Avery's Nutcracker I

This my new favorite photo...Avery sharing a proud moment with an equally proud daddy, after her Nutcracker performance.  This year she was a Spice Drop and she was all smiles for her two minutes on stage.  Videotaping was strictly prohibited, so I abided by that and she's got another performance this coming weekend with lots of family coming, so I'll wait to post the pictures of her on stage in her costume so it can be a surprise.

She seemed to really enjoy the whole process and for me its quite literally a dream come true to see her dancing in The Nutcracker.

My two sisters Bethany and Amy brought their two daughters, Allison and Madison.  Both girls also take dance classes at different studios.  Madison was watching with a critical, accomplished dancer eye and Allison was a bit star-struck.  Later I asked her if she thought she might want to be in The Nutcracker someday.  She said, "No.  I didn't like the way they did it.  I would do it my own way!"  And those of us who know her, know she is not saying that in jest.  :)

Pop and Kiki offered to take Aiden overnight so Shaun and I could sit through the whole performance.

When we stepped outside the weather was frightful...

...but we still went to celebrate over ice-cream

A long, successful day, with a little chocolate on her chin to prove it.  My little girl is getting so big.

They send forth their children as a flock;

their little ones dance about.

Job 21:11