Princess Manicure

Today we had tickets for a Princess Manicure Event. Marina decided that she didn’t want to dress up. Instead she chose to wear a Belle t-shirt that said, “Beauty never goes out of style” and a sparkly white skirt. She looked really cute.

When we arrived we saw the other girls were quite a bit younger than Marina. She was very kind to them, but clearly she felt a bit out of place.

The girls all sat at tables and colored pictures while they waited for the Princesses. A short time later, Belle and Cinderella entered. Belle sat right next to Marina. Marina chose a bright yellow nail polish and Belle painted her nails.

After all the girls got their nails done, they gathered on the floor for story time. Marina sat in a chair nearby instead. After the stories, the girls lined up for pictures. Marina, as usual, waited until the end. She had a good time, but we agreed we will probably stop attending these events, apparently she had outgrown them!

Spa Party

Marina had a tough time deciding what kind of birthday party she wanted this year. We discussed options at the Aquarium, swimming pool, the American Girl store and craft store. Finally, she decide on a spa party at her favorite hair salon.

We arrived at the salon for the party a bit early. I didn’t have a whole lot of set up to do, so we were ready with plenty of time. Marina’s friends arrived shortly after that. The girls started by adding jewels to flip flops, then each headed over to the couch where they got a pedicure, two at a time. Marina picked a deep purple nail polish with purple sparkles over it. It looked very pretty!

Next, they each got a manicure. They all got different combinations and enjoyed showing off their nails to each other. While they waited for each other, they watched Aladdin, which was showing on the TV.  After Aladdin ended, they put on Beauty and the Beast.

Once their nails were dry, the girls gave themselves facials. I was impressed at how much brighter their skin was after the facials. The party time was nearly over at that point, so we had to hurry through cupcakes and presents while many of the parents watched. The girls all seemed to have had fun. One of the girls even called it "Awesome!"

Doll Day

We go an early start today at the American Girl Store. Marina was signed up for another hairstyling class - this one for fancy hairdos. Marina brought Saige and, of course, they dressed alike.

We arrived a bit early so we waited outside with other girls in the class. They were all so excited. It was fun to see which dolls each one brought and how they were dressed. Once the store opened, the girls dashed inside. There was a name tag prepared for each girl and they picked a styling chair to put their dolls in.

This class had a slower pace than the previous one Marina took. Still, she got a bit frustrated at times. Fortunately, she got a lot of help from Brittany and Nancy who were teaching the class. They tried several twists and buns on the dolls. The class ended with a formal bun. Marina was pleased with that and she left Saige's hair in that style for the rest of the day.

After the class, we shopped around the store for a little while. Then we went to lunch. Marina changed Saige into a gymnastics outfit. During lunch, Saige was demonstrating some of her best gymnast moves. Mom wasn't really happy about that!

After lunch, we went to the Annual Salvation Army Doll Tea. Miss Judy wasn't able to go this year, so we went on our own. It was in a new location this year, so we had to adjust a bit. They had a scavenger hunt game where you needed a stamp from every section. I put Marina in charge of that and she loved it!

As soon as Marina saw the face painting station, she insisted we do that right away. She got a butterfly mask on her face.We visited all the different areas of the event. In one room I found a doll that I had when I was a little girl. I decide to buy her for nostalgia. Marina fell in love with her. We also picked up a hat and a tiara for Saige. On the way out, we saw Santa. She had a little chat with him before posing for a picture. He also gave her a book of Christmas poetry. In the car, she ate a candy cane he had given her. I think Marina is ready for Christmas!

Fall Fun

Marina had the day off today, so we decided to have a fun day. We didn’t really have much planned, but we ended up doing a lot.

School picture day is coming up, so our first stop was for a haircut – her bangs were too long again! She was happy to play on the X Box while her hair was done. The stylist the same one who cut and curled her hair before Brian and Emily’s wedding.  She remembered us and was happy to look at pictures of the wedding and her matching American Girl hairstyle.

We had lunch at and then we set out to have her picture taken. We never got pictures for her birthday and Easter, so we did them today. The studio near our house wasn’t available, so we tried one out further from home. We took along McKenna and Julie, so we could have pictures of Marina matching her favorite dolls. (We are saving Saige for the Christmas pictures.)

We were a bit late for our appointment, but otherwise it went well. Marina was happy to ham it up for the camera and even help out a bit with the poses. The pictures with the dolls turned out especially well.

The photo studio was not far from the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. I had not been there before but it turned out to be a great place to visit. Marina enjoyed a wading pond with her dolls. We also had a chance to check out the playground and an old fashioned farm. Naturally, Marina was drawn to the animals on the farm.

Later in the afternoon, the Fall Corn Maze opened. We had a snack of kettle corn and checked out the activities. Marina tried out the giant jumping pillow. I could only convince her to stop with our chance to take a hay ride. It was a long ride and we got to see even more of the gardens. After the hayride, Marina went back to the jumping pillow. She met a few other girls who she played with. They also tried out the spider web.  We’d had a fun time, but we never even tried out the maze itself!

