was.

Killing time playing "Go Fish" before the flight.
Note to self: need to invent a game called "Go Turtle"

The people at the rent-a-car agency (Midway, in case you were wondering.  I don't personally care) ended up being fantastic.  Remember how great they were when we got the car?  The check-out process was just as easy, and they even gave us a ride to the terminal so we didn't have to walk a million miles lugging all our paraphernalia.  I was so excited I might have done a slow happy dance.

Jayce, already bored and not even on the airplane yet.
Then, in the airport itself, the lady behind the desk happily checked out overweight bag, checked Ma'Bee's bag for free, and checked the kiddos' carseats.  It was absolutely the easier of the two flights for the Mama.  She was extra grateful for the help.

Waiting to go potty, and pretending
the phone booth was an office.

So we are home now.  The Daddy will be home Sunday afternoon, and the Mama is counting the seconds until he arrives.  I am catching some rest the best I can.  Adventures at Disney are so fun, but home is best.


With contentment,
Arnold

Arnold Goes To Disney, Day 4

Another day in Disneyland!  Wow, today was crazy, but so much better than Tuesday!

Last selfies in the park!  Aren't I cute?

I knew more what to expect today, so all the people and noise didn't bother me as much.  We had a LOT of boat rides today.  Most of them were pretty tame, all things considered.  No whitewater for this turtle today.  We did float through a jungle, along the Mississippi, along the Columbia river, and along pirate-infested waters!  I loved all the water!  We visited Tom Sawyer's island also!

Being shot at during the pirate encounter was an adventure.  They say those cannon balls are fake, but....  I am not sure I believe them.  Anya believed they were fake, though.  "I know, Mama.  Everything here is not real."

Aren't these the cutest shirts?  Again, by Tisa's Pieces!

When reminded that mamas have eyes in the back of their heads, Jayce also adamantly declared, "That is not true!  That is fake!"

Little does he know the element of truth in that.

Today I got to taste the pineapple Dole whip.  It was recommended by Charity, and Ma'Bee begrudgingly shared some with me.  She really loved it.

I got to try pineapple Dole whip!
Evidently there are only a few
places in the world you can obtain this delicacy.
It's worth returning just for this bite of deliciousness.

I also got to go on the Thunder Mountain Railroad once again with Jayce and Ma'Bee.  Anya didn't want to go, so I asked to transfer to Jayce.  I guess Mama and Anya walked around a while, listened to music, and climbed a Tarzan tree house.  Something like that.

It was so sunny today! The Mama got a bit of a burn, and I got to sun myself on a nice fake rock in the middle of Tom Sawyer's Island.  It was glorious.

Me, sunning myself

One of the highlights for me was meeting Tigger and Pooh.  Tigger and I really hit it off.  He's such a bouncy, happy beast.  He's very easy to talk to.  He had some things to tell me, and I whispered back.  Communication shall remain confidential.

My new bestie, Tigger

He's such a lovable old fellow!

So we left the park in good spirits.  We stopped for dinner at another Mexican place, and I nibbled on some veggies.  The kiddos went to bed without a hitch.  They were exhausted.  Thankfully I can sleep with Anya tonight, which means I get snuggles instead of being flipped over.  Our flight leaves really early tomorrow morning.  The Mama will begin the day quietly, instead of with song, so maybe I can just stay in my shell a bit longer.

With sleepiness,
Arnold



Arnold Goes To Disney, Day 3

Whew!  A day not packed with craziness and flashing lights and screaming children.  I really needed a rest day today.  Today was a mini-road trip down to where the Ma'Bee used to live down in San Diego area.

So nice of them to take care of me
I left with my humans shorty after breakfast (which was once again really good).  We drove down to this place called Balboa Park.  I guess it held a lot of sentimental value to Ma'Bee.  She worked there at one point, and had other big memories there.  It really was pretty, and I could have crawled around there for quite some time.  It was full of old architecture and cool plants.  If I could have walked faster and spent more time there, I'm sure I would have found some turtles like me.  (Well, not like me, since I'm a sea turtle and this isn't the sea.  But, ya know, turtles.)

