Nutcracker

We were fortunate enough to be able to invite Gramzie with us to go to Lucy's first Nutcracker performance. I remember going with my grandma and Lucy was thrilled that Gramzie could go, too. I found a shortened version, a fraction of the cost of a professional performance and this one allowed Lucy to ask as many questions as she wanted, clap loudly, exclaim, and best of all, to see the dancers up close. She can tell you about their tutus, the sound of their skirts ("swishing!") and how the ground shook a little bit when the dancers leaped and jumped across the stage. Afterwards the dancers came out to greet the audience and without hesitation, Lucy jumped up to see her favorite, Clara. She told her "You did a really great job dancing, Clara". It was so cute. Then she shook the Nutcracker's hand and took photos with other ballerinas. She loved Clara and loved when the Sugar Plum Fairy magically made the lights on the trees come on with her wand. She did not like the mouse king, however. In fact, she could have done without that part completely.

Since Gramzie was along, Lucy of course racked up on all that the gift shop had to offer- a hand painted tutu and her very own nutcracker. When we got home Lucy put on her tutu and showed us her ballerina moves, then she tackled Pop Pop.

Now when we have Christmas music playing (probably 5-10 hours a day) she stops and asks "what part is this?" when one of the nutcracker pieces plays. She will start to twirl and leap and tip toe across the floor. She says she wants to be Clara one of these days. She also wants to know why her little nutcracker ornament can't actually crack nuts.