Fireworks, Family and Fun!

Last year, Marina and I went to the Red, White and You fireworks show the day before Independence Day. The show was great but the wait for the show was a bit dull. We found out later that Marina's aunt, uncle and cousins were also there. But there were so many people there we didn’t see them. When we decided to go this year, I arranged to meet them there. Marina was excited to go.

We didn’t leave as early as last year, so we ended up parking a bit further away than last year. And since the walk to the park was mostly uphill, it was tiring. We found a spot not far from the lake where we spread out our blanket and saved space for everyone. About an hour later, our family showed up. Marina immediately wanted to hang out with her cousins.

Marina had fun with the kids while we waited and we shared the snacks we brought. When it was time for the show, we realized we had a great spot. The fireworks looked to be right above us.The kids were especially excited by the show.

After it was over, we gathered our belongings and said goodbye to everyone. The walk back to the car was much easier. When we got to the car, we could see that there was a traffic jam trying to get out of the parking lot. So we decided to wait for it to clear up. It ended up being a longer wait than expected. After 20 minutes we got out of the car and started talking with the other people who were waiting. In total, we had to wait about 45 minutes. Once traffic started moving we were on our way home quickly.

Tarzan

Michelle is only in town for a few weeks this summer. Marina and I wanted some time with her, so we invited her to go with us to see Tarzan. We all saw it together six years ago, but we were looking forward to seeing it again.

We picked Michelle up this afternoon and ventured into rush hour traffic. It took 30 minutes longer than usual to get there. We were all pretty hungry when we arrived.

After going to our table we introduced ourselves to the couple already seated there. They were very nice and we all enjoyed talking with each other. One of our servers was playing Jane. We’ve met her a few times, most recently after A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.

We all had the potato cheese soup which was very good. Instead of bread there was a basket of naan on the table. Marina ate quite a bit of it. She ordered the fish which she ate some of. She did finish all of the coconut rice though. She even found room for pina colada cheesecake at intermission.

After we ate, we settled in for the show. It was a fun one with lots of vine swinging and dancing. We knew quite a few members of the cast, so that aspect was fun as well. After the show we got photos with our friends in the cast. And, of course, we took one with Tarzan and Jane. We had a long drive ahead of us, but we made good time.

Family, Santa and Holiday Lights

Last year, Marina and I enjoyed going to Santa’s Village. Since her cousins live close by, we invited them to join us this year.

We decided to meet early. Right as we parked we saw that her cousins was already there and very close to where we were. Then we headed inside. Maisey was a bit timid with us at first, but Barrett immediately responded to the holiday lights.

Close to the entrance was the line to meet Santa. So we decided to get that taken care of. As we waited, Emily took the kids to hear Mrs. Claus’ story time. Maisey didn’t want a photo with Mrs. Claus, so we took one of her with Marina. When it was our turn, Maisey was not at all interested in meeting Santa. So Barrett and Marina had their picture taken with him.

After seeing Santa, we followed the path to see the reindeer. All the kids were interested in them. Then we headed inside for hot chocolate and crafts. I got hot chocolate for everyone while Marina and Maisey decorated plates. Marina was so helpful helping Maisey get the colors she wanted.

Next, we got in in for the wagon ride through the lighted trees. All the kids were very patient while we were in line. They all seemed to enjoy the ride once it was our turn. After the ride, we looked at the lights at the other end of the garden before walking to the car. We’d all enjoyed spending the evening together!

Cyrano de Bergerac

When Michelle is in town, we like to see at least one show with her. This year we decided on Cyrano de Bergerac at the Shakespeare Festival. A friend’s husband was in the cast which made it even more fun. We made arrangements to meet him after the show.

The drive took longer than expected, but we made it there with plenty of time before the show started. We found our seats and looked over the program until the show started.

Cyrano de Bergerac was funny and fast paced. Marina picked up on most of the humor and she didn’t seem to have any issue following along with the story. At intermission I picked up snacks for the girls and was all stood for a while.

After the show was over, we waited by the stage for our friend. He gave each of us a warm hug and Marina gave him the flowers we brought for him. He visited with us for a while. The theatre was nearly empty as we walked out. As we went to leave, we saw the actor who had played Cyrano there. We stopped to talk with him and got a photo before finally heading toward the car.

It was after midnight when we finally got home. We were really tired by then.

The Slipper and the Rose

We had tickets to see The Slipper and the Rose at a dinner theater. Marina decided to wear a Cinderella inspired dress. She asked me to put her hair in a bun. We added sparkly jewelry and one of her ballet tiaras. Marina did her own makeup including eyeliner. She was pleased with how she looked.

We picked up her cousin Michelle and got on our way. The playhouse is a long way from home and it was rush hour, so we had a much longer drive than we expected. We arrived at the theater half an hour after dinner started.

