Dinner with Santa

This year, Marina and I have enjoyed going to character meals. Tonight they had Dinner with Santa and his Elf. We arranged for a large group of us to go. Marina wore her Elf dress.

We arrived just as the fun was starting. Just as our food was delivered, the elf told us it was our turn to visit with Santa. So I went with the girls for pictures. Our friend went over her list with Santa and let him know that “Sissy is on the Naughty List.”

The girls joined in for the songs and games. After those were over, Marina spent time chatting with the Elf and Santa, even calling me over for more pictures. We were there pretty late, but everyone was having such a great time we didn’t realize it.

Christmas at the Aquarium

This morning we had reservations for Breakfast With Santa at the aquarium. So we had to get an early start. Marina decided to wear her mermaid scales dress. Ainsley wore the same dress as last night. Fortunately we didn’t run into much traffic and we arrived right on time.

We met more friends for breakfast. We had a bit of a wait for our table and when we were finally seated we were very disappointed with our table. It was a booth that was too crowded for all of us and we couldn’t see the tank at all. We asked for another table but were told they didn’t have one. So breakfast wasn’t as fun as we hoped. Santa came by our table when we asked, so we got a couple for photos.

After breakfast, some of us decided to go through the aquarium. We’ve been many times, but we all still enjoy it. One of the tigers was pacing around and the stingrays were friendly in the touch pool. After we went through once, we decided to go back and see the mermaid show.

We hung around for the mermaid meet and greet, then we headed for home.

St. Patrick's Day Princess

Since today was St. Patrick’s Day, we made plans for a special dinner with Merida and a leprechaun. Marina wanted to go even though we didn’t have any younger kids to take with us. We both decided to dress up. I recently bought Marina a new Merida costume (she’d grown out of her last one) and she was excited to wear it. I dressed in a green medieval princess gown.

When we arrived we found our seats were on the patio, right where the entertainment part of the dinner would take place. When the leprechaun came by our table she gave Marina a lucky gold coin.

Merida was played by Danielle, an actress we have met before but we don’t know her as well as some of the others. Despite that, she spent a while talking with Marina. They even discussed marina’s desire to visit Scotland.
We ordered the Hawaiian pizza for dinner. Marina was too full to try the special St. Patrick’s Day dessert.

Patriotic Parade

Marina and I slept in this morning after a late night last night. Our plans were to go to a July 4 parade, just like last year. We left the house early and set up on the same corner. As we waited for the parade to start, a woman and her daughter arrived. We watched the parade with them last year and we were all happy to do it again.

While they waiting, the girls entertained each other. Once the parade started, they moved closer to the street. During the parade the both managed to get some candy, but Marina really got interested when the character performers came by. First she saw Belle and gave her a hug. We also saw Ariel, Tinkerbell and Marina high fived Captain America.

Once the parade was over, we went over to the shop in order to say hello to our friends. Unfortunately, they were not outside as they were last year. So we looked around at some of the other festivities before deciding to get out of the sun and go home.

Fireworks Fun

Marina and I decided to kick off the July 4 holiday a bit early by attending the “Red, White and You” event tonight. We took a picnic with us and left this afternoon.

It turns out that this is a very popular event. Parking was difficult to come by but we did manage to get a spot near a high school. We had a bit of a walk to get to the stage area where people were gathering. We found a spot and settled in. While we waited, we met a woman and her five year old son who were sitting nearby. He and Marina had fun playing together as we waited for the entertainment to start.

At seven o’clock a band took the stage. They sang a collection of fun songs. We danced and sang along with them. As it got dark, we were definitely ready for the fireworks by the time they started.
As it turned out, we had a fantastic view of the fireworks and we were able to hear the music they were synchronized with. It was an amazing display!

Once they were over, we said goodbye to our new friends and walked back to the car. It was a bit more challenging in the dark but we managed to get there. Fortunately by then traffic wasn’t too heavy and we were able to get home quickly.

Merry Mascot

Last year Marina and I had a Christmas photo taken at the Broncos Training Facility with the Lombardi trophies. This year they offered the same opportunity or a photo with Miles the mascot and cheerleaders. Since the Broncos have not won another trophy since then, we chose Miles and the cheerleaders.

I asked Marina if she wanted to dress up for Christmas or in Broncos gear. She immediately responded, “Broncos!” So we put together an outfit of an orange Broncos shirt, a blue skirt and white leggings. I found a blue and white Santa hat to finish the outfit.

I picked Marina up after school and we drove to training facility We arrived right on time. After changing out clothes, we went to the practice field for the photo. Miles wasn’t there yet, so we waited in a short line. In front of us was a super fan who showed us photos of herself with many Bronco players.

While we waited, two Broncos cheerleaders socialized with everyone. They even gave Marina a signed picture. After a little while, Miles made his entrance wearing a Santa suit. He high fived and hugged the kids in line. Then he and the cheerleaders got in position for the photo.

