nutcracker... year five- what's wrong with me?

Last night was Chloe's first dress rehearsal for the nutcracker.

She was Great!

But, oh boy-- I'm losing it.

Years past I have been so organized- right on track- know what I'm doing... but not this year. I had forgotten to call the other dancers & set up a carpool, didn't know what time she was to be on stage- heck- I just drove her up... and didn't know what we were supposed to be doing?

It's a good thing we ate something before we left!
The Arabians didn't really have time for dinner. We left home at 4:20 & didn't get back until 11:04.
Yikes!
Staging was running behind.
It was a long night but a lot of fun to see her in her element & loving it.

I was chaperoning- one parent has to sign up for two nights of chaperoning. I have chaperoned twice every year since chloe has been involved (except once when megan took my turn- thanks meg- I wish you were here!) but for some reason, I couldn't think of what I was supposed to do.

I will for sure sign up for the first night of rehearsals again. I think I have always been on the second night- the first night the girls get to sit in the audience & watch. It was fun to watch with Chloe. It has been so long since she has seen it- since she is always backstage- she was delighted to watch it & it was fun to see it together. I had forgotten that she hadn't seen it in so long!

{chloe & the other arabians waiting for dress rehearsal to start}

We sat in the front row for the rehearsal & it was so fun to watch the symphony warm up & get together just before they went below.

I took this photo of the sea of girls behind us just before the owner of the ballet company came to ask me very politely but with a lot of frustration to, "PLEASE STOP DOING THAT!" I replied... "stop doing what?"

TAKING FLASH PHOTOGRAPHS!!!

HOLY CRAP!?

how long have I been going to these? what is my problem?

I apologized & said I thought we weren't allowed after it started--- which is all true-- but I know deep down I wasn't supposed to do that? I am so off my game these days.

I'm brain dead I swear. There is just so much on my mind. I have so much to do before Brian gets home & I am all jumbled up in my head.

I was really embarrassed.

At intermission we headed down under to the dressing room to get ready. We shared a small, hot & sticky dressing room with the candy canes. Oh I love these candy cane costumes!

I asked them if I could photograph them just for fun.

Chaperoning Arabians was so easy... maybe- I might get fired. I figured they were old enough to take care of themselves more than years past. They know their way around... I let them check out & in on their own. I mean gee- they are 13-14 ish? I hope I don't get a phone call today, but wouldn't be surprised if I did. Again- I am really embarrassed.

Here's chloe all dressed up!

She is so modest & she was worried what her dad would think of this costume.

He's okay with it... but a little shocked that she is one of the big girls now.

when did that happen?

{Arabians 2009}

I am so happy Chloe is in the nutcracker again this year!

It is such a privilege & so much fun for her.

I am proud of you chloe--- thanks for not being embarrassed of me-- or at least not acting like you were. You are the best!