Animal Adventures

We decided to go to the zoo this afternoon. It was a beautiful warm day. We were fortunate to find parking easily despite lots of people being there. We went right inside. We stopped to watch an animal encounter were Marina got an up close look at a scorpion that glows in the dark. We moved on a looked at the water buffalo, rhinos and kangaroos. When we arrived at our favorite restaurant, we stopped for lunch.

This time we decided to stop at the Lorikeet Adventure so Marina could feed the birds. As we entered, some people who were leaving offered us half a cup of nectar. We were grateful to receive it. It took a few minutes, but we found a bird who she could reach to feed. After that one was done, she found one above her head to feed. This one wanted to take the paper cup away from her!

We went through the Asian Animals and Marina was disappointed that the Fishing Cats weren’t on view. We did see the otters napping though.

Marina wanted to go through tropical exhibit this time. We hadn’t gone through that exhibit for a while. Marina enjoyed looking at the various frogs, snakes and fish. She was especially interested in the Komodo Dragons. As we passed the sea lions we heard them barking at each other. We stopped for a while to watch three of them chasing each other around and playing.

We saw that the youngest giraffe was right over next to the new observation deck. So we went for a closer look. We hadn’t seen him that close before! Marina wanted to see some of the big cats before we left, but none were visible. So we decided to go home.

The Scottish Play

This evening, I was assigned to judge a production of Macbeth. I wasn’t sure this would be a show Marina would enjoy, but she was excited to see it.

We left early in anticipation of heavy traffic. Despite our hopes, we were in rush hour most of the way there. When we finally arrived, we found that the location was right at the foot of the a nationalpark. Since we were a bit early, we drove into the park. We wanted to get out and look around a little bit, but we couldn’t find a place to park. So we decided to go to the show.

The theatre was actually a tent set up in a historic park. Around it were historic buildings, a covered wagon and the park in the background. It was stunning. Marina and I were both impressed by it. Near the tent were food trucks, a woman playing guitar and singing as well as an acrobat. Marina was impressed with the acrobat and spent most of her time before the show watching and talking with her.


We went into the tent for the show a bit early. While it went on she seemed to be following along the whole time. She said she felt she understood the story and she really liked the three witches. After it was over she said she really enjoyed the show.

We had a long drive home. I thought Marina might sleep since she’s had to get up so early, but she ended up talking with me for the whole trip.

There's Something About the Woods

Into the Woods is one of Marina’s favorite musicals. So she was happy to see it again  this summer. To make it even better, a friend of ours was playing Cinderella. Marina thought about wearing a Red Riding Hood costume, but she ultimately decided to wear an outfit inspired by Cinderella. She even experimented with false eyelashes. For her first time using them, she did a good job putting them on.

We went downtown early We got drinks and went to our seats as soon as the house opened. The show was presented in the round – I hadn’t taken Marina to see a show in this format before. We both enjoyed the actors coming and going from various places throughout the theatre.

The show was wonderful. Marina was very excited each time Cinderella came onstage, especially if she was near our seats. It was designated as a “sensory friendly” performance. So instead of clapping the audience used the ISL sign for applause. It was a new experience for us.

After the show we waited in the lobby, hoping to talk to Jenna. While we were waiting, we saw the actor who had played Prince Charming. We had met him after Jekyll and Hyde about four years ago. He said he remembered us and spoke with us for a while. When our friend came out she greeted Marina with a big hug. We also talked with the actress who played Little Red before we headed out. We had a fun evening!

Opera Adventures

The summer is winding down and another of our traditions is to attend the family matinee performance at the opera. Marina and I were especially excited this year because the opera being performed was The Magic Flute, one we both love. I signed us up for the Opera Adventures before the opera. So we left this morning for the drive to the mountains. It was a beautiful day and the drive through the mountains was gorgeous.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the staff, who recognized us from the previous three years. The first part of the day was a trip to a history museum. We had gone there three years ago for our first time in Central City and it was interesting to go again. We looked over the displays of life in Central City in the 1800’s. After we went through the museum, Marina tried panning for gold outside. She even helped some younger kids find gold as well,

We went to the opera patio for lunch as we always do. Marina ate a bit of everything. At the end of our lunch, another family joined us and we talked with them for a while until it was time to rejoin the group for afternoon activities.

We met everyone in the stables where there were some activities for kids. When they handed out plastic flutes, Marina didn’t get one. Apparently, she’s no longer a kid! She didn’t seem to mind. Then we heard from an actor who plays Sorastro in the regular production of the opera. He sang for us as well.

