Just Dance

I have an on going love hate relationship with Portland. The weather sucks, I mean really sucks. However, Portland is an awesome city and I really love so much about it. I especially love the culture or general vibe that is Puddletown. So just when I think the never ending gray, cold, wet weather is going to throw me over the edge Portland throws me a "THIS IS WHY YOU LOVE ME." And like an abusive cycle I come back around.

This week the Oregon Ballet Theater (OBT) is hosting free, outside, observations of their rehearsals of the Nutcracker at Directors Park. For those not in the know Directors Park is a new park that isn't really a park-it is more like a smaller, more modern version of Pioneer Square with a glass roof that covers about half of its cement pavilion, water feature, outside tables and chairs and eateries.  My friend Nancy and I wavered on the fence all morning about whether or not we should take the kiddos-as it was off and on downpours. But rather last minute, simultaneously we both decided to just do it. My sister works rather close to that area and happened to be having lunch as we arrived so she joined us too. The rain held off for nearly two hours before it came back with a vengeance sending us scrambling to take refuge in the nearby toy store.

Nonetheless, L and Kate, both 3.5, ADORED every minute of it-even Kate's little bro Carter was mesmerized. Unfortunately, they were being so, so cute trying to mimic the dancers that we watched very little of the rehearsal and spent most of our time snapping away at the uber cuteness that was entertaining the entire pavilion.

My sister held the babe and watched the girls as...

...L intently watched every ballet move...

...so that she and Kate could discuss it.

And try them out.

They worked so hard getting each move right.

Practicing their primadona stances.

Because in Puddletown you must take every second the rain has ceased to....

...practice your arms...

...practice your toe points...

...practice with your dance partner...

...practice your bows and bends...

...and your leaps...

...and get all your delightful laughter out because..

...at any moment you could be wet and wondering how...

...to dance with an umbrella or if...

...ditching the umbrella...

...to stand under a friends...

...is a better idea.

But then again it can't rain all the time, right?