Monday, September 28, 2009

The Making of a Princess...or Lia finds "Her People"

When she found out we had a trip to Disney planned, my sister was most emphatic that Lia experience a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover at Cinderella's castle. I hemmed and hawed around just enough for her to make all the arrangements and present the whole fantastic adventure to Lia for an early 5th birthday present (I LOVE it when a plan comes together!! :-)).

For some time now, we have suspected that Lia is, indeed, part royal. She, who adores a beautiful dress up gown, nail polish and (I know she's only 4!) make-up....and who rules our small kingdom with her dimples and loving ways could be no less than royalty!

And, you know, it was confirmed at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

The entire experience WAS magical from the moment we entered the hallowed grounds of Cinderella's castle until the last bit of blue fairy dust was scrubbed from her hair (three shampoos later)!

Lia endured all the attention and gussying up in her usual stoic manner...but as I watched her take it all in and make such important decisions as hair style (Cinderella of course!) and nail polish color (blue), I could tell how much she loved it and it brings me to tears even as I type this.

This trip was a bit extra emotional for me for a variety of reasons...and watching Lia undergo such a magical experience was, truly, a highlight for me. Thank you Aunt Carolyn for insisting that we do this. None of us will soon forget our wonderful time at the castle.

Conferring with her (makeover) Fairy Godmother (it wasn't the REAL Fairy Godmother she told me):

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She looks so serious in this picture...Jim and I were trying to joke and talk to her and it made her mad! She just wanted to enjoy the pampering in peace apparently!

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Gettng her nails painted WHILE she gets her hair done. Jim kept pointing out to me how they were doing the hair so that I could replicate the look for dance recitals. It's always harder than it looks!

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A lttle make-up...

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...and fairy dust...

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...and of course, who should we meet leaving the castle but THE Fairy Godmother! Perfection!

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24 comments:

Lady Tremaine said...

We are just glad that she got to experience it....and by the way it really was her cousins who insisted that this was a "must do" for Lia!!

Joannah said...

Wow! What a great idea! I would have loved something like that when I was a little girl. Disney, they think of everything!

Jboo said...

Oh my goodness!! It does look like it was pretty magical! Can't wait to see how you do replicating the hair, make-up and nails! Isn't Disney fabulous!!

Jaent

Robin said...

How TOTALLY sweet is this!! It looks like she had a blast!!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Oh WOW....I am so glad that princess Lia got all the pampering a girl could ask for!! She looks so adorable with her high bun!

This was definitely a trip none of you will ever forget. Disney is such a magical place, but to see it through your childs eyes....there is nothing like it!! I am sure it was a very emotional week....


xoxo,

Lisa

Kellyann said...

Priceless! A highlight of the trip for Lia I am sure.

Courtney said...

This looks like a wonderful experiece!

Missy said...

For some reason, this post makes me want to cry! Darn you, Kate :) Lia is every bit the royal little princess that I envision her to be.

Sweet, beautiful memories!

Mireille said...

She looks so pretty, and I know that special 'serious' look on her face... recognize it so well... my girls had the same experience just last June.

Hannah said...

That is adorable! She truly looks like a princess....what a beauty.

a Tonggu Momma said...

I love that she found her people. *grin*

my4andnomore said...

Wow, how cool is that. I lived in Florida my whole life and went to Disney every year and never got to do that! She is one lucky little princess. I am so glad you guys had a great time.

Jennifer said...

Lia was stunning after her make over! I am so glad she enjoyed it!

Jen

Donna said...

So THAT'S how Princesses are made!

:)


Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!

3 Peanuts said...

Oh how I love this! She looks so happy!!! Kate is the same way. She is OBSESSED with Cinderella and asks me daily when we are going to the castle. She has the lines memorized. I cannot WAIT to take her to the bippity boppity boo salon. I am teary reading about your joy here because I anticipate the exact same thing:)

Doug and Terrye said...

Without the pixie dust I just don't know how you could replicate the hair ;)

Michelle R Photography said...

She sure makes a beautiful princess!! Leila and Mia did this last fall and I thought this experience was as much fun for the parents as it was for the kids. I didn't expect that I would enjoy it as much as I did, and my husband loved watching the girls get the princess treatment, too. But they sure do use a lot of hairspray and glitter, don't they? :)

Casey said...

ADORABLE!! And I agree... she looks like royalty.

I'm going to have to remember this for Em... so cute!!

Deb said...

I am laughing out loud with "Lia finds her people"!! You are too funny Kate!!! I am so glad you had such a great time at the Magic Kingdom! It truly is a magical place....you certainly leave all of your worries at the gate and you everyone gets to be a kid again! We were there last year....and I think I had as much fun just watching Sophie soak it all in too! Sounds like Lia had a ball....we can't wait to go back! If Sophie goes with us to China....we are thinking we would love to take her to Hong Kong Disneyland!

day by day said...

So sweet!! I am really glad that Lia loved being pampered for the day!!! We loved our breakfast at "the" Castle...didn't do the boutique, though. Mom is too cheap. lol!

I miss Disney...wish we were there now! : )

Steffie B. said...

darling....just darling.....I keep telling David we need to take Sophia while she is in her Princess stage too! ;)

De Lucchi Family Treasures said...

Wow, how pretty! We went to disney with 3 boys - a slightly different experience. Great pics!!
Love Jules
xxx

Eloise said...

What a magical day! Looks like Lia had a wonderful time.

Hope everything is going well with you.

fleur de lis cottage said...

What a magical experience and what a beautiful princess!