Nutcracker Ballet

Last year, we had a fun time going to see The Nutcracker with Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy. So, we decided to go again this year. Today's matinee performance was the first of the season. Judy got a kick out of us being at the "opening show."

This year, our seats were in the front row of the first balcony. Chuck and Judy loved the view of the entire stage. Marina was excited that she could see the chandelier raise and lower during the intermissions.

The show was better than we remembered it. There were more funny parts which Marina laughed at. She talked more during the performance than I'm use to, but at least her comments were about the ballet. She was paying attention.

At intermission, we took a look in the orchestra pit and got a snack. Her favorite dances were the Russians and the Waltz of the Flowers. She especially loved Dewdrop.

We all agreed the show was better than last year. Such a great way to start the Christmas season.

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!

Portraits of a Princess

We never got Marina's birthday and Easter pictures taken earlier this year. The studio we always used closed down after Christmas last year. So when we went in for Christmas pictures today, we had those taken as well.

We tried out a new photo studio today and had a great experience. The photographer, Tonya, was terrific. She was patient every time we changed outfits and really showed some creative flair. She especially enjoyed posing Marina in her Merida Halloween costume.

I was very pleased with the pictures and was especially happy with the package price. I think we'll use this studio again!

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!

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!

Doll Tea

Miss Judy invited Marina and I to join her at the Salvation Army Annual Doll Tea. Marina remembered it from last year and was excited to go. We started off by looking at the dolls in the front room. Marina fell in love with an angel doll on the front table and convinced me to get it for her.

After looking at the dolls, we found the place where Santa was waiting. Marina talked with him for quite a while. She told him about the American Girl items she wants for Christmas. Santa shared with her how he has rooms and rooms of dolls at the North Pole.

After seeing Santa, Marina got her face painted by one of the teen volunteers. She got a pink butterfly to go with her outfit. We spent some more time looking at stuffed animals and other homemade items. Marina was particularly happy watching all the train sets that were set up. She sat in a chair and just watched for a long while.

We paid for our treasures, then we sat down for a snack. Marina opted for water instead of lemonade or tea and several homemade cookies. I was amazed at how many cookies she ate. It was a nice morning to help us get ready for the holiday season.

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.