I have been wanting to take Layla to Disney on Ice since she was a baby. Unfortunately, it wasn't available in the middle of no where in Germany where we lived and in California it was at least a 1.5-2 hour drive to the nearest show. It just never worked out for us to be able to go... until now! Here in Colorado Springs we have the World Arena (which is only a 15 minute drive from our house!) which is the premier sports and entertainment venue in the Pikes Peak region. As soon as I heard that Disney on Ice was going to be here, I was ecstatic! Then I heard it was Disney on Ice Princess Classics and I was even MORE excited, how perfect for my little Princess! I couldn't wait to take Layla! Tickets went on pre sale about a month ago and I ordered ours the minute we were able to. Three VIP tickets were printed and waiting for us for over a month before we were actually able to go but today was THE day! Let me just say, Disney didn't disappoint, it was amazing and I already want to see another one! I ordered Layla a custom Ariel (her favorite Princess) outfit to wear and she looked gorgeous, as always. She's such a little diva and can pull off anything. She was so excited to see Ariel in person!
We got to the World Arena about 45 minutes early so we could find our seats, grab some food, and buy Layla a souvenir or two. I think we bought one of everything! It was part of the experience though, as least that's what I am using as my excuse.
Our VIP tickets were well worth the money. We were on the floor, 3rd row from the front of the ice rink. I couldn't stop telling Ed what great seats we had! The show was about 2 hours long. The first hour was a mixture of all the Princesses and their music. Belle, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Mulan, Jasmine... and the second hour was just Cinderella. The fairy Godmother even flew above our heads, it was magical. 
To deal with all the Princess madness of the day, Ed needed a couple of beers. Hey, whatever works!
We had such a great time! I am so happy we were able to enjoy this together as a family, just the three of us. Couldn't have had a better time! 
Nothing can even compare to Layla's birthday party last year, so why even try? This year since we weren't in California with all of our friends and family we decided to just ask her what she wanted to do for her birthday. We gave her some ideas but ultimately she decided on Chuck E. Cheese and was so excited to go for the last month. Every time we would drive past it she would get all excited and say "I'm going there for my birthday!" Well today was finally the day. We decided to head out on Sunday morning, as soon as it opened to avoid the rush and madness that occurs later in the afternoon. We had such a great time, as usual. I don't even want to say how much money was spent on tokens, it was a little ridiculous but it was our baby's 5th birthday so we had to go all out. Plus, we decided the money being spent today was nothing compared to last year so that made us give in more than we would have.
The Achee's met us there to help Layla celebrate her birthday too, we're very lucky to have such great friends here, Layla was so excited when she saw them walk in. We spent a couple hours at Chuck E. Cheese, playing games and eating pizza. By that time, more and more people were starting to come and we were running out of tokens so it was time to leave. The birthday girl had almost 2,000 tickets to spend so we were at the prize counter for what seemed like forever trying to pick out junky toys. She wanted to spend all her tickets on 50 and 100 ticket items but I talked her into getting a bigger prize first before she started with the little things. Thank goodness she agreed, it saved us lots of time. While Layla didn't have a huge party like last year's event, we still had a great time (and spent plenty of money). I think her 5th birthday was a success. I still cannot believe my baby girl is 5 years old (going on 12, I swear)! I love you little Princess!
I know, I know I say this every year when Layla has another birthday but seriously, I just cannot believe she is 5 years old! Where has the time gone? It's amazing how much smarter and more beautiful Layla has gotten in just a year. She is 5 going on 14 with that attitude of hers but she is such a sweetie too. Only child syndrome at it's best! This past year she has had so, so many changes with Daddy coming and going, us moving to Colorado, starting a new school, me going back to work, etc. but it has molded her into this perfect little princess that she is. So proud of her and everything she has accomplished this past year. 4 years was so much fun but I am totally looking forward to 5 and all the things it has to offer, including kindergarten.
This morning Ed and I woke up super early and blew up a whole bunch of balloons to put in Layla's room while she was sleeping. I wanted her to wake up and be surprised and excited, knowing that it was her birthday. It worked out wonderfully! She was so surprised and had such a big smile on her face. Being tired all day was totally worth it. 
I took her to school that day with her 22 goodie bags in hand for her class mates. They aren't allowed to bring cupcakes to school these days (such a bummer) so goodie bags it was! Then around lunch time Daddy came and picked her up. They came to my work, picked me up, and we all had lunch together at McDonald's, requested by Layla of course. 
After they dropped me back off at work, Ed and Layla went to the mall. Build A Bear, Macy's and Claire's were the stops they made and came home with lots of fun new stuff. Spoiled rotten birthday girl! She wanted steak for dinner so that's what she got and then it was time to open presents and eat some birthday cake (or a cake made out of cupcakes). She has been wanting an iPod so bad so Ed and I broke down and got her a 32G iPod complete with a Hello Kitty screen protector and pink skin. She LOVES it. 
This weekend we're headed to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate her birthday some more. Out of every where we listed to go, she chose Chuck E. Cheese. Can't say no to the birthday girl! We had a great day celebrating, it's amazing to think back 5 years ago and remember what we were doing. Seems like such a long time ago. Happy birthday little Princess, cannot believe you're 5 years old today!
We got to the World Arena about 45 minutes early so we could find our seats, grab some food, and buy Layla a souvenir or two. I think we bought one of everything! It was part of the experience though, as least that's what I am using as my excuse.
Our VIP tickets were well worth the money. We were on the floor, 3rd row from the front of the ice rink. I couldn't stop telling Ed what great seats we had! The show was about 2 hours long. The first hour was a mixture of all the Princesses and their music. Belle, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Mulan, Jasmine... and the second hour was just Cinderella. The fairy Godmother even flew above our heads, it was magical. 
To deal with all the Princess madness of the day, Ed needed a couple of beers. Hey, whatever works!
We had such a great time! I am so happy we were able to enjoy this together as a family, just the three of us. Couldn't have had a better time! 
