Sea You Next Year!

Marina and I went to the New Year's Eve party at the Aquarium today. Marina wore her Ariel costume which is much like the one Ariel wears at Disneyland and Disney World. After all, what would Ariel wear to a New Year's Eve party?

When we arrived, she had a quick hello with the mermaids before we got our dinner. While we ate, there was entertainment. Marina was selected to help the MC with a juggling act. There were games like freeze dance and a limbo contest. Marina did pretty well in both.

Once the entertainment was over, the DJ started to play dance music and all the kids jammed the dance floor. Marina wanted me to join her for a while. I taught her how to do the YMCA arm movements correctly. I'm not sure she believed  that I learned when I was her age!

At the end of the party they had a countdown and balloon drop. Everyone got a glass of sparkling cider for a toast. A huge sheet of bubble wrap was laid on the floor and the kids had a field day stomping on it to the sounds of "Auld Lang Syne."

After the party, we went through the aquarium exhibit. Marina was very disappointed that we missed the last mermaid show. But we still enjoyed seeing our favorite parts of the Aquarium. The stingrays were particularly feisty, so Marina spent longer than usual checking them out.

After an hour, we were both tired, so we headed home for our usual CNN ball dropping party.

Zoo Lights

Marina and I decided we wanted to see some Christmas Lights tonight. Marina, ever the princess, wore her Merida costume. It is a very nice Christmas green.

Apparently, a lot of people had the same idea we did. We tried the Botanic Gardens, but couldn't find a parking place. So, we went to the Zoo. It was even more crowded, but we were able to park. It took quite a while just to get into the Zoo. Marina was quite patient, she entertained herself by playing with the other kids in line.

Once we got inside, Marina was thrilled to see the lights. We stopped for hot chocolate and while I was paying for it, Marina read the sign of activities nearby. When she saw that she could see Santa at the North Pole, she wanted to go. So we found out where he was and headed there.

The line wasn't as long as I had expected, but we ended up waiting for a long time. Again, Marina made friends in line to help her get through the time. After a long wait, we finally got our turn. Santa spent quite a long time talking with her. He especially encouraged her to do well in school.

Once our Santa visit was done, we went to see the lights around the zoo. They rearrange them every year, so it was fun to see how they were set up this year. Marina loved pointing out the animals and posing in front of them. We even found an area with ice sculptures to look at.

We were at the zoo half an hour past closing. I'm guessing they stayed open later than usual to accommodate the crowds. Once we left the zoo we had a bit of a walk to get to the car. Marina fell asleep on the drive home. It was past her bedtime.

Hail Mary!

Marina was very excited for the church's Christmas Pageant this year. She got to play Mary. She's been going around the house with a blanket over her hair preparing for her costume. And we've been going over her lines all week. She even volunteered to bring one of her dolls for the Baby Jesus.

Before the church service, the kids arrived to rehearse. They went through the pageant twice before everyone arrived.

During the service, Marina and I lit the Advent candle. I read the prayers and Marina got help from Miss Judy lighting all four candles. Once we did that, she went into the classroom to put on her costume and wait with her friends for the start of the pageant.

The pageant went very well. Marina remembered all her lines and spoke in a loud, clear voice. She had a little trouble pulling Baby Jesus out of his hiding place to be born. All the kids seemed to have a good time.

For those of you who missed it, here is one of Marina's pivotal scenes.

Hiking With Santa

 After being at the Wildlife Experience yesterday but not going inside, Marina was happy to go there today. We hadn't been through their exhibits for a while. Better yet, I learned they were offering a hike around the Museum with Santa. We were both excited to try that out.

We arrived early, so we went through the Museum. We started at the temporary exhibit featuring the animals of the Arctic Circle and Antarctica. Marina especially liked trying to slide like a penguin. We played some games and learned quite a bit about the animals of these areas. From there, we toured Globology where we saw habitats from all over the world. By then, it was time for lunch.

After lunch, we saw Santa coming down the hall. We talked with him for a few minutes before he left to get ready for the hike. We waited with a few more families in the lobby. They kids ran to greet Santa as he approached. The group posed for pictures before starting on the hike.

We went outside the museum and Santa took us around to each of the wildlife statues around the building and told the kids all about them. They heard about elk, eagles, buffalo, antelope and bears. Marina was always close to Santa, he even used her as an example of how tall a bald eagle is!

After the hike, the kids roasted marshmallows and had hot chocolate. Marina had such a good time, she didn't want to go back into the museum!

We went through all the exhibits again. This time we did a scavenger hunt, trying to find some of the harder to find animals throughout each habitat. We also got a "Creepy, Crawly Tour" through the rainforest to see the dangerous animals who can hide there.

After the second go around, we went home. We were pretty wiped out from all the walking around we did today.

