It was that special time of year again. Thanksgiving weekend is always my favorite for a few different reasons. No school or schedules, a day for giving thanks and eating to our hearts content, a chill in the air, the decorating of the tree, and the coming of Christmas. The smells, Black Friday shopping, testing out the fireplace, and celebrating my birthday. And last, but not least, Ballet West's 'The Nutcracker.' I've been going since I was a little girl, and have been known to shed tears as the orchestra begins to play that nostalgic music, and then the curtain goes up and.... I'm in heaven. I spent many a moments rehearsing and performing on that very stage. It is such a happy place for me. It has been so fun to be able to share this tradition with my children. The dollar store had these darling little nutcrackers that I just could not resist...
This year we were spoiled by Mimi & Gramy, as they bought us all tickets. We gathered at the one and only 'Mape's' for some delicious Chinese food...
These two best buddies...
Cassie & Mimi...
Gramy & Ry-bug...
Steph, Erika, & Alie Jo...
The boys thought that fish pond was pretty cool...
A bubble gum ball for the road... and we were off!
The girls were so darling running in there together...
Happy faces... these three have so much fun together.
Me, Kaden, & Rylie...
And the whole gang...
It was such a great night, except for that part when I got to the restaurant and realized I had left all of our tickets in Layton and had to drive back to get them at mock 10, whew! But I made it, and all was well.
Rylie didn't even make it to her bed before visions of sugar plum fairies danced in her head...