D and SIL took GD to see the “ Frozen” musical last spring and she loved it.
We (D and I) are taking GD to see the Nutcracker in a few weeks.
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D sent me a post of that from Instagram! I think Susan Egan was who we saw the original production on Broadway. I cleared out all my old Playbill’s when I downsized a few years ago (a small regret now) and I only remember for sure that Tom Bosley was in our cast as Belle’s father. I had loved him as Mr. C on Happy Days!
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It seems to be a thing here and probably everywhere that kids '“dress” for the performances. I went with D, SIL & GD to see a production about Bluey a few years ago and most kids were dressed in some sort of Bluey gear. Yesterday, we saw lots of yellow “Act 2” Belle dresses, but GD coincidentally had the blue “Act 1 “ dress and was the only child we saw wearing that particular dress. An adult had a very authentic blue costume and I was intrigued by what prompted her to be wearing it. She was enchanting, but it was definitely out of the ordinary.
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Enjoy The Nutcracker! There is a company called CraftSpring that makes precious felted ornaments and they have a Nutcracker. I bought it for oldest GD who went to see The Nutcracker with her mom & other grandmother as her Christmas ornament last year.
ETA: I just saw your post on another thread about an overabundance of Christmas ornaments, so maybe this wasn’t my best idea! 
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My 29 YO daughter is asking me for the pictures we took at Disney and the pages of scrapbooking that I had started (Disney themed scrapbook pages). Will be taking some stuff to her that is in bins/boxes - she has a garage now…. I have a few notebooks I kept for her where I would stick things in like the playbills, programs. DD1 already had things go to her home. DD2 is single and has time along with desire to now look and work with it - she lives in Orlando and has a lot of trips/experiences at DisneyWorld.
I tried to keep much organized. I was starting some projects when I had aggressive cancer in 2009 (when DDs were in 8th and 10th grades) and still have not caught up with the house or projects, even in retirement. Some things have fallen away on importance - when one is facing down death with cancer, it does change some priorities. DH is understanding and supportive.
Will have more things going and of importance lined up for 2026. Have dedicated things going through this calendar year.
One thing that took a block of time was moving some investment funds (I should have gotten out of one fund earlier this year, and a significant amount of money - but I kept thinking it would have the returns it had in earlier years). Overall portfolio would have performed better if I made the move in February, or even August when I looked at it again. I take the leadership with finances - DH looks at things once a month when he prints off our Balance Sheet at the end of each month. I show DH my research and thoughts with the changes to be made.
In our pre-RMD years (required minimum distribution from pre-tax retirement plans) have shifted some money into our own investment funds from 401k to pay taxes during our ‘low tax years’. DH and I are both 69. DH’s 401k administration changed from one financial group to another in 2022, and this is the first time moving money into an IRA and then IRA to our individual stock account with this financial group. Set up IRA with Fidelity (which is where we have our individual stock account). First had conversations on Thursday with both Empower (for 401k) and Fidelity; figured out what ‘rebalancing’ we needed to do within 401k and executed it after market close. (electronically on our own). Changes showing up on Friday (by close of business and showed after market closed). Monday was able to move some money from 401k into IRA. Once we see the money at the IRA, we can electronically move to our individual account, and then I can invest it (have a few days to see the funds, so have a little time to decide on investment choices) - I like indexed funds and will study up and also ask a financial-savvy friend. Had excellent instructions from Fidelity; found out the ‘ground rules’ and limitations Thursday from 401k group (Empower). Glad the fellow from Empower we spoke with on Monday was sharp and we proceeded with confidence. The Thursday guy was not very pleasant to talk to, but at least we ‘hung in’ with him to get the facts on how to get the transaction done electronically from Empower to Fidelity.
Did you post this in the wrong thread??? That looks like financial/retirement content not Grandparent content.
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3 1/2 year old grandkid told my husband that Santa and his sleigh are make believe and not real. I hope he doesn’t broadcast his view to other kids his age.
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No, it was on my mind. Grandparents think about ‘generational wealth’ and managing one’s resources (be it saving pictures/memorabilia from the kids growing up to show the grandkids, be it maintaining a family cabin or second home) - along with time with the grandchildren.
Many grandparents are also going to hit RMD age. Maybe the one on this thread manages their finances and maybe not.
IDK how many grandparents feel as off kilter as I do - I thirst for more time! Procrastinate some of the chores.
Someone asked about toy storage. I got this cute little bus on Amazon during Prime Days. I roll it out when the kids are here and tuck it in the corner of the living room when they are not. It came with some storage bins and I got a few storage bins from IKEA.
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The retirement thread got cluttered up with financial talk, don’t do it to the Grandparent one.
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My understanding is that if you want to discuss RMD and all that financial stuff save it for the retirement thread on money. In my mind generation wealth and managing one’s resources (monetary not photos) is something that doesn’t belong in this thread.
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GD1 went to see Frozen by Disney on Ice. She got dressed up and was called to go on the stage with 2 other kids to watch the show.
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GD’s birthday is at Thanksgiving, and she is getting Frozen tickets from her parents. Can’t wait to see her face when she finds out! D told her the present “doesn’t fit in our house” and GD told me she thinks it could be a kayak. But I think she will like this even better.
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I took GD to see DOI last winter for her 5th birthday. It was the Frozen/Encanto version, 2 of her favorite Disney movies. She dressed in her Isabella (from Encanto) outfit. She was absolutely mesmerized by the show.
This year’s DOI show in our city is Mickey Mouse. I have tickets for a show in January. GD is pretty neutral on MM, but I’m sure she’ll like it. I heard all the DOI shows have the Princesses parade the end. Big decision will be which princess outfit to wear.
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I have this weekend planned out with GD1. We will go to the double decker carousel by Macy’s, the Bryant Park holiday marketplace, and the Grant Central train exhibit. I will bring her to visit my mom for dinner. My mom would love to spend some time with her. In between all of that, she will get treats and TV shows she wouldn’t get at home. I have already started to order some of her favorite snacks. It is too bad that the Rockefeller tree won’t be ready yet.
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Can I come too?! Sounds so fun!!
Have the best time.
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DGS, 6, is loving gymnastics, especially climbing all the way up the rock climbing wall and flipping over the top. He also enjoys bear walking on the parallel bars, which somehow, I suspect, is not the approved method, and he might not have been paying attention when coach demonstrated what to do. And for every station where the kids are supposed to jump once, or somersault once, or handstand once, he bounces around performing multiples of everything. I am thinking there might just be a little bit of ADHD in the laddie!
I love watching from the adult observation area, and appreciate the gymnastics school for its focus on fun, developmentally appropriate gymnastics activities. No stress, boundless fun, non competitive.
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I just learned yesterday that in addition to gymnastics, GD (6 1/2 y.o.) is also doing hip hop dancing. Color me surprised. Apparently she loves it.
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GD loves her gymnastics class! Both my kids took classes for a few years ( one class a week), I really think it’s so helpful with balance, coordination and large motor skills.
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GD made her performing debut today. Her daycare has a show twice a year for the preschool classes. Each class dances to a song and at the end they all sing together. It appears she loves being on stage ( we know she loves to sing and dance)!So much fun.
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