When Darren and I first moved to California, I wanted to visit Santa Monica Pier before anything else. It is the end of Route 66 but the beginning of a new life for us. I had seen it on tv shows and movies but I never thought I would see it with my own eyes. When I did, it was as glorious as I had envisioned. Now, five years later, Athena had a similar experience at Santa Monica Pier.
We got bracelets for the rides at Pacific Park located on Santa Monica Pier. Pacific Park is the West Coast’s only amusement park located on a pier. Millions of visitors each year enjoy all the rides, games, and fun you’d expect from one of Southern California’s leading attractions.
Ride after ride, Athena smiled with her entire face. She was filled with complete joy. We rode the Pacific Wheel first. The world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel gives visitors a panoramic view of the Southern California coastline from more than 130 feet above the Santa Monica Pier. But I was the only visitor who got to see this view! Athena’s smile is always the best sight of my life.
Our next experience was on Inkie’s Air Lift. Featuring the combined movements of a Tea Cup ride and a hot-air Balloon race, I worried that Athena wouldn’t enjoy the spinning and lifting motions at the same time. I planned to hold the wheel to prevent any spinning but after one rotation, I could see that she loved it. She wanted to spin faster and faster and the more we turned, the bigger she smiled. Some days, I don’t feel like she looks like me, but when I bring her to an amusement park, it’s easy to see she’s my kid. I spun us round and round with pride.
We rode every ride that was possible for Athena and her excitement continued throughout the day.
We finished the day with one last ride on the Pacific Wheel, ending where we started. At about 45 minutes away, we’ll be back to Santa Monica Pier again and again. Athena is at that glorious age where everything is beautiful and fun and she makes everything that way for me.
People always ask me why I travel so often with Athena when she won’t remember it anyway, but I will remember this day and she can look back at the photos and see the things that brought her joy as a child. If that’s not enough to make me want to show her the world, nothing is.
Bucket List Publications 
I’ll be she’ll remember a lot!
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Me too. She’s actually around the age where she might start remembering anyway. 🙂
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What a beautifully happy post!😀
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She’s such a happy child. I’m filled with joy.
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Oh, the smile says it all picture after picture. To think that it’s only 45 minutes away is great. She sure is growing up fast. She will remember this! Great post!!!!
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She is such a happy child, always laughing and enjoying the moment. I am grateful.
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That’s great to here 🙂
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The smile on her face is PRICELESS!! SO glad you got to reexperience SM Pier through your daughter’s eyes! My kids are 18 and 22 now, and I too have pics from my late husband and I took our kids there. Such a great place, even to just walk around 🙂
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We like to go during a week day and just play on the beach and people watch. So much beauty.
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Looked like a blast!
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Such joy, Leslie!
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Make a nice scrapbook /album with explanation and you all will enjoy for years to come. Be Blessed, Mtetar
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Not only will she enjoy the photo memories, but she will see a mom living bravely and intentionally!
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The things we do in life, whether remembered or not, shape who we are to become. Athena will be a passionate, compassionate, curious, inquisitive, loving human being and that is more than we can ever ask for.
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Even if she doesn’t happen to remember the specific she’ll remember fun, joy and adventure.
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Lovely 🙂
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Wow, Athena is really growing up fast. And travel will be in her soul, whether she remembers the details or not. –Curt
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Great pics, you were both having a great time! I absolutely agree about taking her places when she may not remember. YOU will remember and share with her. That is what Moms do 🙂
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Fantastic post in every way. Big smile here!
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What a wonderful time you must have had and just so you know, she does look like you!
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Such a wonderful post… You named your daughter after Godess of Wisdom ❤ I have always loved that name… Wonder, how happy you must have been to let your daughter have all the fun you had once upon a time.
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What a fun day! She won’t remember it, but as she gets older she’ll know she’s a traveler.
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Hello lesley and i just wanted to say ur lovely daughter athena is so beautiful. Take care and god bless. More trips to come. 🙂
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Thank you. She brings me so much joy that I always remind myself to enjoy every moment.
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looks great fun!
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