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.

Princess Castle Party

We have been to many events at the nearby castle, but have only been inside one time. So we were excited to attend the Princess Party with Belle and Cinderella. I contacted our friend before the party and she told me she would be playing Belle today. Marina decided to wear her Zelda costume, after all, she is a princess.

We arrived right on time. We saw Belle and Cinderella as we entered the castle. We each got a warm hug from Belle and were introduced to Cinderella who told us she’d already heard about us.
Marina and I picked up some food and punch and we sat down. While we ate, the princesses circulated through the room. We talked with both and took pictures.

After a while, the princesses sang songs and told stories. They led dancing and Marina encouraged a shy girl to join in. Then each girl got a craft. Marina made a crown for Belle and another for Cinderella. They both seemed pleased with them.

Before we left, we took pictures outside the castle as well. It’s always fun to see our friends and make new ones.

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.

Fall Fairytale

In our area are lots of fall festivals and corn mazes. We’ve only been to a few. We found out that one we hadn't been  to before was having a Fairytale Day at Maize in the City. We decided to go check it out.

The ads featured Belle, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, so Marina wore her blue Belle costume. We arrived at the Maize before the party started, so we looked around a bit. Shortly after that, the characters arrived. We were thrilled that they were all performers we know. When they saw us, they waved and called us by name.

The party started with a craft – making a pumpkin wand. Marina chose a big one to decorate. After she finished her pumpkin, we took photos with all the characters. Marina also made a new friend, a four year old girl. The two hung out together until the show started.

Flynn Rider started things off by having an Adventure Academy. Marina went on stage to participate. She especially liked the swashbuckling – sword fighting. When she was tagged she put on a dramatic death. Next Rapunzel, Flynn and Belle sang. Then Belle told stories.

After the show, we spent some time with our friends before we left to look around. We decided to try out the corn maze. A friend of mine told me that you should always go to the right side when in a corn maze, so we tried that. It worked! We not only easily found our way out, but we hit all the markers through it to claim a prize. The prize was a mini pumpkin. Marina was thrilled!

Marina wanted her face painted. The line looked short but it moved very slowly. Her new friend was in line ahead of us, so they played together as they waited. Some other children approached Marina. They thought she was Belle! She played along for a little while.

When it was finally Marina’s turn, she decided on a flower design in red. It came out beautifully. By that time we were tired and ready to head home.

Dracula at the Ballet

After dinner we got ready to go to the ballet. They were presenting Dracula. It has been performed in previous years, but since it is recommended for ages 13 and up, I wanted until she was a bit older. We both dressed in black for the show.

The area around the theater was crazy tonight. We met a friend of ours at the seats shortly before the show began.

This show was much more theatrical than other ballets we have seen. Marina loved it though. Just as much, she was happy to see our friend.

After the show, Marina said she loved it. Apparently, she is the right age for it now.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival

Marina and I have enjoyed many events at a nearby historic park in the past, but we’ve never been to their Pumpkin Harvest Festival. We decided to go this year. We had to park pretty far away, so we had a good walk to get there.


When we arrived we took a look at the goats. Marina was thrilled to see a kid in with them. She wanted to pet it but it didn’t come very close to the fence. Next, we looked around their pumpkin patch. Marina found a tiny pumpkin and begged me to buy it for her. I agreed and she named it Tiffany.

We wandered around to see what else there was to do. The panning for gold was crowded, so we decided to try later. Marina tried feeding the chickens, but they weren’t too interested. So we decided to sit down and share a caramel apple. Marina loved the caramel. Next, we went for a ride in an old fashioned wagon. While we waited our turn, Marina got a chance to pet some of the horses. She loved that!

Marina finally got her chance to pan for gold. She found a few pieces and helped some of the younger kids figure it out. On the way out, we bought a glass of fresh apple cider. Marina loved that too!

Return to the South Pacific

We've seen South Pacific before and when a local theater announced they were presenting it this fall, we wanted to see it again. Marina was looking forward to it. She dressed up for the show wearing a Hawaiian print dress and adding a yellow tropical flower to her hair.

We arrived early for the show and saw two of our friends from our church. We talked with them as we waited for seating to start. As it turned out, they had the seats right next to ours!

When it got close to show time, we decided to go to our seats. We both enjoyed the show. Marina’s favorite part was “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.” When it was over, Marina went to the orchestra pit where she found one of her theater teachers. After talking with him, we went into the lobby where most of the cast were available for meet and greets.

 

Marina wanted photos with Bloody Mary, Luther, Emile and, of course, Nellie. They were all very nice and talked with us for a while. A bit later, her teacher came into the lobby from the orchestra pit, so we got a photo with him as well. I think Marina enjoyed it even more knowing the music director.