The Girl with the Red Dress On

Yesterday was a stellar day.  It had been planned for a couple of weeks.
Matilda was coming to Grammy's house,  so we could go to the Nutcracker.

She didn't know that since she had been here the last time that the Christmas decorations had been put up.  She "oooed and aaahed" over each and every thing.  Believe me, there is a lot.  Then she spied the Nativities set throughout the house.  She deemed that they needed to be rearranged.  First she started with the Nativity purchased in Guatemala.  I had it all spread out with the burros behind the Baby Jesus and various sundry statues scattered.  This would not do, according to Mati. 

Then she tackled the white and gold Nativity that I purchased in Mexico City in 1974 with many sheep, goats and various animals.  Again she rearranged. She was very specific about how they were to be as she told me the Story of the Baby Jesus.

This was the rearranging initially.

This was the completed rearranging.  Everyone and everything surrounding the Baby Jesus for protection.
The interesting thing about her reaction is that when Jessica, who is now 22, was about 3 or 4, she started rearranging the nativity scenes as well.  In the same manner.  Then Christopher, who is now 15, would do the same.  These two grandchildren delighted me with their rearranging.  It seemed natural to me.

Now Matilda comes along and does the same thing.  I wonder if children have a proclivity to protect a small child.  What do you think?  I have no other explanation.  Not that one is actually needed.  However, I do find this interesting.

After we got everything ship shape, according to Matilda, we went downstairs to dress for our visit to the Nutcracker.  I had a new red dress for her along with white tights and new shoes.  The ones that I drove 45 miles to find.  The photo above is her reaction when she could see herself in the
big mirror down the stairs.  Can you tell she is thrilled?

Velcro was thrilled to have Matilda here as well.  She always positions herself where somehow she is going to get petted and purrs so loudly that it is funny.

The Nutcracker performed at the Angela Peralta Theater in San Miguel was an acrobatic,
ballet, highwire performance.  I couldn't imagine what it was going to be like and didn't have particularly high hopes.

Matilda and her little friend Maria were thrilled.  In the first act, before intermission, Matilda literally
didn't move.  She was so enthralled.  Then Maria joined her after intermission and they shared their joy and delight.

The cast was sizeable.  The talent was very good.  The show lasted two hours with dancing, and all kinds of assorted talent.  All performed by Gravity Works.

The show ended with the little girl holding the Nutcracker.  It ended
to a standing ovation of a sold out theater.  A true delight.

Even more delightful was being able to share this with Matilda.

It wasn't over.  We walked across to Tio Lucas restaurant where Max, the owner greeted us.

I've known Max for years but, of course, he had not met Matilda.  We were seated at a white table clothed table with beautiful napkins and silverware.  I showed Matilda how to put her napkin in her lap.

Her response was, "Be sure to tell Daddy that I did this so good, Grammy".  Mati wanted quesadillas while I ordered guacamole along with lemonada for us both.  When Max came over to check to see how we were doing, Matilda in her perfect Spanish told Max that she was only going to eat one quesadilla so she could take the other one home to her brother, Sebastian.  Max asked with a tear in his eye if I knew what she had said.  I reluctantly shook my head.  Then he told me.  He was slightly choked up.  He bowed to Matilda and said that she is welcome in his restaurant at any time.

Matilda thanked him graciously and we were off to head home.  What a day.  What a night.
This is what "Grammy memories" are made of.