The first year was when Charis was 5 years old. My parents said she didn't look away from the stage. She sat, mesmerized, in open-mouthed awe, watching the dancers. to the extent that the strangers sitting beside her were watching her sweet reaction instead of the stage.
That year, ballet and theatre became a part of her dream. She wants to take ballet and one day preform in that show. on that stage. for me.
Charis (7) before leaving for showing of The Nutcracker, 2009.For weeks afterwards, she would listen to the soundtrack and tell you exactly what had happened during that part of the story. She LOVED reliving the moment and obviously had every detail branded into her memory.
That was the year playing the Nutcracker CD became a nightly ritual.
The next year, much to Selah's delight, they both joined Grandma and Granddaddy...along with cousins Courtney and Sydney.
Selah (5)...right before The Nutcracker, 2009It's now a tradition that is anticipated almost as much as putting up the tree. Maybe more?
I mean, what's not to love? Getting dressed up. Going to a ballet without Mommy and Daddy. Getting dressed up. Going out to dinner without Mommy and Daddy. Getting dressed up. AND getting to see professional ballet dancers dance in a way that you only pretend to be able to accomplish in the middle of the living room floor.
Really. It's every little girl's perfect night out. My mom is a genius.
Well, THIS YEAR...
Raegan (2) got to go. And man, were the girls ALL thrilled. It was sweet to hear them be excited to include her in their "big girl" ritual.
Can you tell they're a little bit excited?
I mean, pictures like this are rare!! These are Nutcracker smiles. smiles that know they look good. smiles that know they're getting ready to be a part of something Big. smiles that say they feel special.And though they're yet to return from dinner, I KNOW they'll have lots to tell us when they return. :)
Thanks, Mom and Dad, for taking the time to make these memories with them. They L.O.V.E it. and you.