We all went outside in time to hear the Usher Song. This year we were even supplied with the sheet music! Then we went inside to watch the show. This performance had a bit of a 1920’s circus theme and three boys in a bit of a narrator role. As always, our favorite parts were the arias by The Queen of the Night.

After the performance, the performers playing Tamino, Pamina, the Queen of the Night, Papageno and Sarastro came out in their costumes. Marina happily had her picture taken with each one before we headed home.

A Festival of Friends

It’s been a crazy summer and we hadn’t been to the Renaissance Festival yet this year. One of Marina's friends has wanted to go with us for years. So yesterday at her party we decided that she and her father would join us this year.
She dressed as Belle today. Marina had planned to dress as a fairy but it was foggy and cool this morning, so she changed into her Ariel costume instead.

Traffic wasn’t too bad and we arrived shortly after the festival opened. We saw Juniper the Fairy in front. Marina was happy to introduce her. We also saw our friend Princess Elizabeth on top of the gate. Except this year she is Queen Anne!

We started toward the jousting grounds so we could be there for the first round. On the way we saw the unicorn and the Owlmancer. Along the way the girls were happy to shop the jewelry and clothing stores.

For the first joust of the day we were in Sir Duncan’s section. Sir William was acting as Master of Ceremonies again this year. But we were able to talk to him briefly after the match was over.
We headed to the food court and the girls shopped more along the way. Marina and I shared our traditional turkey leg. While we ate we watched part of the Exotic Cat show. We stopped to see our favorite face painter where both girls picked a design to go with their costumes. Then we wandered the shops a while longer until it was time for the second joust.
 
For the second joust, both Marina and Ainsley bought favors for their favorite knight. Marina chose Sancho and her friend picked Duncan. Then after the joust was over, we took photos with both of them as well as Sir William.

We went to Juniper’s booth where Marina gave her a book with photos from last year. She was thrilled with it! Next we went for the Knighting ceremony where the Queen Mother and King of Ireland were presiding.

We stopped for snacks and went to the jousting ground for Princess Erin’s tea party. She had asked Marina t help out which she was more than happy to do. After everyone gathered, Queen Anne joined us for the party. After chatting about the festival, Princess Erin told a story with the Lord Chamberlain, the flag bearer, one of her ladies and Marina acting it out. Marina was a lady knight. She clearly enjoyed the role.

After the party we gave Queen Anne photos from last year when she was Princess Elizabeth. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the book we gave her years ago and immediately added the photos! We took a few more with her and Princess Erin.

After the tea party, the girls wanted to go to the petting zoo to see the baby goats. Of course they squealed over them. They look a look at the rest of the animals before we left to watch the final joust. We got popcorn and found seats to watch it. The good knights triumphed over the bad guys.

We look our time going out. The girls rode a pirate swing and shopped some more. On the way out we said goodbye to Juniper and the jousters. Queen Anne was outside with King Henry, so we said goodbye to them as well. We watched the rest of the cast sing and dance for a few minutes before going back to the car. The girls were already making plans to go together next year on the way back.

A Night of Baseball and Star Wars

This evening was Star Wars Night at the Rockies game. Marina originally wanted to dress as Princess Leia, but at the last minute she changed her mind and decided to wear her Rey costume instead.

We arrived at the stadium early, so we went around the concourse to find as many cosplayers as we could and took pictures with them. When we finally made it to our seats we learned there was a weather delay. We sat and waited for a bit until it started to rain fairly hard. So we decided to pick up our Star Wars t-shirts. By the time we made it back to our seats, the game had finally started.

After the first inning, we headed toward Dinger’s photo spot for a picture. The line had already started to form. Fortunately it moved quickly when Dinger arrived. He was wearing his Jedi robe and had two stormtroopers with him.

On the way back to our seats, we stopped for snacks. Then we settled into our seats for the rest of the game. It was a fun one to watch and the Rockies won 4-1.

Les Miserables

Les Miserables is my favorite musical. I decided that this time it came through town I wanted to take Marina to see it. I took the day off since we had tickets for today’s matinee. Marina slept late this morning.

The show has a lot of characters and a complicated plot. So as we sat in the theatre waiting for the performance to start I tried to explain it to her. Marina paid attention throughout the entire show, however she did fidget quite a lot. The storyline seemed to bore her a bit. When I asked her what her favorite part was, she said, “The music.”