The Nutcracker

Daniel took all four girls to Richmond to see the Richmond Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker. It had been a tradition in his family for him to take his sister Sara to see it every year. He took Shiloh and Cora to see it in Tampa, (Abigail was too little) but it wasn't a live symphony and Cora came away MUCH disappointed because in her little mind, the ballet dancers were supposed to ask her to dance WITH them on stage. :) This performance was ten times better, according to Daniel. The live symphony was wonderful, and they even had a choir. The costumes were beautiful, and the girls came away enchanted. Daniel also surprised them by staying the night in Richmond at a HOTEL (the girls LOVE hotels :) ). Every year we get a free hotel stay from the points accumulated, so this was a perfect way to use it. They had big plans for after the show - maybe trying the outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Richmond or walking/driving along Cary Street to see the light display. Unfortunately, it was pouring. :( Daniel got them huge ice cream cones instead and let them watch HGTV at the hotel. A good time was had by all, and a new (old) tradition was born.

Here are the girls outside Carpenter Theater:
Here they are during intermission:

Lovely ladies in their finery for the show:

(Mom, I blame you for Abigail's head tilt. It's your genes.)