We had a fabulous trip down to LA for Thanksgiving.  Although we were only there for about a week, we really packed in the fun.  I’m always amused at what my girls remember.  What stands out to me isn’t always what stands out to them.  During our vacation, we went to Disneyland, played with the cousins, ate a delicious turkey dinner, and explored the beach.  All very memorable, right?

Well, it turns out that on Monday, Leina had to talk about what she did over Thanksgiving.  She went on and on about playing with her cousins and eating mounds of mashed potatoes with gravy.  She did not, however, mention Disneyland at all.  For her, seeing her Papa, Tutu, and cousins where the highlight of the trip.   When I was chatting with her teacher at pick-up and mentioned our Disneyland adventure, she was surprised.  Leina had not said a word.  For Leina, this trip was about family.

The Cousins

Tutu and Leina

If I thought that was funny, imagine my surprise when I went to pick up Kulia from preschool.  Her teacher asked me how long the flight was to Hawaii.  Huh?!?!  Turns out Kulia told everyone she went to her Papa and Tutu’s house in Hawaii on the airplane.  Um… yeah.  I had to explain that we actually took a plane to LA where we walked along a beach in Palos Verdes not Hawaii.  I wish!

Papa and His Best Girls

If you asked Kevin about our vacation, he’ll tell you all about Disneyland.  Kevin has been to the happiest place on earth three time.  Once as a child.  Once during our college days.  Once last week.  Yup,  that’s right.  So for Kevin, getting to Disneyland with his kids as magic.  They were more than willing to go in Dumbo with him and the Teacups.  He loved every minute of it.

Kevin and Kulia on Dumbo

For me, I was happy to meet up with some old friends from high school and reconnect.  There is something about old friends and remembering old times.  Although we have all grown up, I can still see the kid behind each face.  It’s amazing how such gawky teens could turn into such beautiful swans.  It makes me smile to remember us all on the JV basketball team that managed to go an entire season without winning a single game.  We might have sucked at basketball, but man did we have a great time trying.

My Old Pals

Four different people, four different vacation memories.  But for all of us, a truly wonderful stay.