Ariel's Grotto Girls

A few weeks ago a friend invited us to her little girls 5th birthday at Ariel's Grotto. I debated the cost of the restaurant vs. the fun I knew we had for quite a while 5 minutes. After our annual pass discount, our total would be coming up to over $60. I am cheap. The two things don't line up. But being a mommy that loves my daughter far more than money the decision seemed pretty simple. Rhiannon is obsessed with princesses and all things Disney really.

I told her right away what was going to happen. I think she died a little. She informed me that she wanted to wear the blue Ariel dress, not her princessy one but the "kiss de girl" dress as she says it. I bought a pattern from Sew Sweet Patterns, then altered and added to the pattern a bit to make a dress that made her swoon.

We brought Rhiannon's adorable friend a dress made from the same pattern. Not knowing the girly was obsessed with birds, Rhi chose what turned out to be the perfect fabric.

We got to Ariel's grotto and was immediately greeted by Ariel. Once seated we were brought a bread basket with butter, pesto and the most amazing seafood salad.

A few minutes later they brought out an antipasto tower. One tier of fruit and fruit jello. Another with prosciutto, delicious cheese and and olives, and a tossed salad with a yummy mango dressing.For the main course my girl got cheese seashells with grapes and I had tri-tip, mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. Delicious!

Then dessert. Oh the dessert. Fudge cakes. Cupcakes. Fresh fruit. Everything you can think of. It was amazing.

Through-out our entrees and desserts, numerous princesses came and seen the girls. The birthday girl and Rhiannon would smile and occasionally gasp as their favorites came out and chatted. They snapped pictures and had an amazing time.

Ariel's Grotto was just perfect. The girls had a magical lunch that I know neither of them will forget. All and all, worth every penny.

Little Princess

My girl is growing up. It becomes more and more evident every day. It makes me sad. But at the same time it is so much fun. She is so much fun.

My mom requested a grandma day at Disneyland with her this week. A day with the works, Hair and make-up at Disney 365, face painting, parades with ice cream and seeing all of the princess'. I allowed it on one condition, I got to be there during her makeover at Disney 365.

 

She was so shy when we got to the place to get her hair done but the staff was amazing with her. After holding my hand for a bit she was completely happy, in her element getting all made-over.

I could have done without the make-up. Her hair was adorable but then the purple eyeshadow came ahh. When we went in the dressing room to put her in her princess gown, I secretly removed half of the make-up. She is still a baby. It was too much. My mom later told me she did too, haha.

She had such a great day. She came home and told me that all the Princess' loved her. So sweet. Such a great memory.

Sitting there watching was adorable but so hard at the same time. She is getting so big. She is not a baby anymore.

One second you are bringing this baby home from the hospital. Months of preparation go into picking the perfect coming home outfit. You bundle up this precious gift you have prayed over for so long. Long before this day.

The next thing you know, she is sitting before you, her little heart desiring to be a beautiful princess. And oh, how beautiful she is. This is scary. So scary how pretty she is. I dread her teenage years. Phone calls from boys, first dates. Please keep those away for as long as possible. Thanks.

When she was all dolled up, she twirled and glowed. She wanted everyone to see how wonderful she was.

I want that feeling to never leave her. For her to always know how beautiful she is. Not just with the makeup, not only when she is dressed up but in her jeans and a t-shirt. Not only when she is a 3 year old at Disneyland but when she is my age. To know that she is beautiful and loved. That she will always be a princess because her Heavenly Father is the King of Kings.

I hope she never loses sight of what matters most. The beauty on the inside and her relationship with her savior.

But for now, I will enjoy this moment. While she spins and twirls and wants nothing more than to be like a princess.

Not to forget my boy, who was bored to death with this whole princess ordeal, I want to leave you with his "Please tell me it's almost over" picture...

Disney Day

This past Sunday was a mother-daughter Disneyland Day. I know when I say that the mind first takes you to a day with my 2 year old and I. This is not the case, not this week. My mom and I were long overdue for some time with just the two of us.

We started the day off with Starbucks. Perfect beginning, right? It only gets better from there. We hung out at Disneyland for about 3 hours. Had a blast. Picked up some souvenirs for my kids. You know, because we aren't at Disneyland every week. Spoiled they are... whatevs.

We took a short break so I could nurse Talon and then headed right back.

We had an early dinner at Rainforest Cafe and went back into the park. We had ice cream for dessert and goofed of like little kids. It is the happiest place on earth, ya know!

We finished off the night watching A World of Color, which is AMAZING by the way.
**Let me give you some input though, when you ask the lady how wet they mean by "Wet zone" and she says "It is just a mist from the water", ignore her, she lies!** We left there soaked. I happen to be one of those weird people who love to sit in the soak zone. You know, even though I flinch, jump and occasionally complain about how drenched I am. My mom on the other hand says she will never ever in her life stand that close. We will see.

Any how, it was a blast. Enjoy the cell phone pics from the day. Isn't my mom hawt?