Disney On Ice: Celebrations!

We made a trip to the Hampton Coliseum on Wednesday (9/23) form the opening night of "Disney On Ice: Celebrations!" As you can probably imagine, Melanie loved it!
When we went last year, the theme of the show was geared more around Tinker Bell, because of the Tinker Bell movie that came out. The theme this year was a little more ambiguous. There was a section with all the princesses; a Halloween section with a bunch of villans; a section where Mickey & Minnie traveled the globe; a Fantasia number; and a Valentine's Day-type number.We let Melanie dress up like Tinker Bell this year, because we noticed a lot of little girls dressed-up last year. That was definitely an added treat for her. Overall, the show was good. The Halloween part was kinda freaky, but Melanie thought Jack Skellington was funny, so it wasn't scary to her. She was really into the part where all the different princesses came out and danced. She pointed out each one to me as they appeared, while never taking her eyes off the ice. A pretty fun experience for both children & adults.

-Grant

Music We Can All Listen To

Mary and I could only listen to Veggie Tales and Here Come the 1, 2, 3s for so long. We finally started insisting that we listen to some of "Mommy & Daddy's CDs." Now, much to our delight, Melanie often asks us to play our CDs. Here are a few of her favorites, that we really enjoy too.

Playradioplay! - I'm a Pirate, You're a Princess











The Killers - A Dustland Fairytale
The Killers - Human
The Killers - This is Your Life









Green Green Green - Freckles








Swimming With Dolphins - Silhouettes










Owl City - Fireflies
Owl City - The Saltwater Room










Owl City - Air Traffic











The Secret Handshake - All For You











I'm sure this is just the beginning, and that Melanie is going to absolutely LOVE everything that her Mommy & Daddy listen to. :)

-Grant

Melanie & Preschool

Melanie LOVES school! Seriously, she now knows that she goes on Tuesdays & Thursdays, and she's learned to count down the days. Pretty impressive if you ask me. After 3 days of school so far, she's gotten to know a few kids, Ava, Ella F., Ella C., and Henry. It took me forever to figure out that there were 2 Ellas because she kept saying "L F" and "L C." At school, she really enjoys playing outside, doing the daily "project," and just playing with the other kids. When we pick her up, the teacher always says that Melanie was an excellent student, so I guess she's behaving herself. :-/

(Here's Melanie on her 1st day with her teacher, Ms. Donna, on the right, and the TA, Ms. Nikki, on the left.)

I was telling Lianne yesterday, I kinda feel bad being the one that gets Melanie ready in the morning. I mean, I know Mary could do a much better job making her all super-cute and everything for her teachers. I think I'm finally figuring out those hair clips though.

Anyway, she really likes school, and is always looking forward to going. I have no problem dropping her off, and Mary has no problem picking her up. I hope school is always this easy for her/us.

-Grant

1st Day...

Today was the day. I dropped Melanie off for her 1st day of school. It's funny, because I think it was like Christmas for her. She woke up at 6:20 this morning. I remember waking up early on Christmas day, because I was so excited. Melanie has been very excited about starting school. I hope it lives up to her expectations.

No, I didn't cry. I was actually so out-of-it, I'm surprised I remembered her back pack & lunch! Her teacher, Ms. Donna, & asst., Ms. Nikki, are very nice and I'm sure Melanie will really like them.

I never worried about Melanie being at school.....until I really started thinking about it. She doesn't know anyone there! Luckily, like most kids, she makes friends very quickly & easily. Then there's the, "She better not push, or bite, or scream, or hit, etc., etc., etc..." As I write this, she's hitting the 45 minute mark, and I haven't gotten a call yet, so I'm taking that as a good sign. :-)

I'm very interested to hear what she has to say about her first day of school. I have a feeling that she's going to love it. The problem is, she has to wait four whole days before she goes back for her 2nd day of school. :-)

-Grant