Novemeber 2021

November is when it really starts to look and feel like Autumn here in Turlock.  Many of our fall sports are winding down and we get a bit more time to celebrate for the holidays

It's time for fall crops to be planted if they haven't been already.

On November 20th we had our winter dance show.  Our studio performed the Nutcracker along with a winter showcase.  See my previous post for more about that.

Directly after the show we hit the road and decided to drive through the night to Colorado (via Utah where we picked up Eve's friend Emily Whitney at BYU).  We were planning to pull over and sleep if needed, but ended up being able to keep going all night.  We were staying at "The Barn" in Morrison.  It is just 45 minutes away from Aurora.  We are lucky that we could be with both the Smiths and the Murrays for this visit.

The Smiths trickled in over the next few days.  Some came on a very snowy evening when getting up the mountain was impossible due to icy conditions.  Thankfully, my parents were graciously willing and able to host them since they are so close to the airport!  

The kids had a blast with cousins! Here they are riding down the long drive that leads to the barn.

On Tuesday we came to Denver to see our Murray family.  We had a great time at Lava Island!  It was so fun to see everyone!!!

I adore Cat's cute boys and her cute pregnancy belly!

Clara and Eleanor were just as adorable as can be!  I love that Eleanor is at a good age to play with Christian and Jonathan.

We were happy to have Katie's kids join us as well.  They are as sweet as can be!

That afternoon I got to make apple pies with my mom and catch up.  It was nice to talk and work together.  Afterward we had a family dinner with all the Murrays that could make it.  I wish I had gotten some photos.

Back at the Barn the kids enjoyed playing games, eating and talking.

Thanksgiving day means football with those that are brave enough to play. :)

The rest of us were buzzing about making lots of delicious food or playing games and talking!

When it was finally all ready it was quite bounteous and delicious!  For how great the food was, I think the even more wonderful aspect was being with our loved ones!

We had an absurd amount of pie, another meal of sorts. Ha!  Good thing we ate dinner early.

It was very fun to welcome the newest Smith, Leilani (Noah and Kate's).  She is the first of the next generation in the Smiths.  With Grandpa and Grandma Sabey we had 5 generations.

On Friday we went on a beautiful hike with the Murrays/Robinsons.  It was good to get some fresh air and exercise after Thanksgiving!

There was enough snow for snowball shenanigans.

In the afternoon/evening we went back to Hannah's house and enjoyed a hot cocoa bar, pizza, games and a movie.  I love little kids in their pajamas!

Later that evening we sang karaoke until past bedtime!  It was a blast!  Everyone was very supportive of each other and everyone felt free to try a song or two.  We have some very beautiful singers in the family! 

I had to share one karaoke video.  I love to hear all my kids sing!  But I thought this would be especially good to share since Sterling has officially just started voice lessons.  I am excited to see where he takes his talent!

I loved the view from my bedroom window.  Every time I looked out I wanted to sing "Over the River and Through the Woods".

Saturday was the day we were to head home, but we decided to stay as long as possible to soak up as much family time as possible.  We played 9 square (similar to volleyball) which is so fun for most ages.  It moves quickly, so many get a chance to play as players switch out.

Eve and I took a little walk and got this picture of the barn.

When it was time to go everyone was sad to say goodbye!  Here is cute Marcie giving everyone fist bumps or kisses.

We left in the evening and felt that we were so blessed to be with our families!  It is a little piece of heaven on earth!

 

Nutcracker 2021

 

This year we were so happy that the girls' dance studio decided to put on the Nutcracker.  We have always wanted to have the opportunity to perform it, but in the past have been limited by our studio's policy on Sunday rehearsals.  Our studio has been willing to schedule our rehearsals on other days and has been very understanding with conflicts - band, church, etc.  We did have to sacrifice a few parts in the party scene, but are just grateful for all the dances and parts that we could participate in.

  The Nutcracker music is so beautiful and the story is nostalgic for me.  I'm sure every ballerina wants to perform it at some point in their career.  Sheri was featured as Tarantella and Eve was Dew Drop from the Waltz of the Flowers.  Dew Drop was equal (in level) to Sugar Plum in this show, with as much time on stage or more.  Eve was very honored to get this role!  Both girls did an absolutely beautiful job! The girls were also able to participate as rats in the fight scene (which they loved) and in their class dances.

We were able to take professional photos in their costumes a few weeks prior.

Eve as Dew Drop

Flower and Dew Drop

Sheri as Tarantella

Rats

Snow

Winter showcase dances

The recital was at the park again.  Gratefully, it wasn't as hot as June's recital, but it did get chilly at times for the audience.  The marley floor was not as sticky, but it was still a bit uneven at times which added an extra challenge for the dancers.

We got some fun new dance boots to go over the girls dance shoes, keeping them clean and warm before going on stage.  Here is Eve getting ready for the show to begin

The show started with a Winter Showcase.

Followed by a short intermission before beginning Nutcracker.

Sheri's friend Ava was also a rat.  All the girls had a lot of fun with this dance!

Eve's friend Allison was the Rat Queen.

Eve's class performed the snow scene.

During the next LONG intermission I snagged this photo of Eve, Sterling, and Sheri's friends that came to support the girls.  This is just the kids from our ward that came.  I think they were surprised at how long the show was.  But when you compare it to a football game, you can't complain. :)

The next act was the Land of the Sweets.

Clara tells the story while welcomed by Sugar Plum and Dew Drop

Then came the dances from various lands.  Here is Sheri as Tarantella.

Next came Waltz of the Flowers with Dew Drop

Finishing with the final bows

So many friends came to support.  We had school friends and church friends including 3 YW leaders, even our Bishop and his wife came to see the girls.  It was incredible to feel so much support!  It was a LONG recital- over 3 hours- so these folks get extra credit for sticking it out to the end!

I love my beautiful girls and love that they were able to share these memories together.  They both did BEAUTIFULLY!

Here Eve is with Ms. Charlotte who has been so nurturing, patient, and flexible with our crazy schedules, and other needs.  She has really cultivated a place where the dancers can grow wherever they are at and with whatever they can give.  She made sure that she did the Nutcracker before Eve graduated.  Eve has always wanted to be able to be in the Nutcracker. I have so many fond memories of performing it growing up that I wanted the same for her and Sheri. For all of us, I think it has been a dream fulfilled. We are incredibly grateful that our girls have had the loving environment created at Steps Dance Arts Center.