December 27

Today we drove into the city to see the San Francisco Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House. Abby went once with Adam's mom a number of years ago, but was eager to see it again through her now-adult eyes, so the tickets were her big Christmas present. (Brady in particular was thrilled when he found out that we'd all be attending.)

It was, in a nut(cracker)shell, a lovely performance and most of us enjoyed it. (During intermission, Brady said that he'd rather be in school. Isaac disagreed, although when Abby posed the question he drew the line at performing as the Rat King and said he'd rather go to school than do that.)

I danced for a long time, but my jam and focus was tap. I was never much for ballet because I'm simply not gifted with a lot of natural fluidity of movement (or grace). As someone who routinely trips on sidewalk cracks and occasionally on nothing at all, it's awe-inspiring to see those who do have the gift of movement. So I'm grateful to have had the chance to watch so many talented dancers at work today.

And beyond that, I'm grateful for a lovely Friday with my people. I'm grateful for the peaceful ride into the city, and for the fact that they all posed so nicely for a photo, and for the relaxed dinner we enjoyed at Mexico Lindo once we got back into town and for the silly conversation about our noses that transpired over our tacos and burritos and quesadillas. And I'm grateful for how, on the way home, they sat in the backseat of the Explorer looking at and cackling over their own baby pictures. It was a hilarious, beautiful, cream filling kind of day. 

(PS -- I'm wearing two-inch heels in the pic. I am short. And I'm grateful for that, too.)