School Search

Brett and I took Hallie to visit a "prospective" elementary school last night. Yes, I know she in only 33-months-old (she turns 3 on April 28), but in a city like Memphis, we have to start looking at our options early.

The Memphis City Schools has, what I consider, two school systems: Regular and "Optional." Out of the hundreds of schools in the system, there are about a two dozen so-called Optional schools. These are schools, or "schools-within-schools" that students must test into and parents must wait in line more than a week in advance of registration to possibly get one of the few spots. That's right--wait in line! I haven't done that since I was in high school camping out to get a front row seat to a U2 concert (we didn't get front row, by the way). These are considered the "good" schools--excellent education, few discipline problems. So far we have visited two optional elementary schools: Downtown (which is in our district) and Grahmwood. We were very impressed with both. We may visit another, Snowden located in Midtown. Downtown is closest, obviously, and is brand-new--just four years old. Snowden and Grahmwood would require about 10 and 20 minute drives, respectively. But it would be worth it. My argument is, why aren't ALL the schools considered "optional?" Why don't they all have accelerated education programs for the kids who want to be there?

We are also visiting a few Catholic schools. That is why we are looking so early. We will have to get on waiting lists for the private schools now, maybe even enroll Hallie in a Pre-K program to secure a spot. We have heard good things about Holy Rosary, St. Agnes and of course, our parish school, Immaculate Conception Cathedral School.

Ideally, we'd like to keep her at her child care center, FLICC, as long as possible, where she is learning to speak Spanish. It is such a great school. The optional public schools offer at least one Spanish class each week for their students, so that is a plus.

We'll see and keep you updated as we start the school search.

Our Princess with the Princesses

Hallie met Aurora (aka Sleeping Beauty) as soon as we walked into the castle.

When Cinderella stopped by she asked, "Do I have a twin at this table?"
Hallie was in awe of her favorite princess.

Jasmine thought Hallie looked beautiful in her princess dress.

Ariel (aka The Little Mermaid) was nice enough to give Hallie her autograph.


Belle gave Hallie a kiss on the cheek.
She's so nice and loves to read books, just like Hallie.

Back home with our princess

We're back home and (sort of) back to our normal routine following our wonderful trip to Disney World. The highlight of the trip had to be Tuesday when we dined with the Disney Princesses inside a castle in Norway at EPCOT. Hallie was beyond excited. She wouldn't eat or answer to us until every last princess made her way to our table. They were all so nice and hugged and kissed Hallie. I think it was as fun for Brett and me as it was for her. Above are some pictures of our princess with the Disney Princesses.

Happy New Year with Mickey

Happy New Year everyone! We rang in 2007 under the biggest, loudest, fireworks display I have ever seen, over the lake between Downtown Disney and Saratoga Springs (where we are staying). We are celebrating the holiday at Walt Disney World and we're having a blast! We joined Brett's sister and her family in Orlando. They brought steaks so we grilled out last night then went by the pool where the resort was having a party. We secured our location at 9 o'clock so we would have the best spot to view the fireworks. Hallie had fun dancing to the music. They had a DJ, balloons, popcorn, games--it was very fun (we brought our own drinks, of course). Brett won a prize for having the largest feet at the party! Hallie pooped out around 10:30, but we just laid her back in her stroller, bundled her up in blankets and she snoozed until the grand finale of explosions awakened her.

Tonight we are going to one of my favorite Orlando night spots, Margaritaville. Can't wait. Oh, did I mention we are all wearing shorts and played in the pool most of the afternoon yesterday. In the words of Jimmy himself, "the weather is here...wish you were beautiful..." Just kidding! Happy New Year again from the Donnals family.