If I were a Rich Man...

Without tradition our lives would be as shaky as a Fiddler on the Roof. And so begins one of the most spectacular theatrical performances I have seen to date. As you may recall, a couple weeks ago I had the privilege of seeing Fiddler on the Roof with my best friend Christina. I loved the show so much that I knew I just had to take my mom to see it, and happily she enjoyed it as much as I did. I truly respect actors who embody a character and help the audience get lost in the performance. This doesn't happen often, but coupled with the singing, dancing, and sheer brilliance the show is three hours of pure bliss. Chaim Topol (Tevye) and Susan Cella (Golde), who incidentally is an Eastman grad, steal the show with their chemistry and talent. (I mean, who can forget Golde's demeaning, "Ah, my breadwinner..." to their poignant "Do you love me?")

Topol's unforgettable "If I were a Rich Man"

"You tell me what you dreamt, and I'll tell you what it meant."

The delightful Cella and Topol.

Afterwards we went to Fossil where I just might have engaged in some retail therapy. :-)

Under Construction

Disneyland: part two

At the end of the day we took a little break at the Main Street train depot, and I found the most gorgeous black-eyed susans. (and there's plenty more pictures where this one came from...I sort of had a photographic field day)

The day wouldn't be complete without a semi-family photo. Of course, as the photographer it's hard to be in two places at once: in the picture and behind the camera. We never did capture a photo with all 5 of us.

Lunch time! This is my new favorite restaurant at the big D. Everything looked good. (my veggie tacos were exceptional!) We sat by a peaceful fountain and enjoyed watching the birds who occasionally stopped by to say hi.

When I was young I loved riding the carousel. And everytime I longed to find a noble steed in either this row or the one where Prince Charming kisses Sleeping Beauty. Apparently, this was the desire of every other little girl because it rarely happened. However, now at age 26 when I could care less where I sit, I looked up and realized I was in the row of my dreams! Ah, the irony of it all.

On the same note, I had to get a picture with Sleeping Beauty and her prince.

I may be too old to have my picture taken with Tigger, but I can still capture him from a distance! Too bad it wasn't Piglet.

Disneyland: part one

Saturday we took Dad to Disneyland for an early birthday present. This is definitely a gift that keeps on giving because we have two more days on our tickets. Fun! Our day began with a truly unique tram ride. Naturally, we chose the shortest line, however it turned out to be the slowest tram I have ever been on. And I've been on quite a few. I could have walked faster than it was moving! Turns out it the engine was malfunctioning so we quickly transferred to another tram and finally made our way to the park. Once inside we bought our traditional edible treats on Main Street (dill pickle for Mother and I and a huge cookie for Dad) and hit the rides.

I loved the festive fixtures on the lamp posts.

Gotta love Tomorrowland.

The day wouldn't be complete without riding Star Tours...not once, but twice!

The picture isn't great, but I couldn't pass up the photo op with 3PO.

I hadn't been on Small World in years.

Big Thunder!

I may not have cute videos of a new baby (keep them coming Jackie!) :-), but here's one from Disneyland!

On my way to the happiest place on earth :-)

I am so excited! Tomorrow we are surprising my dad with an all expenses paid trip to Disneyland for his birthday. Technically, his birthday isn't for another month and two days, but since the three day deal expires on August 23 we're giving it to him early. We've been planning this for weeks, and I can't tell you how many times I almost slipped and blew the surprise. It will be quite a relief to be able to say what I want about tomorrow instead of carefully crafting my sentences to be sure I didn't accidentally mention how excited I was about going back to the Big D. Or how much I was looking forward to a pickle. Or how we should develop a navigational strategy so we hit all of the important spots. Let me tell you, this has been quite a chore! So tomorrow we finally spend the first of three glorious days at the happiest place on earth. :-)

Fiddler!

Before the show.

I love Sprinkles Cupcakes

This makes me happy. :-)