A letter to my girl, the night before her last day of kindergarten....

OH WHAT A YEAR. We made it just past 100 days of kinder. 100 days of waking up early. 100 days of arguing about hair brushing and teeth brushing and deciding what outfits we agreed on. Before we were hit with some major life changing situations. It’s been rough, but you’ve adjusted perfectly, leaving me thankful for our safe space and are ready for 1st grade. Me on the other hand? I hate change, but you push me to embrace it. (You’re so your fathers daughter) so I’m over here reliving all the feelings I felt on your first day. The fear of leaving you with complete strangers for half the day. I had the worst pit in my stomach over it. Looking back on the letter I wrote on the night before your first day, I said -

“I always felt like we didn’t have enough time, but not like I feel it right now” 

Well how quickly that came full circle! We ended the year with TONS of time! And I’m so glad I wrote that. Because it was a good reminder just how grateful I am for all this extra TIME. It won’t be like this for long, if I blink it’ll be ten years from now! So many things we didn’t get to enjoy this year, your first year of school. Things like your first spring break because it just became a giant summer break, back to school night and all the other end of the year festivities! But we were gifted not one but two rad teachers, that have gone above and beyond to continue your education, best they can, with what resources they have. And plan to continue making it a smooth transition throughout the summer, with weekly art classes (your fav) I’m so thankful for these teachers who enjoyed my baby, and saw her for her worth. My big hearted sweet girl, who is always willing to help a friend, and always has to finish first lol 

This year, you made new friends, gained a sense of independence, you learned to write sentences and sound out words. You lost 5 teeth, scraped your knee on the black top and trashed a few pairs of shoes. You ended the year, with the skill of knowing how to log onto a zoom. You know what else happened? You were fine, WE were fine. I am so proud of how you’ve handled all the change thrown you’re way, and I can’t wait to see what amazing things you do in first grade, my beautiful girl. 

Anyone who gets to meet you next year, has no idea just how lucky they are going to be! And me, well I’ll be alright, cause I love watching you shine! I love you, and I’m still so proud of you! 

Love you forever & ever,  

Mama. 

Universal Studios Hollywood

As you can tell, we are becoming theme park junkies!  It’s been years since we’ve been to Universal Studios Hollywood and there have been a lot of changes! Like, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the newly refurbished Jurassic World ride! Although a lot of the classics still remain, like The World-Famous Studio Tour, and the WaterWorld show! I wanted to share some of our favorites with the kids! 

The park closed at 6PM because of Halloween Horror Nights, so we never got a chance to make it to the lower lot. I still feel like we accomplished so much in the time we had! 

We started with The World-Famous Studio Tour, since it’s the most time consuming in my opinion. We got to take a trip to skull island, where Kong saved us from the dinosaurs. We survived a flash flood, and an 8.3 earthquake! We also got to see some fun famous movies sets like the Bates Motel, Home Alone, Back to the Future and Wysteria lane, from the Desperate Housewives. Whoville, was a favorite for Paisley, and the War of the Worlds plane crash sight is awesome. 

Austin was able to remain in his wheelchair at the front of the tram, and I brought his headphones for all the loud unexpected noises! He remained happy and comfortable and I’d like to think he enjoyed it as much as we did. 

The girls love the simpsons so Springfield  U.S.A was at the top of the list. Universal put so much detail in recreating the Simpsons hometown, and it’s nothing short of amazing. Everything from homer and krusty the clown walking around to the quick e mart full of merchandise. 

From there, we went to watch one of our all time favorite action packed shows! Waterworld! It’s got everything from jet skies to explosions and airplanes. The cast is full of Actors you may have seen on TV shows! They have plenty of handicap seating available. Some in “SOAK” and a big section in the “dry zone” and if you sit in the soak zone - prepare to leave literally that. SOAKED. The show is amazing and  the meet and greet with the cast after was so much fun! The girls loved chatting with each cast member and they were so sweet and patient. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is everything and more. So many small details that only a “Potter Head” would appreciate! From the interactive magic wands, to the Hogwarts express. Our friend let us borrow their magic wands and the girls had so much fun following the map around, casting spells in the windows. I can still taste the butter beer, It was like a butterscotch cream soda. We also watched the triwizard show, which happens a couple times a day, and got to take a picture with the dancers. 

We  ended our day with some Cinnabon and an ice cold mr pibb in our refillable universal cup. It cost us, $16 and it was free refills all day! There is a baby care center full of family restrooms, changing tables and a nursing room. And the nurses station has cots big enough to change Austin! 

They offer an express ticket, that places you in a faster moving line. This is a game changer, and worth every penny on busy days! We only went on a couple rides, but they were able to accommodate Austin and his wheelchair perfectly. Security was a breeze! All bags go through an X-ray, which means fast lines, and the double stroller fit perfectly through the metal detector.

We can’t wait to go back, and cover the lower lot! Which is everything from dinosaurs to the mummy rollercoaster. If you’re coming to Southern California on a family vacation I definitely suggest you add Universal Studios Hollywood to your list of must dos! Head to the website where you can purchase tickets and plan your trip in advance! 

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A letter to my girl, the night before kindergarten.

I feel like these last five years just flew on by us. I always felt like we didn’t have enough time, but not like I feel it right now.Pretty much everyday for the last 5 years you have been my little sidekick. My best friend. My BEST Target date, especially if a toy or icee was in it for you. 

Everyone keeps telling me you’re going to be okay, and its all going to be great! And they are right. YOU my little pupil, my social butterfly, everyones friend - are going to love it, and it’ll all fall into place! You’re starting your own journey now, and that’s SO exciting! It’s me, I’m the one that’s not okay. Its never really explained to you exactly what It’s like to have your heart walking outside of your body, but this is that, you are my heart outside of my body. But as much as it hurts, you have reminded me while we’ve waited to get here that it’s all going to be okay, and you’ll only be gone a couple hours. You give me strength, and confidence, and that’s why we are going to be more than okay. 

We have gone on so many adventures together and made some pretty awesome memories. You’ve grown up at Disneyland, and I’ve got a million photos to share with you one day, because you may not remember it one bit, but I will.

We stayed up late, we slept in whenever we wanted to, and stayed in our pajamas all day because we could, and played hooky when we needed to. (that will still be a thing) But starting tomorrow you will be an official kindergartener. 

It’s only going to be half day, but it’s the end of a chapter in my motherhood journey. And that right there is deep, and emotional. I raised a beautiful baby girl, that I now have to share with the world. And that girl - she is going to do amazing things. And anyone that gets to be a part of your next journey is so lucky! You’re going to make so many new friends, and learn all the things you ask Alexa and I, for yourself. I know you are going to thrive during this new transition, and excel at everything you do. You are a leader, and that’s SO important in this big scary world. 

So tomorrow morning when I hug you goodbye, as you walk into your new classroom just remember I’m crying because I love you, and I am so proud of you! I am so lucky to be your mother Paisley Gray. 

Love you forever & ever, 

Mama.