In an artisan section at Balboa Park

I really loved seeing all these plants!
I bet they would have tasted good, too.
We did get to go to a regular play structure there.  I didn't participate, thankfully.  There were too many kiddos there for my comfort.  I might have gotten stepped on.  But my human kiddos seemed to  enjoy getting wiggles out.
See?  The architecture is really cool!

I rode an elephant!!!!!

I do prefer my feet firmly planted on the ground.
But at least water was involved in this.
I like water.
After that, we went to Ponce's Restaurant.  Oh my goodness, if I liked Mexican food, I would eat here every day!  As a turtle, I don't like Mexican food.  But my humans couldn't say enough good things about this place.  Once again, it held sentimental value to Ma'Bee, and I can see why.  It was amazing.

Human bliss at Ponce's


There was also the house that Ma'Bee lived in for a while.  We enjoyed seeing that too.  I don't think the occupant of that house was nearly as excited to see us, but he graciously entertained us a few minutes before we went on our way.
The house of the older human

Food that Jayce was really excited about

These are two of my favorite humans!
I'm glad they like each other.

Jayce said he liked seeing the pipes on the side of the road.  Anya said she liked seeing the pretty colors in Miss Charity's hair.

I really loved snuggling and looking at books.

Miss Charity and Anya playing "Go Fish"
Why don't they name games after turtles?
I'm sure "Go Turtle" would be just as fun,
even if a little slower.
Oh, yes, we did stop at the Mama's friend's house this evening.  Well, "stopped" is a kind word.  We basically crashed at Charity and Nicole's house, in all our discombobulated glory, and decompressed after a busy few days.  There were books to read, some craft projects to do, a delicious dinner to eat, and tickles and snuggles.  It was a nice change of pace. There was even a temperamental puppy dog there that looked sweet but needed an attitude adjustment.  I was afraid for a few minutes that I would  be used as a chew toy.  However, all is well, and I am safe.

The cute looking renegade dog that
mercifully did not use me as a chew and shake toy.

Once we got back to the hotel this evening, I got a special stop at the front desk.  The poor ladies behind the desk eyed me skeptically, but the Mama prevailed and got materials to make me an ID bracelet for tomorrow.  It has my name on it, and a string of numbers that somehow connect me to my human's phone.

I am not sure how it works, but the Mama seemed pleased with her efforts and feels more comfortable taking me back to Disneyland tomorrow.  She said that it was "in case Arnold crawls away again."  However, let the record show, I did not crawl away.  I was left.  And the stupid bracelet itches.  But hopefully I only need to endure it for 2 more days and then I'll be back home.

With relaxation and itchiness,
Arnold








Arnold Goes To Disney, Day 2

Well, I experienced Disneyland!  With small humans.  Wow, what a ride! Literally!  And, I learned something: I LOVE rollercoasters!  Oh my goodness, I get all the feelings of actually flying, but for a short period of time, and I am still connected to the ground somehow.  This is totally the best!  I wasn't even bored!

I ate fruit!

We all slept until almost 8am today.  I woke up on my back, still, of course.  I mean, I'm a turtle.  I can't flip myself over.  And Jayce was pretty unconscious until his mama woke him up.

I snuck coffee.  It was delicious.

The breakfast here was really really good!  I couldn't participate in the eggs and bacon and pancakes and hash browns, but I did steal a few bites of the fruit.  And, when the mama wasn't looking, I sipped some coffee too.

I am not in this picture.
But aren't those shirts cool?!?
Have your own made at
Tisa's Pieces!

but I am in this picture!
At least, my butt is.

Getting to the park was a bit crazy.  Large parking lots and shuttle busses and people searching bags.  But once we got in, the real craziness started.  Lines for everything.  I would really hate to be back during a peak season.  It was hard enough for a little turtle like me to get around.  Too many more people and I am quite sure I would be miserable.

