Magic.

Last weekend, I got to experience a little magic with my big kid. Magic in the form of the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker performance. I was tempted to get us tickets last year, but am so thankful that I waited because I think it made the day even more special. Something that she hopefully will really remember.

 

For weeks we listened to the music and re-read the story of Clara (though in our book her name is Maria...that part was a little confusing). I had given her a ballerina ornament to let her know we were going and the day of she held that ornament all morning long. We put on our fancy dresses, and headed out for our special date. 

 

 

 

I hadn't been to the ballet in years and didn't recall just how well they do it there. The beautiful lobby, filled with multiple Christmas trees, statues and figures from the show, miniature stages to play on, instruments to try out...and staff who clearly take pride in making sure each child leaves feeling the magic.

 

 Twirl.

 

 

The show begins with the orchestra playing the familiar opening song, but the stage is still empty. Just a backdrop scene to accompany that first piece.

She leans over to me and whispers, "I love it already!"

And right then and there I just about lost it.

 

 

That is until intermission, as the clapping was subsiding and the lights were coming up...she looks at me and says, "Mommy! It was so beautiful I had tears in my eyes!"

 

Seriously, baby girl. Stop it. You are my dream.

 

Now, I know she didn't really have tears in her eyes...but she's heard me use that description before, and she understood what it felt like to be moved by the beautiful music and the talent of the dancers.

She felt it.

 

Pure magic.

xoxo