When we got to our table we met the two young ladies we were sharing a table with. They were very nice and we all enjoyed talking to each other. Despite arriving late, we had plenty of time to eat and settle in for the show. Marina ordered the stuffed chicken breast which she really liked.

The show was a different spin on the Cinderella story. We all enjoyed it. A friend of ours was playing Cinderella which made it more fun. And the fairy godmother had a dog which Marina loved.

At intermission, Marina and Michelle had flourless chocolate cake with ice cream. Both of them cleared their plates so it must have been good. I went to the front to see if we could arrange a photo with the actor playing the prince. We had met him once before and we hoped to catch up with him again. The hostess was able to talk to him and he agreed.

After the show was over, we looked around and found the actor who played the prince. He remembered meeting us and gracious posed for photos with all of us. Then we got into the line to have a picture with Cinderella onstage. Marina hugged her and talked to her for a few minutes.

Once our photos were taken, we got back into the car for our ride home. It was a faster trip than the one to the theater, but it was late and we were all really tired. Marina tried to sleep in the car but only managed to doze off. Once we got home it didn’t take long for her to get into bed.

Checkerboard Chick

Tonight we had tickets to see Hairspray. Michelle was coming with us and we were also meeting one of  Marina’s friends and her family there as well.

Marina wore a black and white checked dress with a black sweater. It was much like the dress Penny wore in the finale of the first production we saw. Many people complimented her on the outfit.

We arrived early with Michelle and ordered drinks and snacks. While we were enjoying those, her friend arrived. After they got their own drinks we all found our seats. Marina and her friend sat next to each other. They were happy to catch up.

The show was fun and we all enjoyed it. After it ended. Marina and Michelle wanted to meet the cast members. Of course, they wanted pictures with the principal characters. Many of the actors complimented Marina on her outfit. They were able to associate it with the "checkerboard chick" link at the end of the show.

After we got photos with Tracy, Link, Penny, Seewee, Amber, Mrs. Von Tussle and Edna, we headed home. It was late and we’d had a very full day.

The Taming of the Shrew

We saw The Tempest at the Shakespeare Festival two years ago and Marina enjoyed it. This year The Taming of the Shrew was on the schedule. We decided to see it. We invited Michelle to come with us.

The drive was a long one, but we made really good time on the trip. It sprinkled a little bit, but it wasn’t too bad. We arrived with plenty of time to find our seats, buy drinks and settle in. Before the show began some of the actors were lingering onstage which gave us something to watch.

The show was fast paced and it took a little while to get used to the language, but we all enjoyed it. Marina said she understood most of what was going on. Her favorite parts were the humorous ones. And fortunately the weather was clear.

Santa in the Water Room

Breakfast with Santa has been a tradition for us every December. Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy also enjoy going with us. We made plans to go this morning with them and we invited Michelle to join us.

We arrived right on time but it appeared that the table they planned to seat us at wasn’t ready, so we were led to the Water Room – a small space set apart from the dining room with perfect views of the tanks. We were thrilled to be sitting there!

We went to the buffet line and loaded up our plates, then we sat down to enjoy our spectacular view. As we ate the mermaids swam in the tanks. We could see them in the tanks in the dining room. Soon they swam into the tanks in front of us, it was like a private show!

Santa stopped by our tables last. We took photos before he headed into the tanks for his swim. Once again, we got a personal viewing of the water show.

After breakfast, we encountered some animal meet and greets. We saw a coral snake and two rats. Marina was happy to pet them all. We bought tickets for the aquarium and went inside. Michelle used to go to the aquarium often when she was little, but it had been years since her last trip. She enjoyed seeing it all again.

We passed by the Archer Fish who were being fed. Michelle and Marina each took a turn. They held a live cricket over the tank and the fish squirted water at it to get them to drop the cricket into the water. It was funny to watch!

After we made went through the Aquarium we went to the 4D theater to see The Polar Express. It was a festive way to end our day.

Grease is the Word

When I was in fifth and sixth grade, my friend Heather and I constantly listened to the soundtrack for the musical Grease. So I was excited to take Marina to see it this summer. We invited Michelle to join us this evening.

Marina decided to wear her poodle skirt to the show. When we arrived at the theater she got plenty of compliments on her outfit. She was pleased with each one.

We went to our seats and Marina read over her program, looking for actors she had seen before.

Marina loved Grease from the beginning. She laughed at the silly antics of the T-Birds and enjoyed the high energy dance sequences.

After the show, most of the actors came out still in their costumes. Marina and Michelle had their pictures taken with Sandy, Danny, most of the Pink Ladies and the Teen Angel. Marina particularly enjoyed talking with the actors about the show and her outfit.

