We are in the midst of The Nutcracker..............

Well to say the last couple weeks have been a whirlwind is definitely an understatement! We returned from our fabulous trip to Disneyland and then we were right away emerged in The Nutcracker Production. Holly is LOVING every minute of it. She has been having rehearsals for a long time now but things are really stepped up this month. They went to The Gallo Center for the first time a couple of weeks ago and she thought it was great. This past week they started with the dress rehearsals which are held at The Gallo Center as well. As a parent you must complete 10 hours of service or else you are charged $20.00 an hour. I signed up to help out backstage at the first dress rehearsal as well as the first performance. That took care of 8 of the 10 hours. I still needed to fulfill 2 hours so I took Tiffany with me and we worked for nearly 2 hours stuffing programs at the ballet office. This worked well because I got credit for the help Tiffany provided.

We are very lucky to have so many wonderful friends that wanted to come and see Holly perform. She is very lucky because she will have people she knows watching her each and every time she performs. On Saturday night our good friends, Dana and Olivia came to see her. We didn't get to see them after the performance though but the sent us a message saying they enjoyed the performance. On Sunday afternoon Holly's Fairy Godmother and her daughter Lisa nad friend Antoinette came to see her. Holly was so excited about this. She was telling all of her friends backstage about it. I picked her up at intermission and took her to meet up with everyone in the lobby. Carol brought her a beautiful boquet of flowers. Holly was so happy. After they went back into the show and we were in our car Holly said she was so excited that Carol and Lisa came. She loves them so much. She has her flowers on her dresser in her room.

Here is my " Baby Mouse " all ready for her opening night performance! Isn't she looking so cute? She really is enjoying this whole thing. She loves to perform.

Miss Debbie is applying her make up here. On the first night of their actual performance Miss Debbie was just coming in to do all of the black on the face. We had to have everything else done. It was very nerve racking trying to do this because if you mess up then that is a problem. Thankfully they had some people come in the room to help that actually knew what they were doing so that was a relief!

Look at my little cutey! This has been so much fun for her. She can't wait to audition again next year. We have learned by many other girls and parents that the role of the baby mouse is a highly coveted role. I think it is because they are so cute and ofcourse they have the best makeup!

Oh and also it is great because they get to work with The Rat King! They LOVE The Rat King! There are two different performers that share this role because they are with the company and also hold other roles. The girls have their favorite Rat King and they are so funny about it. When they know he is performing with them they get really giggly and jump around in the dressing room. They all have crushes on him. I think it is because he is so great with them all and really talks with them. They all say how cute he is except for Holly because she would never admit that.

This experience has been a wonderful one for Holly. She has had the opportunity to work with so many great people, learn how things work in the theatre and see first hand how hard work really does pay off. The thrill of knowing people are out there watching her has made her feel really special. Thanks to those of you that have come out to see her and to those of you that are coming out to see her. Thanks also to all of you that have sent her good luck wishes. We really appreciate your kindness.