Princess for a day

Like any good grandmother, I love to dote on my granddaughter.

Sometimes, I find myself wanting to buy all sorts of dolls, toys and gizmos for her, but considering I don't see her often enough for her to enjoy them along with not having room enough to store them, I decided that I would focus more on spoiling her with lots of hugs and kisses and spending lots of time making memories instead.

At some point during the last six months, my sweet Audrey entered into the "princess" stage with Elsa from the movie "Frozen," and Sofia the First being among her favorites.

She has little dresses that mimic those of the characters and loves to play dress-up so much that taking them off for a bath or bed time, becomes quite a laborious battle of both body and will.

Usually, she wins.

When I heard that the Summit Hill Heritage Center had put together a Winter Princess & Me Tea a year ago, I couldn't wait until Audrey was older so that I could attend with her.

That day finally arrived.

Her mommy told her she was going to dress up like a princess and that Mimi, (that would be me), was going to take her to a tea party.

She sent along her beautiful silver and white Christmas dress and a Princess Sofia tiara along with a pair of little sparkly silver shoes.

I had my daughter get her ready while I secretly donned a medieval princess outfit of my own that my husband wore for Halloween some years back and did my hair and makeup as best as I could in what little time I had before we had to leave.

I confess that there was a part of me that felt that I would be the only adult dork who dressed up for the occasion and therefore started to have second thoughts, but the look on sweet, little Audrey's face when I revealed myself to her, let me know that I made the right choice.

At first, all she could do was open her mouth ever so slightly and stare, but then she breached a huge smile and said, "Mimi you so pretty! You a prin-cess too?"

With my heart thoroughly melted I told her that yes, I was a princess, too.

She continued to look me up and down and then softly exclaimed, "Wow!"

With phase one of the fantasy complete, I scooped her up and made our way to the Heritage Center.

When we walked into the magnificently decorated room, she was completely frozen in wonderment.

The room had been transformed into a magical, winter wonderland with over two dozen beautiful little princesses wandering around.

For quite some time she wouldn't smile or even talk, but I knew that her mind was thoroughly blown and that she was just taking it all in.

When she finally came to, she enjoyed listening to a story told by the Fairy Godmother before heading back to the tables where little tea sandwiches magically appeared.

After another craft, some white hot chocolate, cupcakes and a visit by some of Disney's most famous princesses, I had the privilege of enjoying a dance with the littlest princess.

Watching her sway and twirl with her little hands holding mine as she gazed up at me beaming from ear to ear was more precious than all the gold, diamonds and rubies in the world and one memory that we will both cherish for a lifetime.

I want to thank everyone at the Summit Hill Heritage Center who was involved with organizing and executing such a wonderful event and for bringing the fantasy to life for princesses both young and old.

I look forward to attending once again next year.

For more information on the Heritage Center and all of the activities and events they offer, you can visit their website at www.summithillheritagecenter.com or check them out on Facebook.