The Polar Express

The movie The Polar Express came out when Marina was a baby. I remember seeing it in the theater in 3D with her sitting on my lap as I fed her popcorn. I doubt she got much out of that showing. Since then, she has seen the movie on DVD, but not in the theater and not in 3D

So, when I saw the Wildlife Experience 3D theater was showing it this weekend, I thought it might be fun for us to go. I picked her up after school and we had dinner before heading to the theater.

When she saw it was at the Wildlife Experience, she was disappointed we weren't going into the museum. But once we got into the theater, she was excited.

The movie had been done in a more modern 3D process and it was better than I remembered it. (And I think Marina got much more out of the experience this time!) It was a great way to prepare us for Christmas next week!

Once Upon A December

Today was Marina's last ballet class of the year. Her teacher decided to make it a party day. The girls were told to dress in their prettiest tutus. Marina chose one that was modeled after a gown from the movie Anastasia and a Santa hat with a tiara attached. Her classmates looked adorable as well, many choosing to dress in a Christmas theme. Their teacher wore a fancy pink tutu that looked straight out of The Nutcracker.

During class time we could hear Christmas music and giggles from the studio. The girls were obviously having a great time! With a few minutes left, they showed us a Rockettes-inspired kick line they had learned.

For the last few minutes of class, they girls had cookies and punch. It was clear they all had a great time today!

Dare To Dream

Today Marina and I had tickets for the Disney On Ice Show Dare to Dream. Rapunzel was prominently featured in the advertising, so Marina decided to wear her Rapunzel costume. She didn't want to wear the hairpiece, so she wore a crown instead. Before the show started, we enjoyed looking at all the other princess costumes.

We had the best seats we've ever had for an ice show. It was pretty exciting. The show started with the story of The Princess and the Frog. It was a high energy, jazzy show. It was followed by Cinderella. After the intermission, was Tangled. Our favorite part was when Rapunzel and Flynn flew through the air on her "hair."

The finale featured all the Disney princesses. Marina gasped in delight as each was introduced. This was the best Disney On Ice show we've seen yet!

Under the Sea with Santa

Today Marina and I went to the Aquarium for Breakfast with Santa. Our table was right in front of the tank, it was a great view. Shortly after we started eating our breakfast, Santa came into the dining room. He spent time at every table. Marina watched him until he arrived at our table. While the were talking, a mermaid started swimming in the tank behind them. Marina was quite excited about that! Later on, Santa joined the mermaids in the tank for a swim.

Once we finished breakfast, we found Santa posing for pictures outside the restaurant and a blue and yellow macaw. We stopped to see both. Then we went into the aquarium.

Marina was disappointed that the sea otters were napping, but we saw the rest of our favorite exhibits. We missed the mermaid show, but we did manage a meet and greet with the mermaids. They said Marina looked like their friend Ariel!

Marina got a mermaid airbrushed on her arm and had a caricature drawn of her as a mermaid.  She was pleased with that. We joined some new friends from the UK for lunch where we watched the restaurant mermaid show. Both girls exclaimed over the show.

We went through the exhibit again, making sure to see the mermaid show this time. It was a holiday theme which we enjoyed. The sea otters were playing around which was fun to watch and we saw the tigers stalking around.

On the way out, we met the mermaids again. Then we tried out the 4D version of The Polar Express. We both really liked it. Marina tried out the new carousel, she rode side saddle on a dolphin.  It was a fun way to end the day.

Nutcracker Ballet

Last year, we had a fun time going to see The Nutcracker with Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy. So, we decided to go again this year. Today's matinee performance was the first of the season. Judy got a kick out of us being at the "opening show."

This year, our seats were in the front row of the first balcony. Chuck and Judy loved the view of the entire stage. Marina was excited that she could see the chandelier raise and lower during the intermissions.

The show was better than we remembered it. There were more funny parts which Marina laughed at. She talked more during the performance than I'm use to, but at least her comments were about the ballet. She was paying attention.

At intermission, we took a look in the orchestra pit and got a snack. Her favorite dances were the Russians and the Waltz of the Flowers. She especially loved Dewdrop.

We all agreed the show was better than last year. Such a great way to start the Christmas season.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

We had our own Thanksgiving dinner this evening. While the turkey and trimmings were cooking, we set up our Christmas tree. In the past I have put up with the tree and lights when she hasn't been home. So she was a bit bored. She tried to help, but it often made it more work.

We decided to have a Disney Princess tree again this year. Marina had fun pulling out our ornaments and finding a place on the tree for them. She was much better about spacing the decorations on the tree than last year. She often hung the prince and princess ornaments next to each other.

Once the tree was done, we sat down for our turkey dinner. Marina discovered she liked dipping her roll into the sweet potatoes. After dinner, we finished our decorating and did some clean up. We accomplished a lot today!

Portraits of a Princess

We never got Marina's birthday and Easter pictures taken earlier this year. The studio we always used closed down after Christmas last year. So when we went in for Christmas pictures today, we had those taken as well.

