Eve had been nervous about her birthday. She expressed several times that she was nervous to be turning ten, and wasn't really looking forward to it. One reason she gave was "I don't know how to be a ten year old." Another was that she'd be moving on from the younger activity days into the 10-11 activity days group of girls, and wouldn't be with Megan any longer. Eve and Megan get along better than great.
We received an invitation from a kind and generous person and fellow Disneyland fan, to do something very special on Eve's birthday. We'd be celebrating it in Club 33.
Eve had no idea.
As a Disney family, it didn't strike the girls as odd that we were sharing a lot with them more about the club and its history in preparation for the trip, and the little lessons on dining etiquette we did separately were just taken in stride. We viewed this opportunity as a once in a lifetime chance, and not something to be done willy nilly.
We had been celebrating Eve's birthday since arriving on Friday, and had done presents and candles and singing the morning of her birthday before heading to the park, so she wasn't expecting anything. When we all dressed up, "We'll be taking some family pictures!" she was told. Megan was really concerned about if we were doing to be riding rides dressed up - she thought she'd be really embarrassed!
Here we are walking toward the gates.
It gets dark quickly, as our reservation was for 5:30pm. We get to New Orleans Square and try to put on that we're waiting to have our family picture taken in front of the Club 33 door. There's a large party in front, and it's now grown dark and Eve's probably wondering what are we doing waiting for pictures in the dark here on Royal Street?
The news!
Eve was smiles all night.
Our picture in front of, and then inside the famous lift.
Eve never did stop smiling. She loved the waiter, Louis, and staff, who were just fantastic - so friendly. I can't imagine another fine restaurant with friendlier people. She just loved it all. The setting, the people, the food, and the idea that she'd been invited into a special place within Disneyland to celebrate HER birthday. Talk about feeling really special!
Megan
Claire
Eve
Lela
It was a nice 5 course meal (I forgot a picture of the cheese plate)
The kids menu had a 3 course meal - and yes it was highlighted by chicken and fries... A great compromise for the parent that wants their child to actually EAT the food served them!
Matthew (I don't know his title, and I'd hate to guess wrong) complimented our girls (while they were away in the ladies' room) on how well behaved they were. Mind you, Claire is 4 years old. She'll be five in February. We were in the restaurant for two hours and forty five minutes. He said he's never seen children so well behaved. I wasn't surprised, just proud!
Eve not only thanked us that night, but the next morning she came and thanked us again. She really enjoyed her birthday. I'm so glad that she felt really special on her birthday, and that as a family we were all able to enjoy something like this TOGETHER.
