"What About Prom?"

I have homeschooled my kids for over ten years now. I am still constantly surprised that one of the greatest concerns (right after the ignorant "socialization" question) is "What about prom?"

I sigh a little bit and carefully explain how we do high school: He actually attends a high school that offers Independent Study. His classes are mostly on-line, except for Spanish and Drama. On the days he has those classes, he is physically at a campus and interacts with his many friends. He also leads their Improv team. (See this post.)

Back to the original question: "What about prom?"

The high school independent study program sponsors a prom every spring. It's a lovely and intimate affair with maybe 100 students attending. Some of the kids take dates. Many just go with a group. It's usually held at the always fabulous and iconic Disneyland Hotel and unlike "real" high school, there is very little peer pressure to look or act a certain way - unless you count the good kind of peer pressure, but that's not important right now.

This was Jonathan's first prom. (Yes, he's wearing tails. He looks very "Downton Abbey," doesn't he?)

He did not take a date, but instead chose to go with friends. Aren't they just lovely?

He enjoyed dancing with almost all the beauties represented here. (Because, seriously, if you were a sixteen year old girl, could you resist this?)

I love that the girls were all wearing modest and flattering gowns.

I especially love that they were smart enough to know that a night of dancing would require they wear comfortable footwear. (I may or may not have been on the ground when I took this, but that's not important right now.)

Most of these kids have also been homeschooled for years. We've known them and have watched them grow up into the amazing people you see represented here. (These three were members of the cast of Willy Wonka Jr. which they performed a few years ago. What a looker Violet Beauregard grew up to be!)

I think the implication inherent in the "What about prom?" question is that surely because these kids are homeschooled they can't possible know how to act in public. They couldn't be expected to know how to dress or behave or even which fork to use for their salad.

I don't think the question is meant maliciously in any way. I just think that people sometimes make assumptions over what happens with homeschool education. Or should I say, "independent study." In this case, the emphasis should be on the independent. Most of these kids are not driven by worry of what their peers will think. They've grown up to be...well, independent.

As Jonathan was dressing for the dance, I asked, "Do you need some help?"

"No, mom. I've got this."

Yes, son. You most certainly do.

Fabulous Summer Fun - Disney Style

Last week I was privileged to be a part of the kick-off for some really amazing summer fun at the Disneyland Resort.

I feel sooo accidentally cool to be considered part of the "new media."

We got to preview the new Little Mermaid ride, Ariel's Undersea Adventure which was as cute and clever as you may imagine.

Sitting two clamshells behind me was the much-more-beautiful-in-person-than-on-Dancing-With-The-Stars, Christian de la Fuente. (Google him if you must.)

And much to my everlasting delight, there was a four song set, led by Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel. Yes, The Little Mermaid herself sang 'Part of Your World.' I cried. I did. (I know. Shut up.)

I loved everything about the day including that I got to share it with these beautiful Blog Friends.

Left to right: Liz from Disneylandia al Dia, Sandrini from Soy Fashionista, Me, Ana from Spanglish Baby.

There was the fabulous new parade called Mickey's Soundsational Parade which I loved, but let me tell you why:

• There was a flash mob. (Disney + Flash Mob = Genius.)
• The floats were super-amazingly colorful, the music totally fun and happy.
• Everything that I love about Disney parades were rolled into this one.
• Dancing Chimney Sweeps! ;-)

And then there was the new Star Tours - The Adventure Continues. It's now in 3D so you feel like you are RIGHT THERE. Truly as much fun as you imagine.

(Note to self: Skip the corn dog the next time you ride this. =D)

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, there was a wonderful poolside party with gourmet food from the Disney chefs, music and mermaids. Mermaids, people! (I always wanted to be a mermaid, but that's not important right now.)

The chefs prepared some of the new fare that's going to be offered at the new Paradise Garden Grill. They totally had me at "chimichurri."

We were taken on tours of the new Disneyland Hotel Signature Suites. I was torn between the Adventureland Suite and the Mickey Mouse Penthouse. (I have to admit that the MM Penthouse won because of the Red Leather Mickey Chairs.) Yes, it's quite the Mouse Pad.  Get it? Mouse Pad? *cracks up at her own joke*

Here's a video recap of my enchanting, beautiful, delicious, amazing, and magical day. And yes, there are live mermaids. It's as if all of my wishes had come true.

What a Perfectly Perfect Disney Day.

Thanks, Disney!

Are you planning on visiting any of the Disney parks this summer? Tell me.

[DISCLAIMER: I was invited by Disney Promotions to come and preview the new attractions and taste the food. I was not compensated, nor was anything required of me. The opinions of how fun and fabulous everything was are my own.]