Toontown! I rode my first roller coaster here.
I LOVE roller coasters!
The kiddos really liked the "It's a Small World" ride.  Well, Anya adored all the music.  Neither were particularly fond of the Pinocchio ride.  They liked roller coasters, too!  We started them out on a small one in Toontown.  Once that was a success, we took them on the Thunder Mountain Railroad.  They got off the ride with sparkling eyes and all kinds of giggles.

The Ma'Bee eventually warmed up to my presence.
She even talked to me after a while.
I think she has adapted to the idea that I am a
valuable member of this adventure.
Anya said her favorite part of today was meeting Micky Mouse.  I didn't get in the picture.  My green would have upset the color coordination.  Or, so I assume, since I wasn't invited into the picture.

I really enjoyed watching this picture take place.
Jayce
Anya was skeptical at first, and
asked "Do we HAVE to take pictures
with Mickey??" but it became
her favorite part or the day!

Jayce liked the mellow train ride around the park.  The boy does like trains.

My favorite part was seeing more turtles on the Finding Nemo submarine ride.  I don't often get to see others of my kind, so that was a treat.  They looked really friendly!

Evidently this princess used to live where
I came from. Not sure how she traded in her
flippers for actual feet, but I'm glad
it worked out for her.
Oh, the worst: I was left.  I literally was left on the spinning teacup ride.  All alone.  It was awful.

Thankfully, the next kiddos that came along recognized me as something special, and turned me into the staff that take care of the ride.  Evidently, my absence caused quite a stir among my humans.  They were jumping up and down when they saw me and held me very tightly for the rest of the evening.  I was really really glad to see them.  It was scary not to be able to talk and ask for help.

Cinderella.  If the gesture would
have been recognizable, I
would have gotten down on one knee
for this lady!

Kiddos are all asleep now, and I am snuggled with Anya tonight.  She isn't using me as a pillow, which is really nice.  And, I'm on my tummy, which is even better.

Snow White
With comfort,
Arnold









Arnold Goes To Disney, Day 1

I GOT MY FIRST PLANE RIDE TODAY!!!!!!  Oh my goodness, I was SO BORED!!!!!  For real, what kind of enjoyment do people have with this flying stuff?

I got about 5 hours of sleep last night.  Between being sniffed and stalked by the pseudo-plush-stuffed animal (aka cat) and the rude awakening this morning by that most annoying song, "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" I was in as zombie of a state as a turtle could be.  (Are zombie turtles a thing?)  The mama thought she was being so sweet by waking her kiddos up to their favorite Disney song, but it just made me crawl further into my shell and the song still got stuck in my head.

We did get to the airport in time for our flight, despite the car being frozen in a block of ice, the Mama forgetting the ice-cream for the gentleman that took us to the airport, and the horrid rush hour traffic nearing Portland.

Then there was the line for security that took a half hour.  All in all, it was ok because they eventually brought a sniffing fur-creature by and then treated us all like we were pre-check.  So, because of the trained canine, we didn't have to take off shoes or unpack suitcases or even go through the invasive self-scan machine.  I mean, I can't hide my round shape very well, but I'd prefer not to know people were examining it. But we got to our gate in plenty of time for the adults to get coffee.  They seemed to revive a tiny bit after this.

At a nearby gate at the airport terminal, there was a young girl that was traveling with her family through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.  She was announced and applauded and made to feel so special by everyone at her gate.  It was cool to see the fuss made over her, yet I can not even imagine the parent's desperation to make happy memories with their daughter who was facing a dire medical diagnosis.  The joy and pain of it all.

We finally boarded our flight.  I sat with Jayce for most of the flight.  He read a Tintin comic book that his mama gave him, and then played on his Ma'Bee's phone for a while.  Later, I transferred to Anya's lap.  She was much more snuggly, and even saw that I was safely belted in for the landing.  That made me feel really great, if a little squished.

