Baby Riley has arrived

I had been waiting for so long to get the phone call telling me that Riley was on his way. I really had hoped he would wait to arrive until I was back from Disneyland. That wasn't the case. I recieved the call my first night in L.A. My brother called in the early evening to tell me that Jen was going into labor. Riley was born about 8 hours later, on Valentines Day. I was there by phone, my mom called me just as soon as his head started to crown. I was able to hear his first cries, and all the reactions from my Brother, Jen and Mom. It was not as good as being there, but as close as I could get.

Before even going home today, when I got into town, I went up to meet the new love in my life. I was amazing to find out how much he looks like Cameron. They had both their hospital pictures, side-by-side. At first glance it's hard to tell them apart (their hair sets them apart. Cam born light-haired, and Riley born dark-haired). He's a little piece of Heaven, I can't wait to spend more time with him.

Pics from the trip

Anna and I at Santa Monica Pier.

Overlooking L.A. from the parking structure at The Grove, with John and Anna.

(left to right) James, Faith, Barry & Susie Crocker. Andrew, Stephen, Uncle Terry & Aunty Chris Heuser. Anna.

Breaky before our second day at the park.

the "O" in California, in front of Disney's California Park.

Going in to see the 3-D show, "It's Tough to be a Bug!"

In the Hollywood Backlot (Disney's California)

Disneyland

Anna and I set out for Disneyland last Sunday morning. We stayed overnight with some of her friends who pastor a church in Modesto. The next morning we finished off the drive, ending in L.A. After a little rest and preparation, my friend John Moreno took us out to a lovely dinner at an Italian restaurant, in The Grove. Tuesday morning we met my my good friends, from Australia, the Heuser's at The Happiest Place on Earth. They brought along the family that they were staying with, and we made it a big party, enjoying all of the best, and most thrilling rides at both parks. Wednesday was just for the Heuser's, Anna & I. We took the day a little slower showing them all the best sights, rides and shops. Thursday Anna and I enjoyed a day at the parks just for the two of us. We strolled casually around Paradise Pier (in Disney's California) and rode all of our favorite rides again.

After ejoying three very different days at the parks, I have been reflecting on my childhood memories with my family, recent memories with Simon, and my new memories with friends. Although I do consider myself a kid-at-heart, I really found more pleasure in watching the kids we were with having a good time. Stephen, who is the youngest of the Heuser boys (12 yrs), was my little Disney partner waiting and hoping for excitement and enchantment around every new corner. It was great to watch Aunty Chris and Uncle Terry throw back their hands as we journeyed through The Indiana Jones Adventure, and ponder with Andrew (16 yrs) the mysteries of Space Mountain. I look forward to the day when I can take my children there, and re-live the magic all over again.

Above are a few moments captured on camera from my journeys...

Disneyland or bust!

I am leaving for Disneyland this Saturday! Anna and I are driving down for the week to meet up with Aunty Chris, Uncle Terry & the boys, who have come over from Brisbane. I'm so excited to see them, and SO excited for the Magic Kingdom! Hey, it's the happiest place on earth!! We will be stopping to see some of our friends along the way. Hopefully it will make a long boring drive, shorter and more exciting. Did I mention that I'm very very excited to go to Disneyland? Space Mountain here I come!!