Lego Zoo

The zoo has an exhibition of Lego animals on display which Marina and I have not seen yet. Today the weather was beautiful, so we decided to go after church today.

The parking lot was very crowded but we were fortunate to find one quickly. Inside the zoo we picked up a map for all the Lego displays and some drinks. Our plan was to find all the Legos animals. We started by seeing the giant lion made of Legos near the lion enclosure. We walked over to the Feline House and saw the snow leopard Lego set up outside it.

While we were in the polar exhibit, the sea lion demonstration was going on. So we stayed to watch. A Lego rose and crane were on display in there. We also went through the tropical exhibit . We looked at the fish and Komodo dragons and saw the Lego orchid.

We needed a rest, so we bought some kettle corn and sat down for a little while. Then we took a ride on the carousel. Marina chose the black panther because it reminded her of Jasmine.

The day was hot and we were getting tired, so we looked for the rest of the Legos. We saw a fox and hare, bumblebee, hummingbird and butterfly. We wandered through the bird house and then went into the Elephant Passage to find the last two Legos. There was a dragonfly near the elephants and a lily pad with a koi set up on the water.

By this time, we were hot and very tired. It was time to go home.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a Disney story Marina is not familiar with. The film is pretty dated, but I couldn't resist taking her to a stage production of it. A dinner theater we love presented it this summer and we looked forward to seeing it there.

When we arrived we saw some actors we are familiar with and took some time to speak with them. The menu had a British theme, but Marina stayed with something more familiar - pigs in a blanket. She was also happy with the light up ice cube in her drink.

When the show started, Marina was completely engaged. She was particularly interested in the two children in the main roles. She laughed at the bumbling antics of the villains and was in awe of the flying car. Clearly she enjoyed the performance.

After the show, Marina was anxious to meet the cast. She immediately approached the two main child actors. After speaking with them, she gave each a big hug. Next she spoke with the children's chorus and soon they were acting like friends.

Marina was happy to have her picture taken with every cast member we could find. They were all very gracious with her. Once we had done that, she was ready to go home.

Pretty Pictures

Trevor, our neighbor, is a photographer and graphic designer who is working to build up his portfolio. He offered to take pictures of Marina to do that. Since we never got birthday or Easter pictures taken, we decided to have Trevor take them.

Marina wore her birthday dress and brought Grace along for some of the pictures. We walked a short way from our house to a park for the pictures.

Overall, Marina was cooperative, although she got a bit grumpy from time to time. Trevor made her laugh and I got her to complain several times. Despite her irritation with us, Trevor was able to take some very nice pictures.

We had planned to take pictures in her Easter dress as well, but Marina was tired, so we decided to try another time.

The Power of Poison

Marina was looking forward to spending the day with Ainsley. We decided to go to the nature and science. When we arrived, we went directly to the newest temporary exhibit, The Power of Poison.

The first part of the exhibit featured animals and plants that are naturally poisonous. Many of the examples were insects which made Marina and Ainsley shudder. They quickly moved past them.

Next up were poisons featured in stories. Marina was particularly interested in examples from Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter. But both girls were more drawn to the fairy tales and myths. Examples from Greek mythology, Alice in Wonderland and Snow White were especially interesting to them.

We passed a show that was about to start and the girls tried their hand at solving mysterious poisonings. I watched the show while they did the activities. I mentioned to them that the show needed a volunteer to act like out a dramatic death and another to help mix chemicals. Marina wanted to do the acting and Ainsley was interested in the chemicals, so they decided to watch the show. We sat right up front. To their delight, they were each selected for the part they wanted to play.

Once we finished the Poison exhibit, we went into the Mythic Creatures exhibit. Both girls have already seen it, but wanted to go again. They enjoyed posing for photos by each creature. They also created female centaur-like creature at the art station.

After visiting the temporary exhibits, the girls checked out the gift shops. Ainsley bought necklaces for herself and Marina. We had lunch before taking Ainsley home.

The Legend of Robin Hood

Marina has always been interested in the story of Robin Hood – especially with the archery classes we have taken in the past. So the premiere of The Legend of Robin Hood at a local theater was of interest to us.

While we were watching the show we realized that many of the actors in the cast are performers we have seen in previous shows. We hadn’t expected that. Marina clearly enjoyed the production. She laughed at the comedic parts and loved Maid Marian’s ability to fight for herself. But her favorite part was the dog which made a few appearances in the performance.

After the show, the cast came out to meet the audience. We were able to talk with the actors we have seen before. The actress playing Marian gave Marina and another girl who attended Robin Hood caps and officially inducted them into the band of Merry Men. Marina was pleased but enjoyed playing with the dog most.

Historic Opera

Marina and I have had an interest in opera lately. A historic opera house in an old mining town offered a program called “Take a Child to the Opera Day.” The program included several activities and a performance of La Traviata. That sounded like a great way to check out this historic opera house.

We had to leave fairly early this morning because it was pretty far away. We got to drive into the mountains and were treated to some spectacular views along the way. The activities began in the livery stables across the street from the opera house. The stables have been turned into a small performance space. We were led in several theatrically themed games. Marina was a bit self-conscious about the mirror game, but she loved the “Director Says” one.

After the activities, we went to a local museum which featured many artifacts from the city’s history. We walked past mock stores and an old fashioned classroom. Marina even tried ringing the school bells. But her favorite part was clearly the Nautilus submarine on display.

After our visit to the museum, we went to the opera house and had lunch on one of two lovely patios next to it. We ate on a shady bench with a girl and her grandmother. After they ate, Marina and her new friend played in the gardens.

After lunch, we went back to the livery stable for presentation by one of the Central City Opera singers. He was a baritone and he talked about the opera and life as a singer. He also performed one of the arias from La Traviata. After his performance, we went to the Teller House, next door the Opera House, and Marina made a camilla, since the opera was based on a book called “The Lady of the Camillas.” She was also given a set of opera glasses, which she loved.

Once her flower was finished, we went outside to watch the song of the ushers. It is tradition that the ushers stand in front of the box office and sing the song before marching to the opera house and opening up seating. We settled into our seats shortly before the opera began. The theater inside was gorgeous. The opening was a festive party and it captured Marina’s attention. The opera was sung in Italian, but the translation appeared on a big screen at the front of the theater.

Act 1 was short, followed by an intermission. We went outside onto one of the patios where Marina met up with her new friend again. Act 2 was slower and less dynamic, so Marina played with her opera glasses a bit. She met up with her friend again during the second intermission. This time, the girls discussed the death of Violetta which they knew was coming at the end of the opera.

Marina clapped enthusiastically at the end of the opera. She was tired and ready to go home. But I encouraged her to take advantage of the opportunity to meet the cast. She was a bit reluctant, but she agreed. There was a bit of a crowd, but we patiently waited our turn. First we got to meet the actor playing Alfredo. He was very nice and when I asked to take a picture he pointed out his mother was there taking pictures as well. Next we spoke with Violetta. She was very friendly and encouraging to each child. Marina was so impressed with her that she gave her the camilla she made earlier. Before we left, we got pictures with Georges and Flora as well.

We had another long ride home. Marina seemed to enjoy most of the views I pointed out to her, but mostly she played on her phone. The long drive seemed to be the only part of our day she didn’t like.

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.