Like 95% of children in America (the world?), Holden loves Frozen (or as she calls it, “Anna”). So when Disney on Ice “Frozen” tickets became available this summer for an October show, I hesitated for maybe three minutes before I decided to grab a pair. Holden has never been to a movie or live show before, so I wasn’t sure how it would go. As you are now aware, Holden is not the easiest child to take out in public.
Last month, Target had a sale on a dress-up-Anna costume and doll, so I bought it, excitedly envisioning surprising Holden with the dress, perfectly braiding her hair and taking my eternally grateful, happy little two-year-old to her first live performance of her favorite story.
Things did not exactly go as planned.
She refused to wear the dress, insisting it was “too tight,” even though it was clearly too big. I ended up settling for a Frozen t-shirt. She was clearly hating life. Inside, my heart broke a little.
Nevertheless, we embarked on our Holdy-Mommy date, first stopping for lunch.
Don’t judge me: it’s like the only restaurant that’s acceptable to take a child of her “spirit.” She behaved. She ate. She was excited. Things were looking up.
And then:
Luckily, the tears only lasted for the first quarter of the 40-minute drive.
When we got to the arena, Holden–possibly still groggy from her nap–was super excited.
When we got to our seats, she seemed mesmerized.
She pointed out all the “Holdys”–little girls who actually wore their princess dresses. She laughed and pointed at the stage. She, of course, had to have a $26 light-up thing.
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But as the lights went down, something was amiss. 
She seemed a little tentative. A little unsure. 
Then, by the time Anna and Hans sang their duet, she was downright miserable. 
She turned to me and said, “Holdy done now,” which has sort of become my safe word for “shit’s about to hit the fan.” So we hightailed it out of the arena and took a little break. 
I gave her the option of going back in or going home, and enticed her with promises of “Elsa’s Song” and Olaf, which were delivered after we settled back in.
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Holden sat in my lap with her arms around my neck for the entire second half, but she seemed to love it.
She was even cool during the scary snow monster part.
By the end, she was clapping and dancing with the crowd.
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So, all in all, not a total disaster.
The parking lot on the way out, however…
But, let’s be honest, I’d do it all again for this kid.
