Last week, I went to Florida to visit my sister Billie and her family.  The highlight of our trip was a performance of The Nutcracker, which starred my two grandnieces, Emily and Peyton Finch.  My granddaughter Adeline and my daughter Liz flew down for the performances. 

Adeline and I discussed our weekend. 

Me:  How was your trip to Florida? 

Adeline: It was good because we did a lot of things. The weather was a lot different and it was nice. 

Me: Who did you see there? 

Adeline: I saw my cousins Emily and Peyton in The Nutcracker, and I also saw my cousins Simon, Nora, and Jack and my Aunt Amy and Aunt Billie and Uncle Peter and Uncle Brian.  

Me: How did you like The Nutcracker? 

Adeline: I thought it was fantastic. The costumes were very elaborate, and the sets were projected and very colorful. 

The story of the Nutcracker is about a girl named Clara (who was danced by my cousin Peyton). She got a Nutcracker for Christmas, and she goes to sleep, and she dreams that her Nutcracker is alive.  

Then the Mouse King comes and tries to fight the Nutcracker and then Clara throws her slipper at the Mouse King and that kills the Mouse King.  

Then the Nutcrackers takes Clara to the Sugar Plum Fairy who rewards them with the Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and other dances. My cousin Emily did the Arabian dance. 

Me: What did you think of your cousins’ dancing? 

Adeline:  I thought they were great at acting out and doing all the different movements. 

Me: What was your favorite part of the ballet? 

Adeline: My favorite part was in the party scene when the boys ran out with their swords when the girls were dancing, and the parents had to scold them. I also liked the Snow Dance and the Arabian.  I also liked the gymnastics part and Mother Ginger. Emily and Peyton were great. 

Me: What else did you enjoy this weekend? 

Adeline: I liked spending time with my cousins. I also enjoyed winning both of my cousins’ shoes at the raffle at the Nutcracker. 

Me: Let me explain: each dancer decorates a set of toe shoes that reflect her character and then these are raffled off.  Adeline bought so many tickets that she was able to win both Emily’s and Peyton’s shoes! 

Adeline: I almost forgot to tell you that I also loved playing with Bear, Uncle Chris and Aunt Beth’s Labradoodle.   

Me:  Sounds like you had a full weekend. 

Adeline:  Definitely. I had a great time. 

Me: It was wonderful to spend a special holiday time with the Finches in Florida.   

 Wishing all of you dear readers the best of this holiday season and a Happy and Healthy New Year. 

KATHY WERNER is a three-time National Newspaper Association Award winner for the Democrat, and a true member of the family.