He IS Real

Dear Dadda's Work,

Mommy was hoping I would write to Santa Claus but I really can't say I like him at this point.* For now, all I know is that you took us to see Mickey Mouse and so I think writing you is a much better idea. I wish I could go to dadda's work everyday...He gets to see Mickey a couple times a year...wow! This time he asked if I could go too, and you said yes!!

So we got on a plane, and I started watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Best Easter Party Ever. (Umm maybe I will also ask you for a few different DVDs just to mix things up). Then we took a bus ride to a very small house that seemed to impress mommy even though our own house is much bigger. From there we started walking...and then suddenly we were inside the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!!

Mickey IS real. And I got to meet him, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto! All at once! Every day inside the cartoon was a new adventure. In the morning I would climb into my stroller and wait patiently to leave the small house so as not to waste any more time there. One night we went to the food and wine festival where dadda seemed very busy. I didn't care too much for the food or the wine but I decided to be on my VERY best behavior in case Mickey was watching.

Well I am writing you this letter so you can hopefully keep me in mind for next year. Also, if you could put in a good word with Mickey that would be great!

Next year I'll probably tell you what I want for Christmas. But for right now, "Achoo! I sneezed. It's windy. More snack? Thank you. Again! Ho-ho-ho...!"

I love you!

Karina

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

*why do they want me to sit on a strange man's lap? I'll take his cookie and run though.

Dear Mommy Love Karina

Dear Mommy,

This year has been so fun, I just want to thank you for it.* Let's see we had Joe's dance party in June, Elon's in July, Karen's in September, and Brieon's in October. I LOVED travelling to all those fun places. Well, I don't really love the plane but once you put on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Best Easter Party Ever life is good again. When I look around I see everyone is as grateful as I am.

Can we please keep going to these late night dance parties once a month for the rest of our lives?? Especially when the Nirenbergs have it. They can dance like no one else, literally.** I have the best time getting out there right before the bride and groom take the dance floor. That is when I have everyone's attention and the most room to show off my moves. Mom and dad try to copy me but they can't spin in circles nearly as fast I do. I don't know why they look so tired at the end of these late night dance parties. Maybe they need to save room for only goldfish and chocolate cake.

I have to give special props to Aunt Karen and Uncle Rich for their taste in backup dancers. They had me, my mommy and daddy in their party! They were so brave to let me audition at only 19 months. Even though I look pretty cute in white, not many people would have done that.

I was sad that there was no late night dance party scheduled in November, but I hear there is one coming up in December! I sure hope that we can make the trip. I have been fine tuning my moves in music class...watch out Peoria, IL!

Well, writing this long letter is hard when your attention span is so short. I'd much rather practice my key phrases over and over and over again. So, more fishies? I'm cold. It's hot. I'm stuck. Night night...and I love you!

Love,

Karina

xoxoxoxoxoxo

*that will probably never happen but I know you would like to see it written down just once

**can you believe uncle terry can move like that?

See you next time...

Music class. $10/per class. $25 for materials. Learning to listen to instructions: priceless.

At least that is how I would advertise it.

When Karina first started I wasn't sure if I should go through with it or back out while I had the chance. Then I picked up the manual and found it had a special section for the shy child, and a special section for the active one. I didn't have to guess my category.

Ex: The active child: "Pierce would never sit in my lap. In fact, he spent most of the class running around the room. He was so wild; I was worried he was being disruptive. But our teacher told me not to worry and he was right. We've been taking music class here for several sessions and he's gotten a ton out of it"....etc etc singing the praises of music class...

Maybe I should have "Pierce" over for a playdate?

Pierce was not in our class, but Tristan was. Tristan the pirate spent the better part of the class chasing Karina the fairy (as captured by her amused mom during halloween class). Mumbling our apologies to the teacher, Tristan's mom and I would peel our kids apart and get them back interested in maracas.

Disruptions aside, I have noticed a world of difference from the start of session to now. Karina sings and dances in time to the music. She loves putting the instruments away at the end, maybe even more than playing them. (Go figure). And she waits patiently in line for her stamp at the end of class. All this and according to the manual a bigger brain too.

On a sad note, I just found out today our friends Carrie and Giana are moving away. It was so fun seeing them every Wednesday morning. We wish them the best though.

Like the song goes, I'm so happy I saw my friends. I'm so happy I saw mommies. See you next time...