Shel's Disneyland Birthday Bash

To celebrate her 40th birthday this year, my cousin Michele decided she wanted to take a family trip to the happiest place on Earth, Disneyland. Not only would it be a great way for her and her partner Lisa to celebrate a milestone birthday, it would also mark the first ever trip to Disneyland for their three-year-old daughter Liele.


Shel looks sassy as ever on her 40th birthday. (04/19/2008)

They left home in the Bay Area at the crack of dawn on Michele's actual birthday. They made it to Disneyland around 1pm, where Tim and I met them, birthday gifts in hand. The gifts, if you can't tell by the pictures, are goofy birthday hats that were intended to be worn the entire day. (Although let me point out that fewer than 30 minutes later, photographic evidence will prove that Michele and Liel weren't wearing their hats.) Oh, the humanity!


Shel, Liele and Lisa in their birthday hats. (04/19/2008)

We were lucky enough to be joined by our gal-pals Amy and Lynne, each of whom are integral players in our famous SoCal/NoCal camping trips. Speaking of which, we need to plan another one soon!


Amy, Tim, Shel, Lynne & Liele at Disneyland. (04/19/2008)

Tim and I were geared up for our routine day at Disneyland. But since we don't have kids, we had forgotten how much slower you move when a young child is involved. No longer can you quickly dodge in and out of pedestrial traffic lanes to get around the slow stroller people, because suddenly you are one of the slow stroller people! :) But considering the day was about spending time with family, and not getting through the park as fast as possible, it was fine.


Liele and Lynne with the Julie Andrews horse. (04/19/2008)

We closed the night with a group dinner at Tortilla Jo's in Downtown Disneyland. And let's just say we were having a good time even before we ordered the two pitchers of Margaritas. And when the waiter accidentally brought out a third pitcher that we didn't order (and then let us keep at no charge), let's just say we staggered out of that restaurant happy.


Happy birthday to Michele. (04/19/2008)

It was a great, memorable way to celebrate Shel's 40th birthday ... a celebration that will continue for the duration of their five-day park-hopper tickets. Oh my!