The Nutcracker

Magical.

The Nutcracker exceeded my expectations, especially for having the cheapest seats available. I feel like I understand the words "grace" and "composure" on a new level. My heart was racing throughout the entire production, and I left feeling like I couldn't get enough ballet and Tchaikovsky. Beautiful.

This is the War Memorial Opera House, and if you look closely, you can see the gigantic nutcrackers between pillars.

Right outside the Opera House.

This is City Hall. It was so pretty lit up. It reminded me of a lot of the sites we want to see in Europe.

If you come to the city, you have to see the San Francisco Ballet. Definitely worth it.

More Pics from Thanksgiving

Things I Learned in Boise, Idaho

1. Kids from CA think that 60 degree weather is frigid. "Mommy, my hands are so cooooollllld," says Blake to Kristen.

2. Easton has some pretty great faces.

3. So does Ryan.

4. And Cory and Kristen.

5. Natalie can complete about 10 tasks at the same time, including pulling off a fantastic and coordinated Thanksgiving dinner with a newborn.

5. When it gets late enough, even the cup game sounds fun.


6. I can pick up a bag with my teeth to beat a bunch of guys and a pregnant woman. (I must gloat at this victory, because I'm convinced that Kristen or Natalie will claim the prize next time around...although Scott and Cory put up an impressive run.)

7. I appreciate suburbs--their fountains, sidewakes, entry arches, private park/playgrounds, the whole bit. I am a suburb gal. Running through the neighborhoods reminded me that I want to live in a suburb. (I do think I would like living in mid-city with a studio apt, but Brady thinks I'm all talk when it comes to that. Probably right.)

8. Our camera is pretty terrible. As you can see from above, it may be time to dip deep into the pockets for something a little more reliable. This is the best we've got! I don't even have a clear picture of my sister Natalie, who also made the trek up to Boise.

Good times, good food, good company.