Jayce said that the plane ride was not what he expected at all, "because the window shades went up and down".  Anya said it was what she anticipated.  I am not sure that is true, though, because after about 45 minutes she was pretty much done, and her mama had to explain that this is sorta what airplane rides are all about: sitting. Later, in the car, she asked, "What did we have to be on the airplane for?" I suppose distances and timelines aren't really her strong suit.

I remained bored the entire time.  No books to look at, no phones to play with, no pictures to color.  This flying thing is not nearly as fantastic as it was made out to be.

Once we landed, our baggage came quickly.  Then we began a mile-long trek to the rental car agency.  We now have a nice little Toyota Camry, and the Mama was very excited about it. The gentleman at the desk also had kiddos, and was familiar with the glazed, exhausted, fuzz-brained state of mamas traveling with young children.  He was very gracious.  I was glad to be back on the ground, and road trips are a piece of cake for me.  I was more than happy to have an hour drive to the hotel, as long as my flippers stayed on the ground.

The hotel is fantastic.  Really.  I got to nap there while the humans got a late lunch, and I slept so well in a large squishy bed.  They did not take me to the mall to walk around later.  I was bummed about that.  But that's ok.  Tomorrow is Disneyland, and they promised to take me!

All buckled in and safe,
even if it's hard to breathe
They all plan to match tomorrow.  Mama has a friend named Lisa, who does custom shirts and mugs and such.  She made these shirt sets that are completely PERFECT for the humans, all customized and personalized and they arrived at the hotel in record time.  All 4 of them are SO happy.  The company name is Tisa's Pieces.  I'll consider asking her to customize my shell next. However, she likes glitter, and I'm not so sure I want to sparkle.  The mama, though, would totally recommend her for customized awesomeness. Pictures to follow.

Well, humans, I am tired and need to sleep.  I somehow got stuck with Jayce this evening.  I thought Anya was going to sleep in this spot, but she didn't.  Now, I am suffering the indignity of being flipped on my back and used as a pillow.  As if I am soft!!!  Humans.
Can you believe this??
He's using me as a pillow.

With exhaustion,
Waiting for baggage
Arnold










The exhausted adult humans




The younger human teaching the older
how to tie his shoe.
I'm glad I don't have to wear shoes.





Arnold Goes To Disney, Day 0

Shoes all ready for tomorrow morning!
Well, if it isn't me in the spotlight again!  Your favorite traveling sea turtle named Arnold!  Woot woot, here we go!

Actually, I have no idea where exactly we are going.  I just know that we are going somewhere, and my human kiddos are really excited.  They call it "Disneywand" or something like that.  Whatever it is, they are seriously pumped.

They told me a few days ago, when they themselves got the news about the trip.  I am not sure what they are most excited about, going to this Disney-place or going on an airplane.  They have been on an airplane before, of course, but they don't remember, which is good because they screamed and traumatized all their fellow passengers and their parents.  It's taken almost 4 years before the parents are ready to let them get back on a place.  I digress.

Church this morning, the kiddos
love to match each other 
I, however, have never been on a plane, and I am not sure what I think about that. Is it ok for a sea turtle to be skeptical about flying?  I mean, God didn't make air-turtles.  This just isn't natural.

Well, the Mama-bear has organized everything, but she's still probably forgetting a few things.  She does that.  A lot, actually. The Papa Bear is away in Arizona on a missions trip, and the Grandma Bear (that the human kiddos call Ma'Bee) is taking the baby bears and the mama bear down to Disneywand. And I get to go!  I'm so happy the baby bears thought to petition for my presence.  So kind of them.

We leave tomorrow morning bright and early.  Actually, dark and early.  Too early for me.  I don't think I'll have come out of my shell before then.  Silly humans.  They should really wait until the sun is high before they try flying.  Sigh.

This other creature that thinks he's going too.
Another creature tried to pass himself off as a companion like me, but it's not working.  I don't think he'll be packed.  I'm feeling pretty special right now.

Time to climb into my shell and get some rest.  Tomorrow morning is gonna come way too early!

With anticipation,
Arnold