Our trip to California was nothing short of incredible. Honestly, I knew it would be but I left pieces of my heart in Cali with these kiddos and I know LeAnne would say the same. We went to Cali to help make memories for these kids, little do they know what they did for US. We left on Saturday, Sunday was designated to Disneyland with Together we rise, photographing 200 foster children reunite with siblings for a worry-free day at Disneyland. Monday we spent the day being groupies and tourists! Tuesday morning, we came home! It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. I left with a full heart, and wondering what else I could do to help.
If you haven’t heard of their organization… click HERE to find out more.
One of my little buddies wanted to come home with me, he was so so sweet. We will call him E. E kept asking, “do you have Tv’s in Ohio? What about play-stations? Do you even have cars?” “Yes bud, we have all of that but instead of Palm trees, we have cornfields” lol. They thought that was SO cool. 😉 He told me he is on honor roll and likes to play football. I wish I could bring him home with me. He said he would just get in my suitcase and no one would notice. <3 Ah. He pulled on my heart with that one.
It was a rough start for our group, not for all of the kids, but some. It’s almost like a few of the kids were too cool to be at Disney. But by the end of the day we became best friends. They let finally let loose and decided to just have fun. Be a kid. and enjoy every second. It makes me so sad to know I will probably never see these kids again.
5am mimosas of course! 😉
Made it to Vegas! Of course slot machines waited for us as we stepped off the plane.
Our home for a few days!
….and our ride. Ahhhh pure bliss. Off to Huntington beach! Even their GROUND glitters, do you see it?! haha
 Our day at Disneyland…
My team leaders, Team Hercules!
Photographer check list!
Each kiddo received 25 dollars to spend on whatever they wanted
Lunch was provided for everyone!
…. and churros! Apparently those are big out in California. I had never had one. (gasp!)
She was so proud of her snake. <3
Apparently there are hidden mickey ears all over the park!
Our attempt at a jumping picture lol.
Making the most of our California trip…. Heading to Los Angeles and Hollywood for the day!
Bye Cali! Until next year!
Columbus Ohio. Home.
Thank you to Together We Rise for giving us such an incredible opportunity, we will see you next year! We left with a full heart, that is for sure.
In the next few weeks/months we will do a Sweet Cases fundraiser… Keep an eye out for more information later! We hope you’ll be a part of it!
When most children enter foster care
they receive two trash bags. Sweet cases fundraising changes that.
