Girls Night Out

For weeks now, Kenzie has been saving her "tickets" (Our discipline system that we also use to help her do things by herself that she otherwise whines for us to do for her), and I have been magically turning them into quarters for her to save for the coveted opportunity to see Ariel skate herself into trouble and an early marriage at Disney on Ice.

My magic skills are the best in the business, bar none. "Look Kenz, what's that over there?" And suddenly her tickets are quarters. I plan to offer "Tricking Your Child" classes soon.

On Thursday, all of our dreams came true as Hannah, Kenzie and I journeyed to Energy Solutions (Nuclear Waste in your Backyard) Center with my mom and had a terrific time.

We celebrated in true American style by visiting McDonalds first where the Littlest Pet Shop Happy Meal toy almost trumped Disney on Ice. I am very thankful for that LPS monkey--it made it so I only had to say, "No, we're not buying a $18 spinning Tinkerbell sucker," once. Because then I said, "You already have this awesome monkey." And that was the end of it.

When we got to the Nuclear Waste Center there were millions of people and lots of little girls dressed up like princesses. I had heard about this from some friends who went last year, and I brought the girls' Cinderella dresses, but I left them in the car after having a moral dilemma with myself over the spoiling of children. Sometimes I have these quandries with myself. I kind of hate princesses and all they represent. But then there is this sucker/romantic/foolish/irresponsible part of myself that allows my girls to get completely caught up in the "magic." If I had to start over as a mom, I don't think I would have so many Disney movies introduced into my girl's lives. But now it's too late and I'm at Disney on Ice and there are worse things I could introduce my children to, like South Park or crack cocaine.


So, ever the super-Grandma, my mom ran back to the car and Kenzie and Hannah were transformed. They loved it and tried to twirl in the narrow aisle bumping the swearing, nose/lip ring family in front of us. Sorry, sorry.

Finally the lights went down and out came Mickey and Minnie and co. Hannah loved Donald Duck. Kenzie was transfixed from the beginning to end. Of course her favorite was Ariel. I always try to explain that Ariel is somewhat bratty and gets married too young, but Kenzie explains her redeeming qualities to me. "Mom, Ariel was nice this time."

All in all it was a nice evening. I have to admit that the props were amazing and the skating was pretty cool. It was really fun to watch Kenzie and her little face. She only burst out in excited dancing once, but she was glued to the action. Thanks mom for coming with us and for going to get the dresses. The girls loved it. I wish we had a picture with my mom, but she took this one for us.