New Year's Lights

Last year we didn’t get to the Blossoms of Light at the botanic gardens. So we made time this evening. It was a cold night, so we bundled up and bought hot chocolate before following the lighted path.

The lights were even prettier than we remembered. The trees were filled with color and the effects were breathtaking. Despite the cold, Marina was happy to pose with the pretty lights.

By the time we completed the path we were pretty cold and ready to go inside.

Star Wars Sunday

Marina has been looking forward to the release of the newest Star Wars movie, which was surprising since she hadn’t seen any of the previous movies. So over the past month we have been watching the movies to get her ready for the new one. She was even happier when I bought her a Princess Leia costume at Halloween.

We deiced to see The Force Awakens today. I bought tickets at our favorite theater. She dressed up in her Princess Leia costume, including the wig. We arrived early and ordered our usual. Our food arrived before the movie started.

Sitting next to Marina was another young lady. The two of them had fun talking before (and sometimes during) the movie. Once the movie started, Marina was completely engrossed. Some of the scenes surprised her and I could hear her react. After the movie was over, she said she liked it.

Little Woman

After relaxing at home for most of the day. Marina and I went out this evening to see a local production of Little Women. Marina wasn’t at all familiar with the story. She enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate before the show began.

Marina was completely drawn into the story. She had a bit of trouble keeping the sister straight, but she clearly enjoyed their stories. During the scene where Beth died, Marina started to cry. She often accuses me of being “weepy” during shows, but she has never cried. Clearly this story moved her.

After the performance was over, Marina wanted to meet the cast. We had a chance to speak with the actress playing Jo who was very kind to Marina. We waited a few minutes to speak with the actress playing Beth who we had seen several times before. She also spoke with Marina for a few minutes before joining her family. The performance was a long one, so we were ready to go home.

Angels We Have Heard On High

Rehearsals for this year’s Christmas pageant started at the beginning of December. Marina was pleased to get the “third biggest part.” She played Gabriel and all the other speaking angels, which was exactly what she wanted.

The kids gathered to rehearse before the service. Marina was very happy with the giant angel wings she got to wear. I encouraged her to work on her lines all month, but she never wanted to, so she didn’t know them at all today. She ended up using her script through most of the pageant. She also helped out with the younger kids to help them with their lines.

The script was meant to be funny and clearly everyone had a good time with it. The pageant was the highlight of the service.

Nutcracker Night

This afternoon we had plans for one of our holiday traditions, seeing  a performance of  The Nutcracker. I was concerned about traffic so we arrived early. Once the car was parked, we headed out to the theater. Outside we stopped to listen to some carolers and Marina got a cup of hot chocolate.

Inside the theater Marina picked out a gingerbread man for a snack. Our seats were near a four year old girl and her parents. She was at the ballet for the first time and Marina was happy to give her some pointers on what to expect.

By now, we’ve seen The Nutcracker so many times that we know what to expect. Marina said her favorite part was the snowflake ballerinas. But she clearly enjoyed the Russian dancers and Mother Ginger.

After the show, we came upon a band playing Christmas songs on the street. It sounded wonderful and we stopped to listen for a while before going back to the car.

Anna Adventures

We had a full slate of activities scheduled at the wildlife museum today. First we had the annual Hike with Santa followed by a Frozen Ball. So, Marina decided to dress up as Anna all day. She started off on the trekking outfit.

We arrived at the museum shortly before the hike began.We joined the group at the fire pit to enjoy hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows. Marina made a s'more for each of us. After our snack, Santa made his appearance. He spent a few minutes with every child. Marina gave him a small photo album we made for him with pictures of every hike we have done. He loved it!

Once the greetings were over, the hike began. They discussed eagles, bison, brown bears, cougars, deer and elk. And, as always, each child got a chance to hold the sleigh bells and walk next to Santa. At the end of the hike every family got photos with Santa.

After the hike, we stopped for lunch and then went through the museum. Marina knows the exhibits by hart, but she still enjoys them and trying out the games throughout.

Before long, it was time to prepare for the Frozen Ball. Marina changed into Anna's coronation dress and I put on my Elsa costume. We checked into the ballroom and were able to get a photo with Princess Anna right away. Next we waited our turn to meet Queen Elsa. We were fortunate to get quite a few pictures with them throughout the ball.

