Last Friday we got all dressed up and went to see The Nutcracker Ballet.  This is something we've done almost every year since we've been married and I look forward to it every year.  This year, as a gift to my mother and father-in-law, we got them tickets to come with us.  It was such a wonderful time.My parents used to take us when we were young.  Every year we would either see The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol.  It was so much fun to get all dressed up and I can remember feeling so special in my rabbit fur coat, lol.Three years ago, we decided Ace was old enough to start coming, and so now it is something he looks forward to, as well.  We read the book over and over again beforehand and then we go see the play. Every year I give him a little surprise before the play, usually a chocolate mouse or some candy sticks. This year I did the shrinky dink idea with the Nutcracker and Mouse King. He loved them!Although I'm beginning to wonder how many more performances Ace will willingly come to. This year after the sword fight between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, he leaned over and whispered to dh, "Can we leave now?" DH was smiling from ear to ear. Sometimes I think he worries that I'm raising the boys a little too "girly" with all the tea parties and ballets I take them to. This was proof that they are not at all interested in my "girly" things. :)It was a wonderful evening...