Once we had a chance to talk with the cast member, we went home. We'd had a great night in the 1950's.

Frozen Festival

As we planned our trip to the Renaissance Festival this year, we tried to schedule a time when Michelle could join us. This weekend was the only time we could do that. Our friend Justine was also able to come, so we had a larger group than usual.

Marina and I decided to dress in our Frozen costumes. She wore the Anna coronation dress and I was Elsa. Justine borrowed a Cinderella costume, but Michelle did not want to dress up, she did wear a tiara all day though.

We didn’t leave as early as we had planned and traffic was crazy getting to the festival. But when we finally made it we were all glad to be there. As we entered, Marina and I were serenaded by “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” We both laughed.

Once inside, the girls all took a run through the maze. We were surprised to see the first joust was taking place. We thought we had missed it. So Marina, Justine and I found seats to watch while Michelle had her hair braided.

After the joust, we wandered the festival and did some shopping. As always, Marina wanted her photo by the wishing well. We also came across Prince Charming. He hasn’t done his act at the festival for a few years now, but Marina was pleased to see him.

We sat down to watch the Endangered Cats show. Marina loved the black panther, who she thought looked like Jasmine. We also enjoyed the antics of the white tiger.

Marina wanted to get her face painted, so we found our favorite artist. Marina chose a star design in red and purple. She was clearly happy with the result. While we were waiting, the royal procession came by. Marina curtseyed and waved to the royals. Princess Elizabeth’s face clearly lit up when she recognized Marina. She waved to both of us.

For lunch, we had our usual turkey leg and were very happy to find a shady place to sit. I was impressed at how much turkey Marina ate. Michelle and Justine wanted to do more shopping, so they went out while Marina and I went to the second round of jousting. Of course, Marina happily cheered Sir William on.

Marina and Justine wanted to ride the elephant, so we all met there. After they got onto the elephant with another couple, the trainers decided to cool off the elephant by spraying him with water. They enjoyed the extra time as well as a cooling mist on their legs.

We all went over to the chapel for the daily knightings. After the ceremony, Marina and I went to meet Princess Elizabeth for her tea party. Once the rug was set for the girls to sit on, Marina took a spot right by the princess. The girls had fun talking about their adventures. Then Elizabeth told a silly story using the members of her court as actors. We spent a few minutes talking with Princess Elizabeth after the party and promised to see her next year.

Marina and I picked up a snack and went back to the arena for the final joust. We met the court poet who said he was looking for us all day. He then serenaded us with “For the First Time in Forever.” Marina was pleased and embarrassed.

Michelle and Justine saved us a spot right in front. As we were settling in, we learned we could get a favor for Sir William’s lance, then get it back from him after the joust. Marina’s face lit up and I knew we had to get one. Michelle and Justine each got one as well.

After the formalities of the joust were complete, the girls stepped forward to give Sir William their favors. Then the joust began. Justine was particularly excited with the action. In the end, Sir William and Sir Balin defeated Sir Joseph and Sir Arthur. When  the ceremony concluded, Sir William came back to the arena to return the favors to the ladies who presented them. He thanked them all and since he won the joust requested they all come to all of his jousts.

Before he could start, Marina gave him a collection of photographs we put together for him of our many meetings. He was very pleased. He gave Marina a big hug before returning her favor. He gallantly kissed the hand of each lady as he gave her the favor. By this time, Michelle and Justine were his fans as well.

We headed for the gate in time for King Henry’s closing remarks. The rest of the cast sang and danced but we only watched for a short time. By then we were all very tired and ready to head back to the present.

West Side Story

As Marina gets older, I'm able to take her to more theatrical productions.  West Side Story was one of the first shows I ever saw and I was about Marina's age. I was excited to introduce her to the show which I remember so vividly. My niece also wanted to see it, so she came with us.

We arrived at the theater early, so we had a look around and bought drinks and snacks. We found our seats and sat for a while. Marina got bored as we waited. The show started right on time.

Marina was attentive to the whole show. She giggled a bit during the rumble scene at the end of Act 1. I was pretty sure she was a bit uncomfortable which caused that reaction. She was very impressed with the singing voices of Tony and Maria.

In Act 2, she clearly enjoyed the comic songs "I Feel Pretty" and "Gee, Officer Krupke." At the end, the gunshot startled her. I knew it was coming, but I didn't warn her. When it was over, she said she really liked it.

After the show, the cast came out and mingled with the audience. We were able to meet the actresses who played Anita and Maria. Both Marina and Michelle wanted to meet the actor who portrayed Tony. He was very gracious and even gave Marina a big hug before the picture. She was thrilled!

Once the meet and greet was over, we went home. We'd had a great girls' night out.