At the Ballet

Marina saw commercials on TV for a ballet production of "Beauty and the Beast." As soon as she saw it, she wanted to go. So we went to today's matinee.

I think Marina was expecting a live version of Disney's film. (She even wore a sun dress with Belle on the skirt.) While some elements of the story were definitely borrowed from there, it was more like the Grimm Brother's version. At least the main character was Belle. That made it easier. What also helped were the subtitles that we could turn on in front so I could narrate the action.

Overall, I think Marina liked the performance, although she did seem a bit bored in the middle. (She was holding her program up to the light so she could look through it.) She did say she'd like to come again. And since she has been studying ballet for nearly three years, I think it was good for her to see professional dancers.

First Princess Sleepover

Marina has been asking for everyone from her school friends to her piano teacher to come over for "A playdate and a sleepover." So we finally did that with her friend Lily. As soon as Lily showed up, the playing and, more importantly, the dressing up began. Here's what I was treated to:

Happy New Year!

Tonight we drank sparkling grape juice and watched the ball drop in NYC (live on CNN so we didn't have to wait). We do live a glamorous life!

Here's wishing you a happy and healthy 2010.

Zoo Lights

On Christmas Night, we went to the Zoo to see the light display. Despite the cold weather, Marina had a great time. She enjoyed eating the food and drinking hot chocolate. She loved seeing the lights and animals. Most of all, she got spoiled by Miss Judy and Bethany. That on top of a ton of Christmas presents. Does it get any better than this?

Merry Christmas!

The OZ

This evening, Marina was in the Dance Core's production of The OZ, a variation of The Wizard of Oz. She was a Munchkin, the Lullaby League in particular.

She had two dress rehearsals this week. I noticed at both of them that she knew the steps very well. She even took the time to wave at me during both the dress rehearsal and performance.

The battery ran out midway through the performance, so the video is in two parts.

Part 1



Part 2

Go Mammoth!

My sister invited Marina and I along with my brothers to the Colorado Mammoth preseason game this evening. Most of us had never seen a lacrosse game before. We all had a great time. Aunt Ann gave Marina an orange cowbell top ring during the game, which she did often. When the crowd cheered, Marina did too. She even joined the chorus chanting "De-fense!" While I was off getting popcorn, she and Cameron even ended up on the Jumbo-Tron screen!