Christmas Odds and Ends...

...that I do not want to forget!

The Nutcracker

Susie, Drew, Capri and I all had a special night out at the Capitol Theater. I had always loved going to the Nutcracker as a young girl and I couldn't wait to take my daughter. Knowing how

much Capri has loved her ballet class, I knew she was old enough to appreciate the production. I was right! She absolutely loved it...

Here we are at Grammy's house getting ready to go.

Grammy surprised Capri with these Madam Alexander Clara and Soldier dolls. She was beyond thrilled to say the least.

We first had dinner at Olive Garden and then headed over to Capitol Theater. Capri loved being one of the girls and apart of this fabulous night!
Here is my little ballerina waiting for the show!

Capri couldn't wait for the show to begin. We sat down and she was immediately in awe. She had to know everything about what was going on in the ballet. She talked through the entire thing saying, "That is my favorite dress!" or "This is my favorite song!" (she had learned about the Nutcracker Suite in school all month) or my favorites, "I can do that!" and "I can't do that, that is too hard." I was nervous at first with her chatting so much, especially because we were sitting so close, but Capri was just that excited and I don't think too many people minded!

After the ballet, Capri insisted we wait for Clara so that she could get her picture taken. I talked to one of the ushers and he said the dancers don't normally come out. A then, very tired Capri started to cry. It was as if Clara was a princess at Disneyland! Thank goodness we waited just long enough for Clara to come out. She was more than happy to take a picture with Capri and Capri had her perfect ending to a perfect night!

The next week, Roman and Capri got to go on a field trip to see the Mountain West Ballet's production of the Nutcracker. It was a selection of 6 or 7 pieces and it was so fun for them to be with their class. I asked Roman what his favorite part was and he said without hesitation, "When the big mouse with the sword was fighting the soldiers with the guns!" Same response as last year, still very much a boy.

Here they are waiting for the show to begin:

Pictures with Santa

I have to post the picture later-already put it away with the rest of the Christmas decorations-but I am happy to report that my kids did great with Santa this year. I knew Roman and Capri would be fine, but I was really worried about Karoline. I had a plan, get the twins situated and when the photographer was ready to go, just plop Karoline right down on Santa's lap. If she screamed, oh well. Surprise, surprise, she did great! She actually stayed on his lap forever as he talked to the twins and for a second picture that included my niece Isla. We couldn't believe it and were so happy with the pictures!