Disney on Ice & Mitch's New Ride

Growing up, Disney on Ice was an annual tradition for me. Every year my parents would splurge on front row tickets, buy programs and a special souvenir to take home. (Don't let my parents tell the story about the year we sat in the second row, I'm convinced it's all lies!) I loved this family tradition and seeing my favorite characters up close and in person made it so memorable. 

Months ago I received an email about Disney on Ice coming to Minneapolis. This year the theme was of course, Frozen. I imagined how wonderful the production of this billion dollar franchise would be on ice. Clearly Harper would love it. 

I must have looked at tickets 20 times, but I could never quite commit to paying the outrageous online service charges. (That's a rant for another day. But for real - is there anyway to work around those stupid fees?) After talking to a co-worker about his Disney on Ice experience and just how much his 3 year old daughter loved it, I decided there was no way Harper and I were missing this experience. 

Mitch suggested it be a Mama/Harper date, which instantly made me excited. It seemed so special to be able to share this experience, one of my favorites as a child with Harper. I quickly purchased tickets the morning of the Thursday night show and decided to put TFFN was put on hold, Harper and I had a show to catch! The entire way downtown, Harper kept asking, "Mom, are we to Disneyland yet?" I corrected her each time that we were going to Disney on Ice, not Disneyland - but she continued. 

Target Center was filled with little Elsa and Anna's. Harper picked out a sno-cone as her treat and we headed to our seats. The lights dimmed and Mickey, Minnie and the whole crew skated on to the ice. Harper's eyes were wide with excitement and her smile was enormous. In that moment, I realized any service charge was worth seeing this little girl so happy! 

We sang and danced in our seats. We laughed at Olaf's jokes and cheered when Marshmallow appeared on the ice (this was one of Harper's favorite parts). At intermission I let Harper pick a souvenir to bring home. I pushed for a light up wand since I always begged my parents for one at the shows we attended, but they never gave in. Secretly that lit orb was for me too, sorry Harper. As the show wrapped up, Harper gave them a standing ovation. It was an unforgettable night and it's safe to say this is a new annual tradition for the Helleen household.  

Mitch and I decided to take Friday off work to go car shopping. The "Golden Chariot" (Mitch's Malibu) was starting to fade, so after 10 years it was time for an upgrade.

With two makes and models in mind, we were on a mission to test drove both. First up, the new Ford Explorer. Mitch found one he loved at our first stop and took it for a spin. I could tell he really liked this one, since the grin didn't leave his face the entire test drive. After getting the salesman's card, we headed to the next dealership.

Jeep's Grand Cherokee was the other vehicle on his list. We checked out their inventory and found one that was very comparable in looks and price to the Explorer. After driving the Jeep, he was torn. It all came down to the Explorer having third row seating. The whole purpose of this car purchase was to get more space. That being said, we headed back to our first stop and started the paperwork. When all was said and done, the Malibu was traded in and Mitch and I drove off in his new 2015 Ford Explorer. He's one happy dude.

With the weather being so nice Saturday, I insisted we do something outdoors. The recent advertisements for the Minnesota Zoo caught my eye for their "Farm Babies" exhibit. Let's be honest, they had me at baby piglets. 

I convinced Mitch to make a trip to Apple Valley so we could spend the morning admiring those baby piggies. Harper and I ogled the swine barn. I wanted to bring one of those little babes home, but Mitch didn't approve. I guess these two kiddos are enough! :) We checked out the other animals and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. It was a picture perfect spring day!

Sunday, Harper and I went to Rachel's baby shower. Sweet little Henry is due in June and we were excited to celebrate his upcoming arrival. It was great seeing all my high school girls (as usual), and getting our own little ones together is always a blast. 

 

Hope everyone is enjoying this amazing spring weather!

Until next time…
The Helleens