My Top 5 Moments of 2023 by Maily Cortez

03-06-23 - Disneyland

10730242 — 2024-01-09 17:37:41 UTC

On March 6, 2023, my family and I went to Disneyland for my older sister's birthday. As I entered the park, I remember only being able to hear the magical music playing in the background and the smell of the delicious popcorn. The first ride we went on was "It's a Small World". While you're on the ride you are able to see and visualize several different cultures. Fast forward to later, we quickly headed towards our favorite ride the ''Haunted Mansion'' only to find out that the ride was temporarily closed. As the night arose, my family and I headed to California Adventure, and my eldest sister and I decided to go on one last ride, ''Gaurdians of the Galaxy''. Once we took our seats and the operator started the ride my heart instantly dropped. In the photos that are taken on the ride my sister and I are seen holding onto each other in terror. Though we were a little frantic, it was a great and unforgettable experience.

06-22-23 - My Birthday

10730242 — 2024-01-10 00:24:07 UTC

On June 22, 2023, I celebrated my birthday. My 13th birthday was a very special day because I had the opportunity to spend my birthday week at Laguna Beach. My family and I spent our whole morning out on the beach swimming, playing, and building sandcastles. As the fresh salty air was hitting my face I took the time to observe my surroundings and listen to the screams of the ocean. Later that evening my family and I went out to dinner at Las Brisas.The food was delectable and the setting was very inviting. As soon as we got back to the beach my family sang happy birthday to me and we each had a cup of coffee and a slice of the strawberry cake. Ultimately, it was a fantastic birthday and I am so glad that I was able to spend it with the people I cherish most and I wouldn't have it any other way.

07-17-23 - Family picnic

10730242 — 2024-01-10 02:23:26 UTC

The day was warm and fresh, it was unlike any other day. We found a perfect spot under a tree to have our family picnic. My dad placed the white blanket on the grass and my mom placed the basket in the center. As we were eating my family and I had the opportunity to talk and take our minds off of reality. We then took a stroll down the hiking trail and enjoyed the sights and the beauty of nature. The smell of eucalyptus and flowers was impeccable. Moreover, this picnic taught me how to appreciate the small gifts in life and that spending time with family is one of the greatest things in life.

12-25-23 - Christmas day

10730242 — 2024-01-10 17:34:48 UTC

On Christmas morning my family and my dog gathered around the Christmas tree in our living room and opened gifts. We began watching Home Alone when I noticed that my dad was carrying a horribly wrapped box with a bow on top. My dad gently placed the box down on the floor and told us that it was a family present. My dog began to happily sniff the box and once we opened the box we saw a puppy with curly black fur ( who we named Casper ). I quickly picked him up and cradled him in my arms. Casper is loving, playful, and devious. Ultimately, I am so happy to say that Casper is now a part of our family and that he is receiving the love he truly deserves.

12-31-23 - New Years Eve

10730242 — 2024-01-10 21:34:24 UTC

On New Years Eve I woke up to the warm inviting smell of cinnamon rolls and my mamas famous pozole coming from the kitchen. Soon after my mom and I began to clean up our patio for the New Years night. We decorated our patio with dark purple party streamers and gold balloons. As the night arose my family and I roasted marshmallows on the fireplace. We began to chant and count 3... 2... 1. Watching and hearing the fireworks explode as soon as it turned 12 was magical and special. The brightly colored sparks in the sky truly completed our New Years night. I am extremely happy that I was able to spend my New Years Night with the people whom I cherish most.