The Thanksgiving Play

A friend of ours is currently performing in The Thanksgiving Play. We hadn’t been to this theater before, but, of course, we wanted to support her. So we bought tickets for this evening’s performance.

When we arrived we found it was located inside a former church. The updates to the space were really cool and we enjoyed looking around before the show.

Marina likes sitting up front and tonight our seats were right in the front row. Marina was excited to see the show. It turned out to be a ridiculous comedy about political correctness. Marina laughed throughout, so clearly she got most of the jokes.

After the show we met our friend in the lobby. Marina gave her the flowers we brought her. We talked there for about 20 minutes. After talking for a while we headed home.

Moana

It’s been three years since Disney released a new princess movie. We’ve both been looking forward to seeing Moana, the newest one. Marina didn’t have school today and I took the day of so we could see as soon as it opened. Last month I bought her the Moana costume, so there was no question what she was going to wear today.

Marina had an appointment today. She wore the costume there and was happy to show it off. After her appointment was over, we picked up one of her friends and went directly to the theater.

We went to a theater which we haven’t been to in a long time. It includes a restaurant, so Marina ordered a shrimp platter for lunch. Then we headed into the theater to get ready for the movie.

We were pretty early for the movie, so we ate our lunch while we waited. A little before the previews started two more of our friends joined us and we all settled into our seats for the show.

We all loved the show. Moana was an engaging character and the music was amazing. Marina and I loved it so much that we bought the soundtrack on the way home from the theater.

Thankful Tea

In honor of Thanksgiving, Marina and I attended a "Thankful Tea" this evening featuring Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Marina was excited to go. Apparently growing up has not changed her love of princesses! She wore her Belle costume, however, the weather was cold, so she had to put warmer clothing underneath.

We arrived just on time and joined two young girls with their mothers at a table. Marina was the oldest girl there, but that didn't bother her at all. Shortly after we arrived, Belle came in. She quickly greeted Marina and gave her a warm hug.

Once the tea party started, Belle gave each girl a book to create. Marina got right to work, drawing Belle's different dresses inside. We enjoyed cookies and apple spice tea. Later, Belle read stories to the girls and passed around mementos from the Beast's castle.

At the end of the tea party, each girl posed for photos with Belle and she signed their books. Then we all bundled up to leave. We'd gotten quite a bit of snow during the party.

When we came home, Marina made herself another cup of tea and settled in to watch Beauty and the Beast.  It was the perfect way to end a sweet day.

Picture Perfect

This was the first year Marina seemed aware of Black Friday. Today we went to have her pictures taken to take advantage of a great deal.

Marina wore two outfits for her photo shoot. First she wore her Thanksgiving outfit which coordinates with her American Girl doll Kaya. The photographer captured some wonderful shots of them together.

Next, Marina wore her red Christmas dress. It is also an American Girl outfit. She brought last year's Christmas present Kailey in the matching dress. We got some pictures with Kailey and some without. Marina showed she was a real pro - we were done in less than 10 minutes.

After the photographs we did a little shopping and had lunch. We got to experience a bit of Black Friday without the craziness.

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!

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!

At the Movies with the Muppets

Disney has been doing a phenomenal job of promoting their new Muppet movie. Marina has been wanting to see it for weeks. She had the day off, so we went to see it today - opening day.

First we went out for brunch. It's been a long time since we have taken the time to do that. We also did some shopping for Thanksgiving.

To prepare for the movie, we've watched some of the older Muppet movies including the original Muppet Movie that I saw in the theater when I was her age. She really enjoyed them. Her favorite characters are Kermit and Miss Piggy.

She seemed a bit restless during the movie, but overall we both loved the movie. It reminded me so much of The Muppet Show as well as The Muppet Movie.

When we came home, I worked on baking pies. Marina had said she wanted to help, but ultimately she went and played by the Christmas tree.

Giving Thanks

We spent Thanksgiving at my mother's house. Marina has been learning about the Pilgrims and Indians at school and she wanted to wear her Pocahontas costume in honor of them. Everyone thought that was appropriate.

Marina spent most of the day playing with her uncles. Uncle Mike and Uncle Brian like to lift her up off the ground and roughhouse with her. She also convinced Uncle Andrew to play with the Barbies she brought with us.

When it came time for dinner, she mostly ate turkey and rolls with a little stuffing. She did love the turkey though. She also polished off most of a piece of pumpkin pie.

Marina has a fun day. In fact she didn't want to go home.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!