This morning, the kiddos and I listened to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.  Soon we were dancing and acting out the ballet.  There were soldiers and rats, and of course the nutcracker, fairy dancers and lots of fun.

I took some photos and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.  At one point the builder picked up the dancer as she was leaping around…just like in the ballet.  I was amazed at how much they understand about the Nutcracker.

Later, after dinner, the fun began again.  After a while I began videoing them and was glad a did.  There are rats, dancers, and all sorts of funny things the kiddos are doing during their moment on stage!

Enjoy our videos by clicking the links below:

take one:  http://vimeo.com/8233654 (a quick intro)

take two: http://vimeo.com/8233590 (involving the rats)

take three:  http://www.vimeo.com/8233688 (the explorer joins in the fun)

some credits from the techies: http://www.vimeo.com/8233873

   We’ve been reading Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman, with beautiful illustrations by Lisbeth Zweger.  I love the extension on the story and how it relates to the main character.  Lovely illustrations.

Do you love the Nutcracker?