We tried out a new photo studio today and had a great experience. The photographer, Tonya, was terrific. She was patient every time we changed outfits and really showed some creative flair. She especially enjoyed posing Marina in her Merida Halloween costume.

I was very pleased with the pictures and was especially happy with the package price. I think we'll use this studio again!

Thanksgiving Feast

We went to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving this year. Marina got dressed up for the day and even Julie wore a new dress. We were the first to arrive and Marina soon settled in front of their computer to play games (they have a larger monitor and faster connection!). As more family arrived, Marina was thrilled to see them, especially Uncle Andrew, Uncle Brian and Emily.

At dinner time, she surprised me with her food choices. She wanted the turkey drumstick, but white meat as well. She was also excited about stuffing and mashed potatoes, which she had not eaten much of in previous years. I also convinced her to try the sweet potatoes which she loved! Despite a very full plate, Marina cleared most of it. She even ate the whole drumstick!

We had a little break before the pumpkin pie. Marina ate all that too. Late in the evening when it was time to leave, she didn't want to go. She was having too much fun!

Princess Pedicure

Ever since Marina's first manicure earlier this year, she has wanted to try a pedicure. So, we went for one today. Marina insisted on bringing Julie, her American Girl doll. They wore their matching outfits as well.

The manicurist started by putting a huge butterfly pillow in her chair to bring her forward and make her more comfortable. Marina loved it. The water was a bit too hot at first, but once her pedicure got started, she loved it. Her foot bath had lights that changed color periodically and she had fun watching that. As her feet were worked on, she exclaimed over the the decorations at the spa. Occasionally she'd giggle when her feet got tickled. Her manicurist was patient and answered her questions as she worked. Marina even loved the pink disposable flip flops she got to wear as her toe polish dried.

 

After our pedicures, we went out for lunch. Then, at Marina's request, we went to the library. Marina happily picked out two Rainbow Fairy books to check out. She enjoyed looking at the books as well as trying some of the activities in the children's section. We stopped for ice cream on the way home. It was a fun day!

Doll Tea

Miss Judy invited Marina and I to join her at the Salvation Army Annual Doll Tea. Marina remembered it from last year and was excited to go. We started off by looking at the dolls in the front room. Marina fell in love with an angel doll on the front table and convinced me to get it for her.

After looking at the dolls, we found the place where Santa was waiting. Marina talked with him for quite a while. She told him about the American Girl items she wants for Christmas. Santa shared with her how he has rooms and rooms of dolls at the North Pole.

After seeing Santa, Marina got her face painted by one of the teen volunteers. She got a pink butterfly to go with her outfit. We spent some more time looking at stuffed animals and other homemade items. Marina was particularly happy watching all the train sets that were set up. She sat in a chair and just watched for a long while.

We paid for our treasures, then we sat down for a snack. Marina opted for water instead of lemonade or tea and several homemade cookies. I was amazed at how many cookies she ate. It was a nice morning to help us get ready for the holiday season.

Girls Day Out

Marina is still on fall break, so today we decided to have a fun day. Marina took Julie, her American Girl doll, with her. They dressed in their matching dresses for our day out. We started with a trip to the dentist (she actually likes going!). We stopped for lunch then we went to her favorite salon for a haircut. Her bangs have been in her eyes so it was good to be able to see her face again.

Our next stop was the American Girl store. Marina has wanted to get Julie's ears pierced for a while. So we took her to the salon to have that done. While Julie was in the salon, Marina browsed the store. She really loves Julie's bed and car. Those items are pretty expensive though. She liked looking at Caroline, the newest historical doll, but she's dying for Mckenna, the doll of the year. When it was time to pick Julie up, Marina was thrilled with her earrings. We were told Julie was very brave. They also provided several new earrings for her as well as the ones already in her ears. We also picked up the McKenna movie which Marina watches all the time on the DVR at home.

After we left the American Girl store, we went to the Disney Store which isn't far from there. Marina had a great time playing in the castle and queuing up videos in the theater. We picked up a few orenaments for our Christmas tree. We're planning for a princess tree again this year.

Before heading home we made one more stop, Toys R Us. There Marina admired the Monster High dolls. I think she's now ready to create her Christmas wish list.

Phineas and Ferb Pumpkins

Marina has her fall break this week. So we spent today picking out and carving our pumpkins for Halloween. Marina helped to clean out the pumpkins. She didn't like the process, she said it felt "squishy." But she helped with two of the three pumpkins.

As per our tradition, we picked a Disney theme. No princesses this year. Instead, we carved our pumpkins to look like Phineas, Ferb and their pet Perry the platypus.

 

She watched me as I traced the stencils and carved them onto the pumpkin. She liked punching out the pumpkin pieces after carved them out. Once we were done, we gave them a test run with candles in them. She was very happy with how they turned out!