Disneyland Daze

June was such a whirlwind

...and I'm thankful for such a spontaneous trip to close out the first month of Summer. If there's one thing college has given me, it was the friendships I made through those years, and this trip was all about celebration and reunions

Though my college days are long gone, becoming a sister of Phi Gamma Chi  has welcomed me into a sisterhood that never fades; no matter how often we see one another, or how far we live in distance.

Arika and Alisa's Graduation Party

My big sister Jessica and I drove from the Bay Area to Southern California to visit my little sister, Arika, and her biological twin sister, Alisa, for their college graduation party at their home. 

Alisa (left) and Arika (right), Class of 2016 graduates! Congratulations to these beautiful twins!

We got settled in after our 5 hour road trip, and joined Arika and her family for the gathering in their beautiful backyard. Tacos and quesadillas are only a few of the mouth-watering foods we ate this weekend and each bite was thrown back with mojitos that were both strong and refreshing. Her aunt makes the BEST mojitos!

As if we didn't eat plenty enough, in food coma and all, we couldn't resist the huge slices of the creamy coconut cake at the end of the night. 

Another sister who lives in the area, Alison, joined us. Together we all played with plenty of graduation themed photo booth props, took many instax pictures, and had a good chance to catch up on each other's lives.

Arika and her family made Jessica and I feel so at home instantly. I'll always remember how comfortable it felt, how warm the weather was that evening, and the summer ambiance set by floating candles in the pool.

Disneyland

Bright and early on Sunday morning, we woke up, got ready, threw on the sparkly mouse ears, and ventured out to Disneyland. We met up with another sister, Christine, whom we haven't seen in years, and spent the day together at the happiest place on Earth. 

I bought my very first Disney pin! I don't think I'll be an avid collector since I don't visit very often, but I couldn't pass up the grape soda badge from 'Up'. 

Our family with BB8 cups filled with frozen lemonade

California Adventure

We hopped over to Disney California Adventure, since I had yet to see Car's Land. It was like stepping right into the movie! All the things I remembered about Radiator Springs was right there in front of me. We also attempted to catch the new Frozen show, but had to hold off until next time.

We wandered deeper through the park, and came across an area that didn't catch my eye before. I never anticipated to begin my National Park Service career until a few years ago, so when we came across the national park inspired attractions, it had a whole new meaning to me. My inner park ranger was thrilled that Disney had celebrated one of my favorite parts of my home state...it's beautiful nature!

This quote is one I have tattooed on me, so when I found it in the park, I jumped on the bench and took a picture with it. Not pictured is the guy sitting on the bench right next to me, lol.

National Park Service inspired signs at Disney California Adventure. So cute, I died a little inside.

We couldn't leave without stocking up on those infamous Disney themed sweet treats before hitting the road. Between the three of us, we grabbed cookies, caramel apples, cake pops and a few other desserts mostly decked out in the shape of Mickey's head.

We dropped off Arika, said our goodbyes, and Jessica and I headed back home to the Bay Area. Surpringly, we made it back to work first thing on Monday morning. 

Through the years, Arika and Jessica have showed me hearts of gold. Both resilient in their own ways, they always remind me to keep pushing forward when the going gets tough. 

I don't know what I did to be lucky enough to have Jessica and Arika in my sorority family line. Even though we don't see each other often, as soon as we reunite, it's like time never passed. I'm so thankful for them and this special weekend we spent together.