Princess Skate

February 23, 2025

Many years ago (9 to be exact) the rink hosted a Princess Skate where little kids could come to the rink and skate with their favorite Disney princesses. Emily had only been skating a couple of years at that point, but was into private coaching with Amanda.  She had just turned 8 years old and definitely wanted to go.

   

Well, this year the rink brought back Princess Skate and it was Emily's turn to be a princess herself.  She was chosen to be Belle which was a perfect fit for her (except she does not love books).  So we found her a dress on Amazon, complete with nice hooped, ball gown style skirt and gloves and she was ready!  When Sunday afternoon came, it was time to fix her hair to look like Belle and then we were off to the rink to skate with the kids!  Indeed she was the most perfect Belle and everyone had a great time!

   

   

The Club Princess Skaters opened the even with a very minimal group number and then let the kids join them on the ice.  Belle held lots of little hands and posed for tons of pictures with the kids.  I think she felt a bit like a celebrity for a while.  I hope the rink continues this fun event next year!

   

   

   

   

Disney on Ice 2025

February 22, 2025

We had tickets for Disney on Ice again this year and we were really looking forward to going.  This show always combines two things we love a lot - Disney and skating of course!  Since Dad was away on a ski trip, Emily brought Gabby, a friend from NHS.  We even brought Minnie ears to share.  I think she had a good time.

This year there were two primary themes in the show - Frozen and Encanto.  While I do like Encanto, Frozen is my favorite and it was up first!  We had front row seats again this year and, if I do say so myself, I think I got some great pics!

   

   

   

   

    

After a short break it was time for Encanto.  The woman who played Mirabelle was really good and looked just like her.  I also liked Bruno.  This was a fun show!  Can't wait for next year already!

   

   

   

Prom Dress Shopping

February 15, 2025

This weekend we were supposed to be heading to Dayton/Cincinnati for prom dress shopping for Emily and her friend Gabby.  Unfortunately, life had other plans.  Emily came down with norovirus on Wednesday night so we had to stay home.  She missed school Thursday and Friday but, by Saturday morning, she was feeling quite a bit better.  So, we hit up some local shops so we would not have to toally abandon our plan.  Plus, looking at the calendar, we really did not have a lot of other open weekends for shopping. 

Our first stop was meeting Gabby and her mom at Nandel's.  I was glad the girls still had an opportunity to shop together, at least a little bit.  Gabby found her perfect dress in the second dress she tried on!  Emily tried on several, but nothing she was in love with.

   

   

We said goodbye to Gabby and her mom and headed on to lunch and then to Yellow Brick Road to try on some more dresses.  This time there were a couple she really seemed to like - one red and one black (although she really wanted a color).

   

   

We had one last stop to try before seeing if she was ready to make a decision - Barbie's in Milton.  They had loads of dresses and a couple of brands she liked so we were hopeful.  She tried on quite a few more options, but there were a couple that really stood out - both blue. (probably no surprise).

   

   

But, fairly quickly she settled on the bright, cobalt blue one.  It really is stunning in person and she looked so beautiful in it.  They had a seamstress on site so in just a few minutes she was all pinned up and we were ready to check out!  

She said yes to the dress!  A happily ever after to our first prom dress adventure!

Valentine's Day 2025

February 14, 2025

Not too much to post for this Valentine's Day (partly because Emily was sick) but we did manage to have a nice heart shaped pasta Valentine's dinner and some tasty Valentine treats for the cats, too!  D and E each got some treat bags, too.

   

February Canaan

February 7-8, 2025

Back again to Canaan!  Very different experience this time - no snow!  But still very excited to skate and spend time with skating friends.  Friday night we started with the show.  We had a decent audience and all the skaters (including our two newest additions - Maggie and Avery) skated well.  And of course we had pizzas and cupcakes too!  Great first night!

   

We started our day on Saturday with our usual trip to Tip Top.  Love that place.  Today's selections included espresso pumpkin cupcake and pumpkin crumble muffin.  Yum!

   

Then it was time for skating and we had another great show and a very good crowd.

   

   

Then we grabbed some lunch at Wicked Wilderness and headed back to get ready for the evening show and spend some time with the locals.  Canaan days go so fast.