{Some photos from around the performance. Sadly, I couldn't take
photos during the show. Not that my worried, shaky Mama fingers could
have done so anyway.}
Now, granted, it was all of twenty seconds that she pranced (because reindeer 'prance,' you know) across that stage. The very last twenty seconds, I might add. But while the Maine State Ballet did a wonderful job throughout the entire show (of course!), really, those last twenty seconds were hands down the best twenty seconds of any performance I've ever attended (but, of course!). And the pride-full giggles coming from her brothers and Papa (and grandparents, and aunts, and great aunts!) on either side of me were pretty awesome too.
Getting up on that stage in front of two thousand people ("a really, really, really, really, really big stage! Like, SO big." she declared with stretched arms, wide eyes and excitement)? Oh, she is a brave and strong little girl.
But it wasn't just that day that has made the Nutcracker so special this season. The excitement began months ago when she decided she wanted to do this, in the weeks that we read every single version of The Nutcracker we could get our hands on, as we talked and watched all the parts ("I think I'll be Clara instead of a reindeer!" she declared one morning), and right on into the moments after the show when she was showered with flowers and hugs and kisses from all of us. Everything around it has been....sweet.
As we walked out of the theater that night, I couldn't believe the magical timing of a light snowfall. Adelaide - full of pride (and maybe a bit of relief), danced around and around in a world of her own. And the boys were lost in their own quiet dreamy thoughts and plans for next years Nutcracker (in which they both declare they will be on that stage too).
It looks like we have a new kind of holiday tradition on our hands.I love it.