Summer Style

After a late night last night, it was tough to get out of bed this morning, but we had some fun plans. Marina was signed up for a doll hairstyling class at the American Girl store. The class was scheduled for nine this morning, before the store opened.

Marina decided to bring McKenna and wear her matching outfit. We were running a bit late, but we made good time on the drive over and we arrived a few minutes after the class started. The girls were set up in the styling salon.

The girls spent a while spraying water on the dolls’ hair and brushing it out. Each girl got three colored hair extensions for the dolls. They learned how to put them in, to braid the colors in, they made ponytails and buns with them as well.

The class ended when the store opened. Of course, Marina wanted to go shopping. We decided to have McKenna get a spa treatment. She didn’t look dirty, but after her cleaning she looked wonderful.

After shopping, we went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Our food took a while and Marina got restless. Once it arrived, she was very happy with it. I was surprised when she said she was too full for cheesecake. So we ordered a piece to go.

Family Flower Girl

Marina has been in need of a haircut and since she was the flower girl in Emily and Brian’s wedding, she wanted to look extra special. So we went to get her hair cut. We also had them style her hair. Marina was happy to play with the Xbox while her hair was done. First she got a haircut. Once that was done, the stylist created a “heart braid” in her hair and then curled the ends. She topped it all off with ribbons and glitter. It looked so pretty!

We went shopping with some of our Florida relatives and spent a bit of time at the American Girl store. We picked up a dress for Julie that was very similar to Marina's. Julie also had her hair done in a heart braid.

Shortly after we arrived at the clubhouse for the wedding, it started raining. Marina stayed with Emily and her bridesmaids while I waited with the rest of the guests. The wedding was supposed to be outside but after a half hour delay it was decided that the ceremony would be under the pavilion where the reception was scheduled.

Marina was very solemn as she processed in. She was taking her role very seriously. During the ceremony, she stayed up front with the wedding party. Occasionally she would get my attention and motion for me to take more pictures! At the end of the ceremony, she threw a handful of flower petals at Brian and Emily for a confetti effect. Everyone laughed.

Marina spent most of the reception with her Florida cousins. They ran around on the golf course until it was dark then they played with cards at the table for a while. Marina was very excited when we lit sparklers to send Brian and Emily off.

It was pretty late when we finally left. I was surprised Marina didn’t fall asleep in the car on our way home.

Girls' Day

This weekend was not one we had planned out as many have been recently. When I asked Marina what she's like to do today, she said, "get a manicure." We hadn't done that in a while, so I scheduled an appointment for us to get manicures and pedicures.We also discussed going shopping and having lunch. This morning after breakfast, Marina asked me when "girls' day" was going to start.

First we went out to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. It's near the American Girl store and they supply travel chairs for dolls that girls bring with them. Marina was delighted that McKenna was able to sit at the table with us. She really liked the restaurant, she kept saying how nice it was. She liked the quesadilla she ordered, but she only ate half of it to save room for dessert.

Marina said she's never had cheesecake before, so I took care of that today. We shared the chocolate mousse cheesecake for dessert. Marina loved it! She kept cutting off huge chunks and gobbling it down.

After lunch, we went to the Disney Store. Marina had wanted the amulet from Sophia the First. I'd had one put on hold for us, it was a good thing too, because they were sold out by the time we arrived. We were drawn to the display for the new movie, Oz the Great and Powerful. Marina loved the Glinda costume, so we decided she'd be Glinda for Halloween and took advantage of the Friends and Family sale going on. She was pretty excited.

Next, we went to the American Girl store. Marina wanted McKenna to have a manicure too, so we got a nail kit for her. Of course, she found plenty of other things she liked as well.

We still had a little time, we went to the Lego store. I hadn't been there before, but Marina had. She had fun with the computers and interactive displays.

After shopping, we headed for our manicure and pedicure appointment. Marina has had one before, but she still exclaimed over everything. During her pedicure, she noticed a lemon slice floating in her foot bath. She entertained herself by trying to catch it. Eventually the nail technician had to remove it because she was moving around too much.

While she was getting her manicure, she chatted happily with the technician and the women around her. They were all so kind to her as they talked to her about McKenna and her Glinda costume.

To finish our day, we came home and relaxed by watching The Wizard of Oz. It was a good way to end the day.

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!

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.

Sock Hop Sweetheart

Marina has been learning a number of dances in her gym class at school lately. They've been learning them for the sock hop tonight. Marina came home telling me about learning the Macarena and wanting to wear a poodle skirt. The outfit I ordered for her arrived earlier this week and she's been very excited to dance in it.
 
We arrived at the school early and she and some of her friends danced together. I was impressed at the steps they were doing to the 50's songs. And they were having so much fun in their poodle skirts! We had dinner in the cafeteria - hot dogs, popcorn and root beer floats. On our way back to the dance, she stopped to have her nails painted and got a couple of temporary tattoos.

Once we got back to the gym, the kids were doing the Limbo. After doing that for a while, they started some of the other dances, the Macarena and other line dances - all led by the gym teacher Mr. Norris. The fifth graders did their version of Thriller, which Marina loved.

