Living Between Two States

When people hear how much we love Disney, they usually assume it's because of the parks.

And don't get me wrong... we absolutely love the parks.

There's something about walking down Main Street, hearing the music, smelling the popcorn, and watching the fireworks that never gets old. But if I'm honest, our love for Disney has grown into something much bigger than a vacation destination.

Disney has quietly become part of the rhythm of our everyday life.

Not because we're trying to make every moment magical or pretend life is perfect. Quite the opposite.

Life is busy. The ministry is busy. Parenting is messy. Work gets overwhelming. Laundry piles up. Schedules get full.

But we've found little ways to sprinkle joy into ordinary days.

Mickey Ears Aren't Just for Vacation

If you stop by our house, don't be surprised if someone is wearing Mickey ears for absolutely no reason. Yesterday was Stitch Day (another thing we do is celebrate all of the Disney days). Whereas we made a very grievous revelation that we do not own a single solitary pair of stitch ears (this WILL be changing), our youngest declared that since Stitch is not her favorite, she was declaring it Pooh Bear Summer (because of course Pooh needs a whole summer since Stitch has a day). 

Upon making the declaration of Pooh Bear Summer, H came walking from the back, very upset that she did not have a Pooh Bear outfit, but instead wore a dance costume, Pooh Bear Mickey ears, and carried her ADORABLE Pooh Bear purse and yellow sunglasses. 

You see, Mickey ears aren't reserved for park days anymore.

Sometimes they're worn while cleaning the house. Sometimes while making dinner. Sometimes, while folding laundry or playing games together. Other times, we head to the park to play on a warm summer day.

It's a silly little thing.

But every time someone throws on a pair, it's almost like saying, "Today gets to be fun."

You don't need Cinderella Castle in the background to smile.

Cooking with a Little Pixie Dust

One of our favorite ways to spend time together is cooking recipes from our Disney Princess cookbook.

Sure, we could use any cookbook.

But there's something special about letting Rapunzel inspire breakfast or baking something Belle would have loved.

The kids help. Flour usually ends up everywhere. Something inevitably gets overcooked.

And somehow, those become the moments we remember the most.

It's never really been about the recipe.

It's about creating memories around the kitchen table.

Disney Lullabies at Bedtime

Our bedtime routine almost always includes Disney music.

Not the upbeat "dance around the living room" kind—although we definitely have those moments too.

I'm talking about soft Disney piano music or instrumental playlists that quietly play while the house settles down for the night.

It's amazing how music can instantly create peace.

After long days filled with school, ministry, work, practices, and everything in between, those familiar melodies remind us to slow down.

Our Bags Tell the Story

If you ever see our family out and about, chances are you'll notice something before you notice us...

Every single one of us is carrying something, Disney.

Loungefly backpacks. Disney purses. Character bags. Even our everyday backpacks have a little bit of pixie dust.

People often save those things for vacations. We don't.

Our bags go to church, the grocery store, school, road trips, and everywhere in between.

They're little reminders that it's okay to carry joy with you wherever you go. Because life can be serious enough on its own.

If carrying a backpack with Mickey, Stitch, or Winnie the Pooh on it makes an ordinary Tuesday feel just a little brighter, then I'd call that a win.

They're more than accessories. They're tiny pieces of the stories our family loves, reminders of memories we've made together, and little hints of the adventures we're still dreaming about.

Every Drive Starts on the Monorail

Most people start their car with whatever song was playing when they shut it off. Not me.

The second my phone connects to Apple CarPlay, my speakers proudly announce:

"Please stand clear of the doors." Followed immediately by… "Por favor, manténgase alejado de las puertas."

Every.

Single.

Time.

And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.

It usually gets a laugh from anyone riding with me, and if you're part of our family, you instinctively finish the announcement right along with it.

It's become our unofficial signal that the adventure is about to begin, even if the "adventure" is just a trip to the grocery store, school drop-off, or another busy day of errands.

Because that's the funny thing about Disney. It has a way of making ordinary moments feel just a little more special.

Who knew that one little safety announcement from the monorail would become the soundtrack to the beginning of every drive?

It's Never Really Been About Disney

Here's the funny thing.

People sometimes think Disney is the point.

It isn't.

The point is joy.

The point is slowing down long enough to laugh together.

The point is creating traditions that our kids will hopefully carry into their own families someday.

The point is choosing wonder on an ordinary Tuesday.

Disney just happens to be one of the ways our family chooses to do that.

Because long after the ears get packed away and the movies end, what lasts are the memories we made together.

Whether it's Mickey ears while folding laundry, Disney lullabies at bedtime, a princess cookbook on the counter, or grabbing our favorite Disney backpack on the way out the door, these little things remind us that joy doesn't have to wait for vacation.

Sometimes, the most magical moments happen in the middle of ordinary life.