{People & Places 2010}

Christmas + Disneyland = Magical

Darkness descended upon the crowd. Throngs of people pushed in on all sides, waiting impatiently for the moment to arrive. Mummers, laughing, hushed conversation swirled around us. The cold air pressed in on our rosy cheeks. Time passed slow like molasses. Then, with a start, the moment we were eagerly awaiting. Beautiful instrumental music filled the air, melody and notes combined to create familiar Christmas carols and songs. And as eyes turned toward the majestic castle, all stood with bated breath gazing at the dazzling explosion that lit the sky. High above Sleeping Beauty’s glistening abode, the fireworks showered the night sky like the opening scene of a Disney film. A dizzying array of brilliant white, red, green and blue light shone brightly on the pleased faces below. Squeals of delight and awe erupted as all who witnessed the sight glowed warm with Christmas delight and wonderment.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Taking our seat in the make-shift taxi, I noticed we were sharing the ride with a sweet family of four; mom and dad in the front seat, two young boys in the second, Jeremy and I bringing up the rear. The car wound its way through the adorable ride. Colorfully decorated scenes with Sulley, Mike Wazowski and Boo appeared as we rounded each turn, masterfully telling the story of "Monsters, Inc." Nearing the end of the ride, a life-size Roz, the dispatcher, stood to our right. With her clipboard in hand and cat eye glasses perched on her nose, she looked straight at our car and barked, “Young man in the second row....” The brothers immediately snapped their heads to exchanged a shocked look. Then the oldest boy turned back toward me, his large brown eyes unblinking and wide. A mixture of puzzlement and anxiety washed across his face as he struggled to understand exactly who Roz was calling to. With a grin on my face I looked down at him and said, “She was talking to you!” He gasped in astonishment and wheeled around in his seat. As we disembarked our vessel, I heard the young boy exclaim to his father in a breathless voice filled with wonder, “She was talking to me!” That, my friends, is the magic of Disneyland.

Hark the herald, flamingos sing!

Zoo Lights at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo was the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season. We met up with family and friends tonight to enjoy the zoo all lit up with Christmas displays and lights. Most of the animals were MIA, but we did visit the ever-stinky flamingos, Sting Ray Bay and the reptile house. The camel was out relaxing with a big red blanket on his back, a la Santa Claus, and we sneaked a peak at the Red wolves. Having a big wolf just 30 feet away from you is a wee bit disconcerting. It’s even creepier in the dark, especially when you’re convinced the wolf can hear the Team Jacob wisecracks circulating as the group passes by (go, Team Edward!)

Zoo Lights runs each weekend through the month of December and was our alternative this year to the over-crowded Christmas Tree Lane. Complete with free hot chocolate and cookies, it was a fun way to support a local attraction and do something Christmasy!