E's Nutcracker 2011

We LOVE going to the Nutcracker!  Logistically, it is a little tough because it is in Walnut Creek.  With traffic, the drive can be over an hour!  The kids got home from school at 3:30 p.m. and by 4:00 p.m. we were dressed, had already taken our Christmas picture, and were off to the play!  We were so happy that this year Uncle Keith was able to come with us!  What a treat!

The drive was pretty good.  A lot of traffic and a bad route chosen by our trusty navigation system. Lovely.  We were able to meet up with E and Papa in their hotel for a few minutes before E had to head to the theater for the show!  Then we met with my dear friend Eileen and her girls at this great restaurant called Skipolini's.  I think this was the third time we were able to go to the Nutcracker with Eileen and her girls.  It is a special treat for me to see her and share this fun night with her and her beautiful daughters!

We got to the show with plenty of time to say hello to the rest of the family who was there to support E and enjoy the production.  No sooner did the lights go down did the King Mouse make his entrance from the back of the theater.  He walked right by Emily who was sitting in an aisle seat.  She couldn't believe it!  Next out came E to narrate the show and before I could even prepare to silence Emily, she let out a high pitched E!!!!  It was a little embarrassing but I knew E heard her and loved it.  The show was wonderful, as usual.

All the kids couldn't wait to see E after the show and had roses in their little hands for her.  While they do love their E very much, while she is performing the Nutcracker- she is as good as a celebrity!  Emily was happy to see E, but she was more concerned about the King Mouse!  On stage- he was hurt in a battle scene and Emily just wanted to make sure the King Mouse was okay!  She obsessed about the mouse all night.  Even making a joke well beyond her age and saying, "What do you think is the King Mouse's favorite dessert?   Cheesecake!" 

The next morning, Emily made me call E to once again ask how the King Mouse was feeling.  E told Emily that she called at just the right time!  Emily couldn't believe that at the moment of our phone call- E was having coffee with the King Mouse in the lobby of her hotel.  I cannot begin to explain how many times she has told people that the King Mouse loves coffee.  This is just too good to be true.  What a great night.  We are already looking forward to next year.