The Nutcracker {Sunday Snapshot}

Last June, when the Houston Ballet put the banner for the Nutcracker up downtown, Kate saw it and started campaigning for tickets.  Kate would ask to watch the Youtube videos of it.  Kate loves ballet but I was waiting for her to really be old enough to appreciate the Nutcracker.  This year was the perfect age.

Let me say that this was a day I hope to never forget.  Kate wanted to get very dressed up.  So we did.

I love my little dumpling SO much!!!

We had fun getting some shots before we left.  I really need to learn to make collages on here.

After that, things went a little down hill...  We had reservations for brunch downtown before the show but the address of the restaurant on the website was incorrect and Kate and I were circling a very dodgy part of downtown trying to find an address that did not exist.   I was getting panicked.  Finally, I called Dave and he called the restaurant and guided us there on the phone.  GPS was no help. We were a half hour late for our reservation but a mimosa for me and a Shirley Temple for Kate quickly remedied our frenzied state.

Kate LOVED her stuffed french toast.. She is a delightful dining companion.  We had such a nice time eating and chatting.

Then we rushed out to the theater....we had awesome seats. Since I bought the tickets in June, I had great options.  I chose the first row in the center stage loge box.  So we were up a bit and Kate could see everything.  I have sat in the orchestra before but you see so much more from up above a little.

So the BEST part of the show was watching Kate and hearing her.  She oohed and ahhed the WHOLE time.  As each dance number began, she would literally GASP out loud in joy and amazement!!!.  She would say repeatedly how beautiful the dancers and costumes were. I had to remind her to use a "whisper voice" as she was so in awe of all the beauty.  She was so happy and literally soaked up every second of the beautiful show.  I looked around at some other little girls who looked completely bored and felt so lucky that Kate really embraces life and is so expressive.  I really don't know how to describe how much she loved this ballet.  Her face was glowing the whole time.

In fact, since we were running late with the whole restaurant address debacle, we did not have time to use the restroom before the show.  I had to go during the first act but Kate would not leave.  She said, "I don't want to miss one second, mama!" She told me to go alone!

At intermission we got to see some of the performers....







I also bought Kate her first Nutcracker to remember the show.  She could not put it down all day (and broke a piece of it as a result).  She also went right to her room, put on Nutcracker music and began dancing.  She wants to try out for the show eventually.

I know these shots are awful but my memories are beautiful from this day and I want to preserve my memories. I am so disappointed in our point and shoot (Nikon coolpix).  It it awful.  Anyone have one they love?

You can see other Sunday Snaphots here...