Marina got a chance to play with balloons, sword fight and make a crown and wand. She also enjoyed marshmallows and hot chocolate. Once the ball was over, we went to the movie theater to watch Frozen.

When the movie ended we headed home. It was a full day of fun!

Holiday Princess Tea Party

After enjoying the Thankful Tea last month, Marina and I were looking forward to this month's tea party with princesses and Santa. Marina decided to wear her Belle Enchanted Christmas dress, even though she knew Belle was not one of the princesses at the tea party. She also decided to bring her baby Anna and Elsa dolls.

We ran into traffic on our way to the party. We were the last to arrive but we did show up before the princesses did. We joined a mother and her two daughters who were somewhat shy. But the three girls were friends by the end of the tea party.

While we were enjoying our peppermint tea, Ariel, Rapunzel, Anna and Elsa arrived. The girls excitement was audible. After greeting everyone, the princesses began a concert of Christmas carols and songs from their movies. They began with "Carol of the Bells" - one of Marina's favorites. They also sang song more familiar to the girls, like "Frosty the Snowman," Let It Snow" and "Jingle Bells" and encouraged everyone to sing along.

After the concert, Santa made an appearance. The girls took turns having their photos taken with the princesses and Santa. We were the last group to go, but that worked out wonderfully for us. Since everyone left after their pictures, we had the princesses and Santa all to ourselves. So Marina was able to talk with the princesses, as she had been dying to throughout the concert. When Marina showed her dolls to Anna and Elsa, they each took their doll and broke into "Do You Want to Build A Snowman?" The whole group even sang "Jingle Bells" with her! We got some great pictures.

It took some convincing to get Marina to leave. She was having so much fun!

Santa and Lights at the Zoo

The weather was beautiful so it seemed like a great night for Zoo Lights. I promised Marina we could go today after dinner. We didn’t get off to as early a start as I wanted and when we got there we found more traffic than we expected. Fortunately we found a parking space in the garage and headed inside.

Even though it was a warm night, Marina still wanted hot chocolate. So we picked that up early. She drank all of hers and most of mine as well.

Every year the animal sculptures seem to be in new places, so it was fun to see the set up this year. When we reached “The North Pole,” Marina wanted to see Santa. The line was long, but she didn’t seem to mind it. When it was her turn, she mostly asked for gifts for all her pets, but she did ask for a plush black cat.


After our visit with Santa, we walked through the rest of the zoo. The weather was still nice and we made sure to take pictures with our favorite animal sculptures. We spent longer than we expected, but it was worth it!

Frozen on Ice

We have been looking forward to Frozen on Ice for nearly a year. Ainsley dressed as Anna while Marina was Elsa. Ainsley braided both of their hair on the drive to the Pepsi Center.

The parking lot was crazy, but we managed to find a spot. Then we headed right into the show. We settled into our seats before it began and even saw the pre-show skit.

Naturally, the main event was Frozen. Both girls were completely engrossed in the show and even sang along with the songs. At intermission I bought kettle corn and drinks and we took pictures close to the ice.

Marina and Ainsley loved the show. As we left, they were both surprised that it was already dark outside. We got to the car quickly and managed to avoid all the traffic going out.

Friends, Fish and Festivities

Marina and Ainsley woke up fairly early this morning. That was a good thing because we had reservations for Breakfast with Santa at the aquarium. The girls decided to wear Ariel dresses for the occasion. I also put sparkly makeup on them.

At the aquarium, we met Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy. Our table was near one of the fish tanks and the food buffet. We quickly got into line for food. Sharkey, the Aquarium mascot, came up behind the girls as they settled in and scared them. Then he stayed for photographs.

While we ate our breakfast, the mermaids started swimming in the tanks. Both girls got up to get a better look. Once they were done, Santa came by our table for a short visit. A little while later, Santa and one of his elves went swimming in the tank. Marina and Ainsley didn’t watch that for very long. They were more interested in finishing their breakfast.

Next, we all went into the Aquarium. Ainsley was taking pictures of nearly every animal she saw. We had missed the mermaid show but arrived in time for the meet and greet. We also spent a while at the stingray pool. The stingrays were acting friendly and the girls were able to touch quite a few of them.

We went back through the exhibit mainly to see the mermaid show. Ainsley didn’t seem too excited until it started. The girls were right up by the glass and had a terrific view of the show. Ainsley was quite impressed. Once our second trip through the aquarium was done we headed out for our next adventure.