nutcracker ballet 2012: lead mouse.

This past week, Ethnie had her annual Nutcracker Ballet performance at St. Kate's University. This year is the 25th year for Ballet MN so it was pretty exciting! Ethnie performed twice and she had the role of lead mouse. She was so excited and I couldn't be more proud of her! She had a part on stage all by herself and she was so brave. I was a bit nervous for Sunday's performance because it was sold out, but she didn't seem to be intimidated at all. 

All of these pictures were taken back stage. There are very strict rules about where cameras are allowed and in the theater is not one of them. Grrr. I always volunteer back stage and I couldn't even take pictures to the side of the stage; only back by the dressing rooms. 
 
Wednesday:

rat mask. the little ones are usually freaked out by these. they even have red eye lights.

having a snack before lining up.

angels. this is what Ethnie will be next year.

I can't even tell you how happy it makes me to watch her dance.

her cellulite-looking belly is part of the costume; not hers! ;)

Sunday:

posing!

this was the funniest costume!

Ethnie with her instructor, Miss MaryAnn

Nana got to come and watch. So proud!

a new chapter begins!

I am thrilled to announce that Matt is DONE with grad school and has his MBA!!! Saturday was the big ceremony and it was great to see him walk. Afterwards, we headed to his brother's house and had some amazing food to celebrate. It was a great weekend! Now, the really fun part. Landing a new job!;)

 ready to walk!

 group shot with his classmates

 so proud of my husband!

 Shawn, Matt's bud from class

 might need to get one of these

 Matt's class standing

 it's official!

 oh yeah!!

 all done!

 very proud parents:)

silly boy.

I have been in love with watching Emmett do anything lately. Although the stage he is in can be very challenging, it is also adorable and precious. He is saying more words each week and is growing up way too fast! :( Can you believe he will be 2 1/2 at the end of the month?!
He is such a busy boy. Getting into everything and playing all day long. He is ALL boy and it's an entirely new experience for me as a mom. He especially loves the Christmas decorations we put up last week. I have been watching him like a hawk around the tree and stockings. Here are a few photos of some silly things Emmett's been up to.

 For the past week, Emmett has been fascinated with this blush compact. He hasn't figured out how to open it yet; he just carries it around with him almost all day long. So silly.

 Yes, these are pink pj's. (Ethnie's old ones. Why not pass them down?)

Emmett will lay down on any surface to drive his cars. It's his favorite thing to do and he gets mad at whatever doesn't give him enough room to lay down to play.

Being silly with his buddy, Ezra!

 Checking out the Christmas absurdity at Menards. He just had to carry around this dowel rod we had cut.

Emmett,

I love being able to spend my days with you at home. You are my sweet little boy and I love you. You are at such a fun age and I love watching you discover new things and having fun. Keep being the busy, energetic boy that you are because it brings joy to my life every day.

love-  mom