We had a short wait before our photo. Marina sat in front of a sleigh where the cheerleaders were seated. I stood next to Miles. After our photos were taken, we headed out.

Holiday Tree Lighting

This year, Marina and I decided to check out the city tree lighting. When we arrived, we saw the huge tree in the lobby and found Mrs. Claus there. We got a few pictures before heading outside for the festivities. We picked up hot chocolate and some roaster almonds. We were visited by elves and Olaf who gave Marina candy canes.

 

We settled into seats near the fire pit while watching a dance performance. A bit later we went over to a pen to see two live reindeer. Marina liked being able to pet them.

When it came time for the lighting, we moved closer to the stage. It was fun to count down to the mayor flipping the switch. Once the lights were lit, a police escort brought Santa in on a fire truck. Marina found a spot on a ramp where she could see better.

After Santa arrived, we took pictures with carolers, walking Christmas trees and a reindeer. By then we were a bit cold so we went back into the building. Inside, we met up witha friend of mind from elementary school, and her daughter. She showed us a wreath she made. It was beautiful.

 

We checked the line to see Santa, but it was really long, so we decided to go home.

Santa's Village

For many years, Marina and I have wanted to see the holiday lights at Santa's Village, but we’ve never made it. So I suggested we go this evening – our only opportunity this year. Marina agreed.

I picked her up after school. We ran into plenty of rush hour traffic and after about an hour we arrived at the location. The parking attendant told us we were his VIPs for the night and directed us to a parking spot right by the entrance.

I already had our tickets, so we walked right into the event. We stopped briefly at a fire pit, but it was such a warm night we didn’t stay there for long. We followed the path into a building. Inside we found a Christmas plate craft, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman and Santa himself!

The line for Santa was short, so we did that first. Marina couldn’t think of anything she wanted for Christmas, but she posed for photos anyway. Next she designed a Christmas plate. We sat for a story and a song with Mrs. Clause before we moved on.

We followed a beautifully lit path to an Elf Village. The buildings were so cute! Nearby were two reindeer in a pen. Marina was able to pet them a little when they came close enough to the fence. We checked out the movie theater where an old cartoon was showing. We picked up hot chocolate to drink while we were there.

Then we got in line for a hayride to the other side of the garden. It was a pretty trip!

The rest of the light show was a decorated farm house. Marina particularly liked the ducks and chickens in the coop. We could even see some that were sleeping.

Our trip home was much faster than the drive to the garden. After a fun evening, it was good to get home.

School Lights

I was invited to attend their private event at the zoo holiday lights through the university I graduated from. We went last year with Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy. This year everyone wanted to go again.

We learned a few lessons from last year and arrived a bit later. By doing this we avoided the long line to get in. Our first stop was picking up hot chocolate and a snack of popcorn and cookies.

We were really close to where Santa was taking photos with school mascot. The line looked long, but it moved quickly. So Marina and I went through it. Then we went to look at all the lights. Every year the lights are arranged differently. We really liked the way they were set up this year.

As we went through the zoo, Marina participated in a scavenger hunt to find all the symbols hidden throughout the zoo. We compared notes with others along the way, but we still missed two of them. Even so, Marina got a candy cane for her efforts at the end.

Once we got through the zoo, we headed home. It had been a long day. We were all tired, but it had been a lot of fun!

Nutcracker Tea Party

Last year, Marina and I attended the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea. After it was over, she said she wanted to make it an annual event. We both agreed we should also invite Miss Judy. Fortunately, we were all able to go together today.

We hit a bit of traffic on the drive, but we still arrived ten minutes early. Shortly after that we were shown to our table. As usual, the table was beautifully set. We all ordered marzipan tea.

After sipping our tea for a few minutes, our turkey “cottage pies” arrived. They were delicious, but very hot! This year, Marina actually ate the whole pie! Next came scones. Miss Judy loved the clotted cream and eventually we asked for more. Marina used quite a bit of lemon curd with hers.

As we finished our scones, we were brought the sandwiches and sweets. Marina tried, and enjoyed, everything. She was happy that her favorite cucumber sandwiches were included. After we ate most of the food, we were all stuffed. The owner came by our table for a short visit. She recognized us from our previous visits and we told her how much we love this event.

We listened to the story of The Nutcracker. The storyteller did a wonderful job! Then she introduced their Sugar Plum Fairy who danced for us. She had a different costume this year which we all loved. After she danced, she gave candy to all the children and posed for photos.

Marina went into the lobby and participated in the crafts. She came back with a frame she had decorated. We said goodbye to everyone and went home feeling happy.

Christmas Parade

We decided to go to the local Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. We hadn’t been there before, but it sounded like fun. It wasn’t too cold, but we bundled up just in case.

