the Nutcracker

A Mommy/Clara date...
We braved the snow a couple of Saturdays ago and went to a performance of The Nutcracker.

We were invited by Clara's friend, Hannah, and her Mom. Before the ballet, we got to meet all of the characters. This is Clara meeting "the other Clara." All during the ballet she kept telling me, "The other Clara is twirling, the other Clara is sad, the other Clara is sleeping, the other Clara..."

The performers signed little autograph cards for the kids. Clara had no idea what this meant, but she saw everyone else doing it and joined right in. When the curtain came up at the start of the show, she was VERY excited to tell me that all of those princesses had signed her card! So excited, in fact, that she was shouting. Her little friend told her to "BE QUIET, CLARA."
Then they watched with mouths wide open for the entire performance. Except for the moments when they couldn't contain themselves and stood in front of their chairs to dance like ballerinas. Very fun.

Shameless Self Promotion

Here is information about Nicolle's upcoming choral Christmas concert. You can see it for FREE this Monday night, 7:30pm at First Presbyterian Church in High Point.

We are also performing on the following dates/times. (There is a fee for these concerts).

Out of the Orient Crystal Skies Where & When Christ United Methodist Church 410 N Holden Rd, Greensboro Friday, December 11, 8:00 PM Saturday, December 12, 8:00 PM Monday, December 14, 7:30 PM

Tickets Tickets are available online at www.belcantocompany.com, by telephone at 336-333-2220 or at the door 1 hour prior to each performance. Single Tickets: Adults: $20, Seniors (65+): $18, Students: $5 Group rates available. Call 336-333-2220 for more information.

Hope to see you there!

Excuses

How long can I claim the following?
"I have a new baby, that is why..."
-my house is messy
-my jeans are too tight
-I am always late
-etc., etc.

Sarah-Jane is 4 months old. Am I outside the window?

The poor, sweet child is oblivious to all of the things being blamed on her! (Although she does look a little annoyed in this photo. Maybe she is on to me!?!)

Thanksgiving

Happy belated Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving... a holiday about cooking, eating, and getting together with family.

On Tuesday night, we went to VA to visit with Greg's parents and two of his siblings and their families... 2 siblings doesn't sound like much, right? But when you add their families of 5 + 4 kids it makes for quite a party. We didn't get many photos, but here is one of Sarah-Jane meeting her Grandpa Sherwood.

On Thursday we celebrated with my (Nicolle's) family.

After dinner we had our "traditional" Thanksgiving talent show.
Luke danced like Michael Jackson, Joel played the spoons, Evan the piano, Greg showed off some Yoga poses, Clara danced to her favorite Halloween song and then "helped" Anna and Chloe with a puppet show.

Last but not least, my Mom did a cheer, and my dad showed off his consistent after- Thanksgiving- dinner- nap habit... despite all of the noise around him. Impressive!