The Nutcracker

When I was growing up, I saw the Nutcracker Ballet many times with my mom and other family members.  This year was Emery’s first year to carry on the tradition.  A few weeks before Christmas, Emery and I took a girl’s trip to Bass Hall in downtown Fort Worth, where we met my mom for a fun afternoon. 

In the parking garage with Grandma, waiting for the elevator……

There is a huge Barnes and Nobles across the street from Bass Hall, so this is where we started our adventure.  Emery took her first (and second, and third, and fourth) ride on an escalator.  I think it was just as exciting as seeing the ballet!   I’d never thought about it before this, but with twins (and a double stroller), we’ve always taken the elevator! 

Next, was her first Starbuck’s experience!  Hot chocolate!

Then, it was show time!  She sat in her own seat for about two minutes and was in my lap after that.  Every time it got quiet, you could hear her say “Is it over yet?”, so we weren’t sure how much she was enjoying it.  We were prepared to leave at intermission if we needed to, but she made it through the entire performance and loved it!   As we were walking out after it was over, she said “Mommy, that was a great movie!” 

On the balcony during intermission…..

She took a break from practicing her ballet moves for this picture.  It was hilarious to watch all of the little girls in their Christmas dresses, spinning around like ballerinas during the intermission. 

Afterwards, we walked around the corner to eat at  Mi Cocina….

And even had her picture made with Santa along the way! 

I can’t tell you how much she LOVED having a day all to herself!  She behaved perfectly and had the time of her life!   We definitely need  to do it more often!