Dear Santa

Rylee, Amy and I went to the Children's Repertory Theatre to watch the production of Dear Santa. Since she did so well when we went to see Charlotte's Web, I decided to go again at Christmastime. Once again, she was a little lady and loved the play. I think that it is so important, at early ages, for children to be taught how to act appropriately in different settings.

It is obvious, that Rylee has caught on! This will carry on in her education and hopefully it will ignite her creative side as well!

After the play was over, all of the characters lined up outside for a "meet and greet" and they would sign your playbill as well. This time Rylee was all about getting her book signed. She went from one person to the next and even though she did not talk a lot....... she would hold the book and pen out and have them sign it. It was really cute.

She has always been a little afraid of Santa and had not been very good about sitting on his lap. However, Amy and I had to laugh, because when it came time to have him sign, before either of us could grab her, she walked right to the front of the line and even posed for a picture. No one seemed to mind as she was the youngest child in the line.

As you can see, we all had a great time.........

After the play, we went to our favorite ice cream place and ate an ice cream cone. I love being able to make these memories and absolutely love getting her started with the "arts". That is something that I never did with my own children, but as a grandmother, I plan to get them all involved with music, art, dance, museums, plays, etc. I think that you should see and appreciate the finer things in life, just maybe they will continue this with their children and grandchildren. And besides....... what else are Mimi's for????

Charlotte's Web with Wilbur the Pig

For my grandchildren, I am determined to have a close relationship with them. I want them to feel close to me. Not by spoiling, (well some spoiling) but by having some quality time with me as they grow up.

With Rylee, Pop Pop and I took her to see Elmo Live and it went very well. So, I decided to make a "girls night out" and got tickets to the Orlando Children's Repertory Theatre to see Charlotte's Web. Now, I know that she is only 2 years old. So, I spent time before the day of the show explaining Charlotte's Web to her and reading her books. But most important, I wanted her to realize that we would be seeing people dressed as characters. Not seeing a real pig or spider.

Plus, we played up the "girls night out" because it was only Mommy, Rylee and Mimi going to the theatre. Not Sissy, Daddy or Pop Pop! She was so excited that when it was time to leave, she told her daddy that he couldn't walk her to the car, because he couldn't go!

Upon arriving to the theatre, we met one of my co-workers, Kathi. She had also brought her daughter, Amy, and her grandchildren, Olivia and Donovan. Donovan was so sweet that he gave Rylee his pig puppet; which she loved!

Then it was time to find our seats. We bought our tickets early; so we were only in the second row, center stage. Great seats and one very excited little girl. Amy and I sat with Rylee in the middle.

As the lights started to dim, I whispered for her not to be afraid that they would come back on. She was fine! Then a spotlight came on shining on Templeton, the rat, who was coming down some stairs. She did fine, UNTIL...... he jumped off the stairs and started scurrying across the stage. THEN...... she did it........ she screamed......LOUD and jumped into my lap! At the same time that I was looking for an exit, I reassured her that he was not coming off of the stage. She said okay and got quiet! And although she sat in my lap for the entire performance, she did great! Afterwards, I made sure that each time a new character came out, I would tell her who it was and reassure her that they would stay on the stage. All in all, she enjoyed it.

After the show we took some pictures and then left for dinner at Johnny Rockets in Winter Park. She loved that when the waiter brought out her chicken nuggets and fries, he also brought her a little bowl that had a happy face made out of ketchup!

We had such a good time, that in December; we are headed back to see the play, Dear Santa. This time we have front row seats!