Nutcracker

Madeline participated in her dance studio's production of the Nutcracker this year. It was a lot of work, frustration and gas miles for me and Joe, but the pure joy on my girl's face every time she talks about it makes every moment worth all of the hassle.

We got home late last night after the final performance. Madeline had fallen asleep in the car on the way home. I called Joe to come out and get her. She of course woke up when he carried her in. So she took a few minutes to show her Daddy the trophy that she was given after the final performance last night. She is very excited about this trophy. It has her name on it and lights around the circle part that flash when turned on. Madeline also told Joe that her favorite part of the night was when I gave her a Disney princess magazine and a ballerina ornament. She just couldn't possibly be any sweeter.

Madeline's first performance was on Friday night. Her Auntie Teri and Uncle Eric came to see her. They brought along Eric's two oldest nieces, Elaina and Carissa. After the show they gave Madeline a bouquet of flowers. This made her very happy, especially the pink ones. Auntie Lisa and Julia came to see her first show on Saturday. They also brought a beautiful bouquet that contained pink flowers. Daddy, Kaitlyn, Grandma, Papa, Gamma and Gampa came to the second show on Saturday. Everybody had bouquets for her this time, too. Missy just couldn't believe that everybody gave her flowers. They are all over the kitchen and her room. So sweet and thoughtful of her family to bring her flowers (which she tells me are her favorite thing).

I was lucky enough to watch all four of her performances. The first one was a total mess. The three on Saturday were very good. The Angels were all sent out in the right order and did the routine very well. My little angel was clearly bossing some of the others and letting them know what to do next. In addition to being "just" an angel, Madeline was also given the role of Lead Trumpeteer Angel. Along with three other angels, she came out on stage "playing" a trumpet and walked across the stage. During the second show on Sat, she was looking for us and surprisingly, spotted me in the audience and we waved to each other. Lisa told me that after the first Saturday show when they all came back on stage for the final bow, Madeline blew kissed to the audience. She got blocked by some of the bigger dancers at the second Saturday show, but I did see her blow one kiss. Not sure what she did after the final performance, as I was waiting in line at this point to claim her.

I could go on and on with so many little details and memories from this time. I hope to remember the joy and happiness I saw on Madeline's face every time she saw me coming to get her. She was so excited and happy. I hope that she and I both are able to remember her happiness. She was also quite proud of herself. My little girl worked hard and she deserves her pride. She did an exceptional job and was absolutely beautiful.