We arrived in Disneyland way ahead of schedule. Tom enjoys overestimating, and I enjoy (or am addicted to) the other.
He reveled in our early arrival and celebrated by asking for a cocktail to be ordered for him while he checked in. Mom met us in the lobby (she'd flown... 7 hours with 3 kids in the back seat is, apparently, not her idea of a good time!). She took the kids to story time and songs by the giant fireplace in the hotel lobby while I got my man his cocktail... he's not much of a drinker and he'd driven most of the way, so I honored his request right away (and got myself some champagne. Why not?). The kids had been amazing in the car, but still, the drive was long.
Fortunately I'd had half of my glass when I found out we were going to have to move from our hotel. The hotel we were in is steps from the front gate (no monorail, no fuss, easy for nap schedules and burnt out parents and kids) and now we were moving down the street (a crisis for parents of young children with a well thought out plan of action, which any time in Disneyland requires). There was an error made in our reservation and the hotel was beyond capacity. Anyone arriving late (but we weren't as late as we would have been!), was escorted to another hotel.
Armed with an upgrade to a suite, some perks, buzzed bodies, my handicapped scooter, very tired children, and all of their stuffed animals, we made our way to Disneyland Resort and away from the Grand Californian. Frankly, the hotel is definitely less posh (no arts and craft, lodge-style decor and large fireplaces), but our huge suite ROCKED! We tried to get the kids to go to bed, but from our balconies was an amazing view of the fireworks. Really, it was the perfect ending to the day and set the tone as a finale before sleep.
We woke up too late for the early entry to the park, but had our breakfast spread (La Farine and yoghurt) in our suite kitchen and made our way to Disneyland's BART (the monorail). The scooter gets us into things pretty quickly and the monorail was no exception. My energy is returning, but no scooter would have made the trip very hard for me (and therefore Tom, Mom, and the kids).
The park was as crowded as I've ever seen it. Spring Break. But the kids were in heaven and didn't mind the waiting too much. In fact, George, remembering the Jedi training from last time, was determined to be picked for the training. It was 80 degrees with no shade, but we waited with him. He was on the first row in the middle because we'd arrived an hour early. Tom had to redirect Cole and Adeline to the rockets, but Babu and stayed with George. 32 kids were chosen but not George. He was sad, bummed, upset for about 2 minutes and then said, "When's the next training?"
"In a little over an hour," I replied.
"Okay." he said and turned back to the stage to watch the training and study the techniques so he would be prepared. I applied more sunscreen. George did not take his eyes from the training once to my knowledge.
In the time between trainings, Tom returned and asked the MCs for tips on getting picked.
"Be loud." We were.
"Be on the front row." We were.
"Get a sign."
Tom took the little ones to get lunch for everyone while Babu and I set about making a sign. She went for markers, which she found in a Tinkerbell sticker packet. She also got light sabers for both boys to help the cause.
While George practiced engaging his light saber to perfection (The dude works!), I wrote on a lunch bag "THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE" and taped it to Cole's light saber with a bandaid.
(Check out my new wig!)
I held the light saber above George with arrows pointing down. The other parents, who were rooting for their own kids, were even helping. Several pointed to George and yelled when the master was choosing trainees. One woman said to her son, "This boy is a very hard worker and very devoted, he will go far."
George was chosen third to last, but he was chosen. Hooray! He was a little scared and very serious and I could see him actively overcoming his own fear... especially when he went on stage solo to fight off Darth Vader. He bowed his head and listen to words of encouragement (I assume) from a Jedi apprentice (title please) and then stood up and walked forward with steel resolve. He engaged his light saber, fought the power of the dark side, and mastered his own fear. I must say that I was in awe of the guy. I saw the truly super in my young super hero.
When he brought back the diploma, I read it to him. He wanted to fill in his name right away (and not be hugged and coddled). He shook as he wrote. He wanted his middle name 'Knight' on the paper and wanted me to spell it. We wrote on the top of the trash can while Tom and Babu watched. I could feel his heart beating wildly when I touched his hand.
It was a journey of many emotions for George. I saw him growing up in front of me, on a stage, shining. What a human being he is! I am so honored to be his mommy.
Arrival at the training center and before the work begins:

Mastering the fear:
Fighting Darth Vader:
George is the last one on the right (with his hood up).
Receiving his diploma:
The signing of the diploma on the trash can:
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