the nutcracker

When I was a little girl, my mom and I had a tradition.  We would dress up, go out to eat at Remo's, a fancy italian restaurant, and then go to the Nutcracker.  It was a wonderful night that I eagerly looked forward to every year.

I have so many fond memories of this "girl date" with my mom.  When my sister was FINALLY born, she came along too.  The tradition continued until I moved out of the house, and I have really missed it since then.

On Friday night, I got all dressed up, and so did Mary.  We curled our hair, painted our nails, sprayed the perfume, and slapped on some heels. 

Ben brough home Red Robin (our favorite lately), and we all ate together. 

And then was just us girls, off to see the Nutcracker!  I was so excited to take my little girl to her first Ballet, and to continue on a wonderful tradition.  Mary was excited for the time alone with mom.

It was a local showing, so it wasn't anything like the shows I grew up watching, but it was perfect for Mary's first time.  I could see the magic in her eyes as she watched the Sugar Plum fairy dance, and the Nutcracker come to life.  She giggled at the cute little mice and the funny clowns, and she picked out a friend of hers that was performing.  It was a great night.

We went to our favorite local ice cream place afterward and talked about the Nutcracker and also about how Mary is doing with friends, school, life in Heber, and so on. 

We had a really good time together, and it was so fun to connect with my daughter, and bond as girls.

Next year, we plan on going to Salt Lake for the Nutcracker and possibly joining up with my mom, my sister, and any available sister-in-laws.    The tradition will live on!

someone is a little excited   :)