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!
You may remember Layla's 4th Birthday Interview from last year. I thought the idea was so cute that I would start doing it every year, just to remember the things she liked at that age. It always makes me laugh, the things she comes up with to say. She definitely has her Daddy's sense of humor. So without further ado, here is Layla's 5th Birthday Interview!
-- How old are you turning?
5. I like Silky and Doggie though, write that.
-- What will be the best thng about being 5?
Eating cake and cupcakes.
Layla, you can't say the same thing as last year. What else will be the best thing about being 5?
I like going poop.
-- Who is your best friend?
Daddy, Silky, Doggie, Mom, Boots, and Fatty.
-- What is your favorite toy?
My bear puzzle.
-- What is your favorite thing to do?
Watching TV, iCarly and Spongebob, and going to sleep.
Why is going to sleep your favorite thing?
Because I go to sleep fast and it's so fun and comfy.
-- What do you want to be when you grow up?
Tangled.
So does that mean you want to be a Princess?
Yes! I want to be a beautiful princess like Ariel.
-- What is your favorite thing to eat?
French fries and chicken nuggets from McDonald's.
-- What makes you really happy?
Being at homie because I like watching TV and relaxing on the couch. And my feet, legs, and butt sweat so I like taking my pants off.
-- What's your favorite show on TV?
Spongebob.
-- Who is your favorite singer?
Justine Bieber, Jonas Brothers, and Big Time Rush. Oh, and iCarly too.
-- What's your favorite thing at school?
Play on the swings.
-- What's your favorite color?
Pink and purple.
-- What do you want for your birthday?
An iPad.
I thought you wanted an iPod, not an iPad, you said the iPad was too big.
Ya, I did want an iPod but I changed my mind. Now I want an iPad.
-- Okay, I think that's it, is there anything else you want to tell me?
Yes. Um. I like playing with Boots and Fatty and Little Grey. Little Grey is cute. I like playing the dancing game. Um. I like watching iCarly. Daddy look at Gibby (as she is watching iCarly). Um, and I like waking Boots up when he's sleeping because every time he wakes up he says "I want to sleep"! I like playing dress up and I like when Brynn and Payton come over here and play dress up with me. I love playing with my little fridge.
A few days ago Ed came home and told me he had heard about an Ice Festival up in Cripple Creek. Cripple creek is about 60 miles away so the perfect distance for a day trip to check out another part of Colorado. What Ed failed to tell me up front is that Cripple Creek is a huge gambling town, there are tons of casinos up there so I quickly learned the real reason why he wanted to go up there. The drive up was beautiful, it went through the mountains which were still partially covered in snow.
It didn't take much longer than an hour to get to where the Ice Festival was. We parked and hopped out ready to see some sculptures. When I was researching this festival, this is what caught my eye: World renowned ice sculptors use chainsaws and assorted tools to create larger than life "Story Time" where ice carvers incorporate their interpretation of classic literature into art. Let me just say, it didn't disappointment. The ice sculptures were so neat, it's amazing what these people can do with a chainsaw and a block of ice. They had Dr. Seuss's One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and so much more! There was even a slide made out of ice and an ice maze for the kids to go through. 
We met our very good friends, the Achee's there too. Layla has so much fun with their kids, they just love each other. 
Of course there was a 45 minute stretch where someone (cough, Ed, cough) went missing. He some how ended up in a casino, gee, I wonder how that happened? He picked the casino with the best name... The Brass Ass. His new favorite casino which he came out of winning $100 (thank you craps tables). 
It started to get a bit cloudy and windy so we decided to head out back home. On the way home we had to stop at our favorite German brewery, BierWerks and we are so glad we did. It is so yummy! The beer, the creme soda, the food, everything. The kids had so much fun at their kid table, lots of pretzels and the brewery's homemade orange creme soda while we had a great time with our meat/cheese platter and beer. It didn't disappoint. 
After the brewery we all decided to hang out afterwards too. Off to the Achee's house for some drinking, games, dancing, and hanging out. Margaux and I went to get some refreshments and somehow came back with a box of wine (7 bottles) while the guys enjoyed their beer. We had such a great time with them, as usual. 
This morning after Ed and I slept on the best air mattress ever (it even had a headboard!) we woke up to these two sweeties playing together. How cute are they?!
I got a call at 5:30am on Saturday telling me to cancel our credit and debit cards. Turns out Ed's wallet was stolen and whoever had stolen it had used over $1,000! Our bank is awesome about reimbursement so I wasn't even worried about the money, I was worried about how Ed would get home with no ID! He was supposed to be home by 10am but he had to go sweet talk his way onto the airplane which took him a little longer. TSA had to interview him for over an hour, he had to file a police report, etc. but they did let him on the plane, just later than expected. He got home around 3pm and Layla was one happy little girl (okay, okay, I was one happy little girl too)! As soon as we saw his smiling face, Layla ran up to him and gave him the biggest hug ever! She has really missed her Daddy. As soon as we got his luggage we went straight to the movie theater, got as much junk food as we could carry, and watched Gnomeo and Juliet in 3D. We had such a good day with Daddy being back home!
Yesterday was spent getting ready for Valentine's Day. We went to Hallmark and we each picked out cards for one another. 6 cards and $25 later, we each had two cards. It was so much fun picking out the perfect ones, Layla did a good job too. I got one with a button and Ed got a Mickey Mouse one. When we exchanged them with each other we were all laughing, it was so much fun! 
Layla got her 22 Valentine's cards ready for school. She picked out Hello Kitty and Rapunzel, she even wrote her name on all of them all by herself. 
Of course we had to bake. What's Valentine's Day without baking? Layla and I made sugar cookies with pink frosting and sprinkles. Mmmm... they were so good!
My little taste tester was a very good sharer. 
Let's not forget about the wrestling match! There were sledge hammers and trash cans and chairs... but Layla was victorious and came out winning the belt while chanting "Layla's #1, Layla's #1."
And of course today... Happy Valentine's Day! Layla woke up to her presents. Two night gowns, Toy Story Xbox game, and a little mini gift basket from Bath and Body Works. 
I wish the three of us could have spent the day together but I had to work so Layla went to school. Ed met me for lunch and we went to a great BBQ place, it was so nice spending time with just him for a change. Layla and I are so happy to have Ed back with us, we missed him so much. Layla is nothing but smiles and is attached to her Daddy's hip. 
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! 
