Off to Hillsboro Village to See Robin Hood

Lately I have been trying to find ways to add some theater to the girls' lives without bankrupting us.  Today we went to see a production of Robin Hood at the Belcourt Theater in Hillsboro Village.  At $6 per ticket, we really couldn't go wrong.  This production was put on by the Olde Worlde Theatre Company and was perfect for children yet still very entertaining for parents as well.  The girls loved how you can buy popcorn at the Belcourt to munch on all through the show.  I always now bring my booster seat for Noelle so that she can easily see and but also so she is restricted from climbing on stage and hugging anyone who appears princess-like.  The girls seemed to really enjoy the show.  There was some audience participation which added interest and there was even a scene with black lights and glowing arrows flying through the air.
   After these shows, Natalie and Noelle now expect that they will be able to visit with some cast members.  Today they got to talk to Robin Hood, their favorite, and also to the bad guy, the Sheriff of Nottingham.  He is the guy with the funky wig in the photo.  Natalie wanted her picture with him but Noelle was still uncertain since minutes earlier, his character had tried to kill Robin Hood and steal away Maid Marian.
   Afterwards we played around at Fannie May Dees Park which is one of the best parks in Nashville.  They have this old vintage sea dragon which is great fun to climb on, in addition to several other playground structures.  Lots of families were out at the park enjoying the sunshine.  I was reminded about how much I enjoy Hillsboro Village and that area of town.  The restaurants and shops are unique and generally artsy (my favorite)  and with Vanderbilt right there, you get that nice college-town feeling.  I now have plans for future trips to explore this area further.  

  

Squirrel Day at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

Today we decided to leave our comfort zone and drive to downtown Nashville in order to check out Shelby Bottoms Nature Center.  We have had such wonderful experiences at Warner Park that we thought we would see what another Metro Park had to offer.  We were not disappointed.
    Today was Squirrel Day at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center.  Ms. Denise Weyer filled the children's heads with fun squirrel facts and habits.  There were puppets, a squirrel food hunt, a craft time, and a chance to try some of the squirrel's favorites foods (fruits and nuts).  Both Natalie and Noelle were very interested in the program.  Natalie was very focused during the squirrel discussion period and Noelle was ecstatic about the food hunt; her little hands overfilling with acorns.  We had a wonderful morning and learned a thing or two as well.  I will look forward to our next visit to Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and I am sure the girls will too!

The Interview Part 2

For your viewing pleasure, I give you The Interview Part 2.  I gave this same interview to Natalie in March of last year.  I was interested in seeing how the answers differed and decided I might as well try Noelle out too for laughs.  Here are the results:

Natalie, Age 4 and 2 months

1. What is something mom always says to you?
I love you.

2. What makes mom happy?
When I give you hugs.

3. What makes mom sad?
When I run away from you when you're trying to give me hugs.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
tickling

5. What was your mom like as a child?
I think you were like in Dumbo the theater.  (I had told her about how I was in the play Dumbo as a child.)

6. How old is your mom?
33

7. How tall is your mom?
A little bit this tall (holds hands up).

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Cuddle with me.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Run and find me.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Maybe dancing.

11. What is your mom really good at?
You are really good at running.

12. What is your mom not very good at?
You are not very good at making birthday hats.

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Your job is to stay home with me and Noelle.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
green beans

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
By doing things I've never seen you do before.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
If you were in the Hungry Caterpillar cartoon, you would be the Hungry Caterpillar.  (Obviously due to my immense appetite??)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
We dance together sometimes when the fancy music is on.

18. How are you and your mom alike?
We both like ghosts.

19. How are you and your mom different?
You have bigger teeth.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Because you tell me a lot.


Noelle, age 2.5


1. What is something mom always says to you?
Monkey says all the time.  I like movies and Snow White.

2. What makes mom happy?
A princess on the dancing floor and Belle.

3. What makes mom sad?
(demonstrates head butting Momma in the face)

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
(Noelle just giggles)

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Do monkey games.

6. How old is your mom?
Three and a half

7. How tall is your mom?
Bigger than Dada, and Natalie, and Noelle.  I'm 2!

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
monkey toys

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Play with the toys.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
For monkey play

11. What is your mom really good at?
monkey dirt

12. What is your mom not very good at?
monkey dirt

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Play with the toys.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
yogurt

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
monkey dirt

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
a movie

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Sleeping Beauty

18. How are you and your mom alike?
Like Snow White

19. How are you and your mom different?
Sleeping Beauty


20. How do you know your mom loves you?
I'm Snow White.


And there you have it.  I am sure you can find obvious themes in Noelle's interview having to do with all her favorites.  

A California Christmas

Well the holidays are now over.  Our family flew to California to visit my parents, my brother's family, and lots of friends.  Here are some photos from our wonderful trip.  Many thanks to Mom, Dad, Renee,  Gordon, Dot, and Pete for making us feel so welcome.  We also loved seeing all our other friends that we got the chance to visit this time.  Happy New Year to everyone!

Playing in the Snow at Lake Arrowhead

The Girls' First Trip to DisneyLand (Thanks to Mimi and Poppa!)

The Family Christmas Pictures