Nutcracker

Sadly (and happily, too) the Nutcracker ballet season is over! Katelyn has been SO excited and worked SO hard since August and we couldn't have been prouder. I mean it when I say my heart swelled with pride when I saw her on the stage. At night she may be dreaming of what Santa is going to bring her, but mom is dreaming of seeing her little girl as Clara or possibly even ... THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY! I have to admit, I'm living my fantasy of being a beautiful ballerina through her. Thankfully it's her dream, too!

She has performed 3 times in the last 5 days and has LOVED every minute of it! She's also loved all the attention she's gotten. The first night Greg and I went along with my dad and her Primary President and her husband. Then on Saturday night her Nana drove 300 miles to see her and her aunt and cousin came, too! And finally, on closing night, our neighbors (her adopted St. George grandparents) The Pratts came, her school teacher, Miss Lamb, came, and a group of her friends surprised her and came! (Thanks Loralee!) I wish I could have captured the look on her face when she saw everyone there ... flowers in hand and cheering for her! It was PRICELESS! Thank you to everyone who has given her so much encouragement and praise. She has worked really hard practicing 2 times a week for 4 months and never complained once! She's amazing!

The other night after her first performance she and I were driving home and I was asking her how she enjoyed being on stage. She was telling me that she was a little nervous, but how much fun it was. Then she said, in typical Kate fashion, "You know mom, I'm a little like Hannah Montana. During the day I go to school like a normal kid, but at night I'm on the stage." How cute is that? I love her SO much! She has such a great attitude about life AND herself. She's very comfortable in her own skin and doesn't let what others think bother her too much! I'm so incredibly grateful for her and love her to pieces! Great job Kate!