"The Nutcracker"

My husband and I took our young friend C and her best friend L downtown to the theatre today for a matinee performance of The Nutcracker. Neither girl had ever seen the ballet live on stage, so it was especially exciting for them. Both of them had their eyes on the stage for every second... they just loved it.

I had found books and CDs on The Nutcracker for them a few weeks ago, and we gave those to the girls when we went out to dinner afterwards. They were thrilled with the books, and couldn't wait to listen to the music.

The Houston Ballet always has a gift selection of "Nutcracker" items in the lobby of the theatre, so we got the girls a set of 4 nutcrackers, each one made to look like the main characters--- Clara, the Mouse King, the Nutcracker Prince, and the magician. We also got a set for us, so now every Christmas when we put the four nutcrackers on display (or on the tree) we will all remember this magical evening.

Such fun, to see the girls experiencing their first ballet. I think if C could have gotten away with it, she would have been dancing up and down the aisles while the orchestra was playing. She was absolutely entranced with everything...... and "The Nutcracker" is so visual and vibrant... perfect choice for a first ballet performance for them.

Oh well..... a bittersweet night. Everything will change next year when C and her parents move across the country to Vegas. Everything we do with her now will be the "last time," unless we're lucky enough to have her visit during the holidays. But I doubt that...... she will find new traditions once she moves. We know that........ and it makes us very sad. But she will have the memories. And so will we.