Shots of Cheese : Fourteen : Our Day

Every year since 1990, my mom and I have taken an annual trip to Disneyland. For the majority of the years, the day of this tradition has been one of the happiest of my year(s). There was only that certain age from about 14-17 (when I just hated anything that reeked of joy) when I didn't count down the days to our annual visit.

At age 28, I have grown to appreciate this day not just for an excuse to be 7 again, not just a reason to spend a day outside in Southern California in a tee-shirt and cords in the middle of November and not just a reason to be at the Happiest Place on Earth. I have come to appreciate this day as a true treasure and testament to how lucky I am to have the relationship that I do with my mother.

This year, our tradition stood more true and met more to me than it ever had in the past - which is saying a lot. This year was the first that I lived away from Pep, the first year that I didn't see her twice a week (at the least) - and even though there are states that divide us now, we still talk every day. But nothing can quite compare to our day, spent together, annually, at the Happiest Place on Earth.

I love you, Ma. Thanks for an amazing day. And know that I am already counting down to next year.

Our Day
Taken at Disneyland
Captured on November 10, 2011