We circled in the parking lot for a bit but ultimately found a space that wasn’t too far from the end of the parade route. Quite a few people had gathered already. We stopped in a store to buy hot chocolate then we looked for a place to watch. We found a place near some very nice people. While we waited, we got to know them a little bit.

When the parade started, Marina stood with the children we’d met. We saw several marching bands, cub scout packs, characters and floats. At the end was Santa on a fire engine. After the parade was over, we moved a bit to see the tree as it lit up for the holidays.

A band started to play and we went over to the stage for a closer look. They played a lot of songs Marina liked. While we were listening, we saw many of the characters from the parade. So we got photos with a polar bear, walking candy cane and gingerbread man. The we saw Anna and Elsa dancing near us, so we took one with them as well. 

When the concert ended, we said goodbye to our new friends and walked to the car. It was a fun evening!

Halloween Villains

This evening we attended a Halloween event with Maleficent and her daughter Mal. Marina wanted to go and we invited Miss Judy to go with us because Maleficent is one of her favorite characters.

We ran into traffic but we still made it there a bit before the special guests arrived. Most of the girls there were really little, but this time Marina didn’t seem to mind.

After Maleficent and Mal greeted everyone, they sat down to tell stories. There was one little girl who was too scared to sit down and listen. So Marina moved over and sat with her. She was happy to participate then. During the stories Marina was happy to contribute her thoughts. She told a joke and started to tell a scary story. But Mal got too scared and had her stop.

After the stories, Maleficent and Mal each sang a song. Then they posed for photos with everyone. As usual, we went last. Then we spent a while talking with the actresses. We all enjoyed the event.

Glow and Snow at the Gardens

Marina and I have attended Glow at the Gardens from the first year it began. Our tickets were for this evening. The temperature dropped dramatically today and we had snow flurries. But that didn’t dampen our spirits. We both wore our Halloween costumes, but you couldn’t really see them under our heavy coats.

It took a while to get to the Botanic Gardens and when we arrived it was already busy. We found a parking sport not too far way and quickly went inside.

We stopped to buy chai lattes. We also saw a woman dressed like Glinda on stilts. We took pictures and then bundled up to go through the garden. This year there were more trick or treat stations and since this was the last night of the event, they encouraged to take as much candy as they wanted. Marina was actually fairly reserved in her selections.

The carved pumpkins were extraordinary as usual. We loved a pile of flame carved pumpkins with a smoke machine inside and horse created from pumpkins. Marina wasn’t as fond of the haunted forest which she thought was too creepy. She enjoyed the ghostly apparitions at one of the administrative buildings. Although, when a pair of giant eyes appeared she was obviously startled.

We went into the Memorial Building where Marina tried out the crafts. She made a wand, colored a vampire picture and decorated a cat mask. On our way out, we saw a room with music playing and acrobats performing. Marina started up a conversation with a woman using lighted hula hoops. We also talked to another woman dancing around in beautiful lighted wings.

We bundled up again and walked to the car. Fortunately it never got too cold and we enjoyed the evening.

Zoo Treats

One of our annual Halloween traditions is going to Boo at the Zoo. This year we decided to leave early in order to avoid the issues with parking we’ve had in the past. Marina decided to dress as Princess Zelda this year. I was Belle.

When we arrived there was plenty of parking and we got a great spot. We headed in and picked up a copy of the schedule. They had lots of character appearances during the day but we were actually early for them. So we made note of the times and started our trek into the zoo.

There weren’t as many trick or treat stations as in years past, and they were harder to find.  As we looked for them, we looked at the animals. It was a sunny day, but very windy. The animals didn’t seem to mind a bit, they were very active.

By the time we reached the carousel, Tinkerbell was there greeting people. Of course, Marina wanted to talk with her. Then we went into the Primate Panorama, which was set up with pirate decorations. Marina was thrilled to spot Captain Jack Sparrow. He remembered us from all our recent meetings and we had a nice talk with him.

We went through the primates and they were quite active. A golden checked gibbon seemed to be following Marina around its enclosure. She loved that!

We checked out a character meet and greet area which turned out to be filled with Star Wars characters. Of course, she wanted her photo taken with all of them. Next we went to Predator Ridge where we ran into one of Marina’s friends and her family. We talked with them for a little while before moving on.

We made our way through the zoo and got to all the trick or treat stations. We saw the sea lions and tigers. We also watched an elephant demonstration.

We had plenty of time to settle in for the Princess Sing Along. After a short wait, Snow White appeared. She sang songs and told a story before posing for pictures. She remembered us from previous events and spoke with us for a while.

We had been told Fawn would be near the carousel, so we went o see her. We found Zarina instead, but we were happy to get pictures with her. Then we went back to the Primate Panorama where Moana was meeting people. We waited our turn and then got photos with her.

We decided we were ready to go but on the way out we saw the Rockies mascot, Dinger. Of course, Marina wanted a photo with him as well. Once we did that, we went to our car.