Sydney & Neal

Over the last several weeks, we have been helping Neal to plan the perfect engagement idea for him to propose to Sydney.  We were even invited to do a little ring shopping with Neal…and it was so much fun.

Neal was planning on making all this happen in October, but he decided that this weekend would be as long as he could wait.  Robyn and Bill had plans to drive over to see Syd this weekend and invited Neal to come along.  It was then turned into the idea of proposing while they were all at Disneyland (part of our original plan) Saturday night.  The plans went back and forth most of the week, but by Friday night were mostly settled. 

In the beginning…Neal and their group of friends were going to go to Disneyland in October to see Sydney.  We devised the plan with Neal just perfectly for it to all come off as a surprise.  It wasn't a surprise to anyone close to them that they were getting engaged…it was just the timing of the proposal.  It still needed to be special…and a surprise.

Neal came over to my house on Friday night while Richelle was there helping me.  He had the ring and wanted to show us the final product.  While he was there, he told us Sydney would be really excited and surprised if we were some how able to be there at Disneyland for the proposal.

Thus began the addition to the plan.

Richelle and I figured out how we could get to Disneyland to surprise Sydney and be there for the big event.  However, we didn't figure out all the details until 8:30am on Saturday.  I got ready, tossed a few things in a bag, Mike helped me to the car…and I was off to pick up Richelle.  Once we got in the car, we high-fived…then we began the trek to Anaheim.  Richelle got on her iPad to make us a hotel reservation…one detail we hadn't quite worked out.  Sadly, by the time we made it to McDowell…I had to pee.  Damn.  I was already rethinking our (long) spur of the moment road-trip. 

We made our quick pit-stop and were back on the road.  Richelle and I had such a peaceful trip.  We never even turned on the radio…we just enjoyed talking without interruption.  The miles flew by.  We were in contact with Neal via text message all day…trying to time everything just right.

We arrived at Disneyland a few minutes before 6pm.  We didn't have time to get me a wheelchair, but I wanted to stretch my legs a little anyway.  We made our way back to the castle and waited for updates from Neal.

Sydney loves Cinderella.  She also loves anything Disney (obviously).  Don't we all?

While we were at Disneyland for our annual Christmas Girls' Trip in January…I found Cinderella's wishing well for the first time ever.  I made a wish that day…and my wish came true this year.  So, we thought it would be cool to make Sydney's wishes come true (in the Neal department).  So, Richelle and I hid behind the wising well…near the back entrance to the castle.  

A few minutes had passed when Richelle spotted Bill…then Neal and Sydney making their way up the walkway to the wishing well.  Neal was supposed to be telling Sydney their story…not sure what was said between them, but when they stopped to make a wish, Neal started to hand Sydney a quarter to toss in.  She declined…and reached into her own purse to get her own money.

Meanwhile, Robyn was trying to take pictures, Bill was trying to videotape, Billy was just hanging out, Richelle was also trying to video tape and I was also trying to take pictures.  Sydney's back to was to us, so I thought she wouldn't notice the flash…I guess I was wrong.  Richelle and I were hiding in a tree…well…behind a tree, but Sydney turned to look right when I popped out to snap a photo. Damn.  I'm pretty sure that part of the video needs to be edited from my language, but I was sure she saw me.  Damn.

At that point, Sydney turned back around towards the fountain…I think she made her wish, and tossed in her penny.  When she finished, Neal was down on one knee…he asked her if she wanted to make his wish come true.  Sydney, of course, said yes.  Neal stood up...they hugged and kissed for a few minutes and then we came out from our hiding spot.

Sydney was so excited to see us....and obviously about the rock on her finger.  She ran up to us and we hugged.  When the three of us finished hugging and screaming...Sydney got down and rubbed my belly.  She was surprised how big Blip has gotten...then she kissed my belly.  I'm not sure why, but it made me so happy.  It was fun to see how excited she was about Blip.

When we finished up at the wishing well, we all went to dinner at the Carnation Cafe.  Richelle and I split a fried chicken dinner so we would be able to happily enjoy the other snacks we planned to indulge on.  Everyone headed over to Space Mountain when we finished eating, but I stayed seated at our table.  I was done.  I walked from the tram to the castle...and then across the street to dinner.  Yep...I have learned my limits to stay out of agony.  Robyn and Bill rented me a wheelchair...and I was set for the remainder of the night.  I was tired, but feeling pretty good...well...not bad at least.

Everyone else rode a few rides...we ate some yummy Disney snacks and then we headed back to the hotel.  Sydney spent the night with us...it was our only No Neal time...and we were excited to get Syd alone for a few moments. I guess we'll have to get used to sharing her from now on.  

On Sunday, we met up with everyone for breakfast.  Richelle and I decided to stay a little longer than we planned.  My original plans for Sunday were changed because of Mike's work schedule, so I figured we should stay and have more Sydney time.  We were really excited!!  

We talked to Syd about going back to Disneyland for lunch...since we could get in for free and all.  She was even able to get my wheelchair for free!!  Neal decided he would stay too...and ride home with us instead of Robyn and Bill.  That took away any time we actually would have had with Sydney (especially since they made out constantly...in front of us, in front of little children waiting in lines, in the car the entire way home, even mid-sentence when they stopped short...they were making out some more), but we made the best of every second we could get with her.

We are so excited for Sydney and Neal.  What an exciting new chapter in their lives.  I love seeing Sydney so happy.

I am so glad we decided to go.  It was so much fun to be there for Sydney and Neal's engagement.  Richelle and I agreed we missed Sydney more than we knew...it was so fun to see her and get to spend a few hours with her.

Now begins the wedding planning.

**p.s. Disneyland was an adventure from the seated position on wheels.  I have a new appreciation for those confined to wheelchairs.  I, at least, had the option of putting my foot on the ground to drag myself to a stop when I thought Neal was trying to kill me.  He let go one time on a downhill and I thought for sure I'd end up in the river.  No joke.  Neal somehow got my wheelchair stuck in the trolley tracks (or whatever they are) more than once.  How does that even happen?  Why were we even walking down the middle of Main Street?  Neal was then banned from pushing me.  Sydney and Richelle took turns...and they were much safer. Whew...I'm glad I made it out without injury.  I'm so thankful I was able to enjoy this weekend.  Without the wheelchair, it would not have been possible.