We were a little bit crazy this weekend. We left at 4 in the morning on Saturday and drove to Lubbock (8 hour drive, for those of you who aren't familiar with this area).
Abby thought it was the best day ever because she got to have her own package of mini donuts for breakfast.
We got to our cousins' house in time for a change of clothes and some fall-leaf fun.
And then we headed to the civic center to see the Nutcracker ballet.
Nana helped the kids find their seats...in the second row, center! Both kids were so good during the show and really liked it.
The best part of all was that cousin Luke played Clara's little brother Fritz (and did such a great job creating a nuisance) and a toy soldier, and cousin Ellie played one of Mother Ginger's little children.
After the show, Luke took Abby under his wing and led her around the theater to get autographs from all the dancers, whom he knew by name. He introduced her every time, "This is my cousin, Abby. Can she have your autograph?"
The best autographs in the book are from Ellie and Luke.
Abby was in little-girl heaven with so many dancing "princesses" around.
And, of course, Clara was a favorite.
Abby and Clara.
Nana and Ellie.
Abby and Ellie...in costume. Later that evening, Luke and Ellie had to go back for the evening performance. Aunt Robin snuck Abby backstage so she could watch from the wings as Ellie did her dance again. Coolest Aunt Ever!
When we got back to the house in the afternoon, Uncle Matt proved that he is also the coolest ever by helping the kids rake the leaves into one giant pile.
A quick cousin pic by the leaf pile.
Oh my goodness, my kids love their older cousins so much.
Thanks, Luke and Ellie, for being so fabulous and for loving on my kids the way you do.
The next day... we were on the road again.
Singing Christmas songs with the muppets.
We drove past many cotton farms and snagged some cotton that had piled up on the side of the road.
Even with lots of driving, this was a fantastic weekend.