Awhile back (yes, it was indeed a WHILE ago) I got some email saying that Thanksgiving Point was going to do a Tulip Princess Pageant to help commerate the Tulip Festival going on. It was the 1st annual and they stressed that only a handful of openings were available. Well, I thought it would be a fun thing for Sof to do, if she wanted to and was not at all susprised when she SQUEELED into the phone that yes, she was all over it. This was when we were waiting for her to get her hair and make-up done. The "princesses" were super cute. They had the mannerisms of a true Disney Princess down to an art! Sof loved it.
When it was Sofia's turn for hair and make-up the group was really behind (time wise) after she was done Betsy and I took a few wipes to her face, and re-did her hair... Oh well. THEN we let her get her costume on. Here she is among the other tulips. Are'nt they so cute?!
In true procrastinator fashion, I was up till the wee hours of the morning finishing her "Tulip Tutu" since in MY mind, that is what would look cutest. The day of, Betsy came and took pictures of the events for me (THANK YOU BETSY!!!! I would seriously have missed out on some of her faces if I would have been trying to take pics too) and this is what we have. Fun memories of a great experience for Miss Sofia.
She was in the 4-6 age category, and a few people asked why I did not put Ella in the 1-3 category. Simple. I asked her and she said no. (Smile). Ella is just not as, oh how do I put it? Theatrical as her older sister. So just Sofia it was- maybe next year.
You were supposed to include a small paragraph about your tulip princess to be read as they "did thier thing" on stage so I thought I would tell you what was said to "set the stage" They started reading and Sofia walked hand in hand with another Disney Princess and then curtsied to Prince Eric (who Sof TOTALLY had a crush on!) and then walked back. So while Sof was walking, this is what was being said.
I of course was tearing up when they called her name. I just watched as she so daintly walked up and curtisied to Prince Eric and smiled and waved to everyone in the audience. I could not have been more proud, more blessed, felt more lucky than anyone else in the world to have such a sweet little girl in my life. What a wonderful memory it was for the both of us!
It's Summer and the girls are taking full advantage of the warm weather and being in it every moment they possibly can. They are in the pool most of the afternoon over at Betsy's and after a much needed nap, we get home and they want to go outside all over again. Lucky girls. I am glad they are having fun, but miss when I cannot be right out there with them. I love my job and what I do. Things are BUSY at work and I have had some very long days (Friday was a 10.5 hour day-starting at being at work at 6:30 AM!!). I am grateful for the work, being busy and let's be honest, the general sense of importance that a career gives me, but if possible, I'd give it all up for these two. What mom would'nt?
You may recall about a year ago when we attempted the Chuck E. Cheese birthday party with one of Sofia's little friends. It did not go over very well. Both girls loved it when they first arrived-until the life size version of a hat wearing mouse came out from the back room and Sofia lost it. She literally ran out of my arms (we were playing in the game area) and ran underneath the table where we were sitting. She seriously was scared out of her 3 year old mind. She climbed up into the arms of the Grandma that was there and would not leave her side. Where was I as my poor, frightened little one was in hysterics? Laughing till my sides ached of course. She (Sofia) vowed she would never return and even when we would pass by said mouse's house, would tell me "Mom, I do NOT like Chuck E. Cheese".
So you can imagine our apprehension when we decided to go for Ella's birthday (we got a screaming daily deal). We did as most parents would and tried to get Sofia "manned up" to attend and she did ok...till we hit the parking lot. The eyes welled up with tears and once again, overwhelming panic insued. She was bawling as we went in, but got over it. This time, I think she even enjoyed herself...a little bit. There was no running under the table, no crawling up into outstretched arms and both Sofia and our Birthday girl Ella had a good time. 
