Backstage at the Nutcracker performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle was just too much fun to be believed. Our happy group consisted of my best friend Jan, my sister Claudia, her friend Rebecca and me:

We met Herr Drosselmeier in a relaxed pose, complete with puppy:

We got up close and personal with the sets:

Ran into a family of mice:

And met the Nutcracker himself:

The backstage staff could not have been nicer to us. They didn’t make us feel in the way at all and went out of their way to come get us and put us in places where we could see the action the best. At several times during the performace we were literally only inches away from the dancers as they performed. Unfortunately because of union rules we were not allowed to take any pictures of the dancers. It was a breathtaking experience to be so close to all of the action. Great big thanks to my sister for including me.

After the ballet my sister and I rode the monorail into downtown Seattle to do a little shopping. We didn’t stay long. The crowds were not to be believed and we were very tired. So we headed back to Kirkland for a wonderful dinner of pasta primivera and a few glasses of wine. I then proceeded to fall asleep on her couch at 8:30!

I arrived home the next day to find hubby had been hard at work on an early Christmas present:

We had bought a new flat screen TV two months ago and it died already. So the store replaced it (with a much better model). While he was there, he bought a home theater system with surround sound. One little unit replaces a whole stereo cabinet full of equipment. So, he cut down the stereo cabinet, which opens up the living room a lot. Last night we watched Jurassic Park. It’s amazing all the sounds that are there that we never heard before. Great fun!

Today will be spent wrapping last minute presents and getting ready for preparing Christmas dinner tomorrow. Hubby’s mother will be here, along with my sister and our younger son. Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year too. May your holidays be filled with lots of love.