After two hours, everyone was wiped out. Our first sock hop was a lot of fun!

Pampered Princess

Marina is on spring break this week, so we decided to have some fun today. She decided to wear the dress she got for her birthday which has a matching dress for her American Girl doll, Julie. So, Julie came along with us. We went to her favorite salon and she got a haircut. She's wanted bangs for a while so, even though I don't like them, she got them. She kept exclaiming that they make her look younger. I don't think she liked that, she insists she wants to be older. After the cut, they styled her hair in a ponytail and added some glitter.

Next, we went to the American Girl store. Marina hadn't been here before and she was so excited. She picked out a bathing suit for Julie. When she saw the hair styling station, she wanted to get Julie's hair done. We asked the stylist to make it just like Marina's hair. She did. Marina was thrilled.

After lunch, we went to have manicures together. Marina had gotten a gift certificate for them for her birthday. She was so excited. She had hers done first. She was patient and kept very still during the process. She was very pleased with the sparkling pink polish she picked out. While my nails were done, Marina chatted with the owner of the salon as well as some other customers. She was so cute!

Get Tangled in the Fun!

Marina's birthday party today continued the Rapunzel theme. We had a Rapunzel cake, plates and even the soundtrack playing during the party. We had the party at a hair salon where she and four of her friends got their hair and nails done. They all had fun with the princess theme. They were all so beautiful! The biggest surprise of the day was in the goody bags. Each girl was given a plastic frying pan - Rapunzel's tool for self defense. Within minutes, they were swatting at everyone with them. Well, that is what it was used for!

Disney World - Day Six

Our day started with a mad rush. Marina had an appointment at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique and the shuttle schedule wasn't at all compatible with the appointment. It didn't help that the shuttle was ten minute late either. We were dropped off at Epcot and we did well making the monorails to the Magic Kingdom. But once we arrived on Main Street, we had to negotiate the crowds who were watching the morning parade. We passed Snow White and the Fairy Godmother who had short lines waiting to see them. But, fortunately, the Boutique was able to fit Marina in half an hour late.

Marina chose to wear her Silvermist costume today. So she chose a fall with black hair. I found it humorous that the dark haired girls were choosing blonde falls and the blondes seemed to want darker hair. As she was getting started, the Fairy Godmother came in to visit. Fairy Godmother in Training Sabina worked on Marina's hair. Later on, Christina helped with make up. I noticed that their names rhyme: Sabina-Christina-Marina.

Once her hair and make up were done, we had her picture taken. I wasn't happy with the first batch, so I made them do another set. I hope the photographer doesn't hate me!

We went into Fantasyland where Marina's favorite rides are. Then we went off to meet the fairies. We had lunch there. A nice young woman at one of the food stands asked Marina for her autograph. It was so cute to see her sign her name in the book!

Since Marina was dressed as Silvermist (and we had managed to get her picture taken with every character she was dressed as, I didn't want to ruin our streak). Unfortunately when we went through, Silvermist wasn't there. We did meet Tinkerbell, Fawn and Terence though.

We finally caught a performance of Story Time with Belle that wasn't rained out. (It was the only show of the day that wasn't.) But it was important since that show will be ending next month, so we won't have another chance to see it again. I wanted to see the entire Castle show, but lightning was visible in the distance and the performance was canceled.

We went into Adventureland to say goodbye to Aladdin and Jasmine. Unfortunately, we missed their last meet and greet by five minutes. Marina was crushed. A cashier in the store next to them offered to take a note to them. Marina wrote, "I love you," on the paper and then signed her name. She added a flower she'd picked for Jasmine. I wish I could have seen them when they got that!

We went over to see Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen again but the rain started. We ducked into the Christmas store for a while. Marina loved looking at the ornaments and I bought one for our tree this year. But we got restless in the store, so we walked over to Toon Town to try to meet Silvermist again. The wait was longer than before but what else were we going to do? By the time we got to the front of the line, we learned that Silvermist wasn't there. The cast member let us wait about 15 minutes until she came. By the time Marina got into the room to meet the fairies, they all knew she was waiting for Silvermist. Tinkerbell even called Marina by name. So fun!
By the time were done with the fairies, the rain had stopped. So we caught the train to Frontierland. Then we went back to Adventureland where we rode the Magic Carpets of Aladdin and the Jungle Cruise. Then we went back for our chance to meet Princess Tiana. She wasn't there but the line was, so we got in it. Good thing because they closed it soon after. Marina had her picture taken with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. I asked if I could be in some of the pictures. Prince Naveen offered me his arm. So I was on the arm of a handsome prince while looking out at a castle. Sigh. Does it get any better than this?

We caught the end of the Electrical Parade, then went over to City Hall. We each had one day left on our passes and I wanted to know if we could keep them somehow. The wonderful man at the counter arranged for non expiring passes for our next visit. I left thinking our next visit should be next summer.

We watched the fireworks then made the made rush for the ferry. We were exhausted after nearly 12 hours at the park but I was sad to leave. I watched Cinderella's Castle fade into the distance. I hope we'll see it again soon!