DISNEYLAND

I went to Disneyland for the very first time and it was the best thing ever!

It’s a Small World was my first ride. I’m the one in the red raincoat, my uniform for the day.

Then it was time to run through the rain to the next ride…

…Dumbo the Flying Elephant. One of my favorites, I rode it three times.

Then it was off to Mickey’s Toontown to ride my very first roller coaster, Gadget’s Go Coaster.

I was very excited.

But then…they closed it for technical difficulties right before I could get on. My first roller coaster would have to wait.

So I went to Minnie’s house to meet Minnie Mouse!

I asked her if she remembered my friend, Elle, from school. And she said yes!

Then it was off to Finding Nemo’s Submarine Voyage…

…and Star Tours, where I got to wear cool 3D glasses.

I was still waiting to ride my first roller coaster. So I just took the plunge and made it Space Mountain! I took it like a champ.

Then dreams came true when the ride I was most excited about finally opened up after being temporarily closed because of the rain – Mad Tea Party!

Before the night was done, I also rode on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh.

Then I finally said goodnight, soaked and tired.

Here’s the ticket to my first trip to Disneyland!

JOURNEY TO LOS ANGELES

On the day before my birthday, I flew to Los Angeles! Did you know I love everything about airports??

And I was extra excited because it was my first time on Southwest Airlines! (I’ve also been on Alaska, JetBlue, Delta, and Virgin America.)

Once we got flying, I got busy drawing airplanes.

And in Burbank, you get to exit at the rear of the plane and walk down the stairs. My first time!

JOURNEY TO I-82

I have been fantasizing about driving to Interstate 82 for at least half a year now. Today, we made it a reality.

I was navigator and instructed the driver (Daddy) on where to go.

Our first stop was the Bridge of the Gods that spans the Columbia River, from I-84 in Oregon to SR-14 in Washington. Isn’t it a beauty??

We drove east in Washington for a bit and got to look back across to Oregon.

We eventually crossed the Hood River Bridge and had lunch in Hood River, OR. Mommy ordered a sandwich called the Turkey Meister, a name I can’t stop saying.

And Daddy played with toothpicks.

Then it was off to drive some more until we hit I-82. It took a long time, but was totally worth it! (Bonus: we saw lots and lots of bridges and trains. Official count: a gazillion.)

Then Mommy and Daddy really needed some tea and coffee, so I lounged here in this gigantic recliner.

Finally, we headed home after sundown. It was a long day, but an interstate dream was fulfilled.

MISSION: TWELVE BRIDGES

This is the face of a boy who fulfilled his quest to cross the ten bridges of Portland, plus a bonus two in West Linn. We spent four hours driving and logged 75 miles. And it was all worth it.

I didn’t want my picture taken by any of the bridges, but I did like these cool old gas pumps past the St. John’s Bridge, our final stop.

GOODBYE, BROTHER CHUBS

We said goodbye to Chubs on Monday, August 27th. He was a gentle and patient brother.

He was a world class sunbather and I’m happy he got to enjoy the hot summer weather.

One of Chubs’ favorite things was taking a rest in the periwinkle in front of our house. He would lie down there, smelling the air, while I played with my ball.

Here are some pictures of Chubs and I through the years. He was the very best. We love you, Chubs.