Christmas Eve Performance

The Von Sheets family dancers came over Christmas Eve to offer a little performance. You may remember that last year, my siblings and I went over to visit the Sheets kids and did and dance in our moose pajamas. The Sheets kids belong to my Uncle Jim and Aunt Andrea, who live a street away from my parents. These kids are more like younger brothers and sisters than cousins. Annnnnnd they're hilarious. What? What's that you say? Prove it? 

Very well. 

Nate the Great. Nathaniel Baxter turned 5 exactly yesterday (happy birthday Naters!) Here he is modeling the McDonalds french fry/ ski goggle/ santa hat look. Very boho, very exclusive. His role in the dance number was to run around and occasionally stop in front to do the splits then jump up and run around again. He played his part extremely well, especially since none of us were aware he could actually do the splits. He takes after his father in that way.

Next up is Mary Kathleen, who opted for the "3 Kings in Lavender" bathrobe look. Very Orient-esque. She want for the goggles as well but dressed up this little number with a rosette bow to add a little pizzaz. The pigtails give us a sense of innocence while the turtleneck speaks of sophistication. Mary's role in the dance number was to giggle hysterically the entire time. The entire time. No small feat! Brava, Mary. Her career is still fairly new but I have no doubt she will become world-renowned for her gigglery. 

James added a little diversity to the bunch. Unlike his sisters, he did not choose the bundled-up style and instead based his outfit off of a summer genie barbie. The hot pink metallic pants and the belly shirt really scream "Aladdin meets Malibu," don't you think? Clearly outfitted in shades to avoid the paparazzi, his dance moves were most reminiscent of what an actual barbie would look like in an actual dance number and included many poses and stomach thrusts. Make no mistake... James is as manly (boyly?) as they come... so manboyly that he can afford to put on metallic pink pants. He pulls them off quite nicely. 

Samantha looked dignified to say the least. Her cheetah printed robe helped bring some class and aristocracy to the number, making it clear that, yes, they were performers but that this was no circus crew. These were dahhncers. The animal print also reminds us that Sammy is particularly quick and nimble, like unto a Cheetah. Sammy also carried the responsibility of displaying Frosty, whose capa had been detated from his head... clearly a symbolic gesture that was meant to remind us that although winter is to be enjoyed, we mustn't forget that the snow does melt and the snowmen will not survive. She helps us understand the importance of embracing the little time we have with all things temporary. Decapitated Frosty, we shall never forget.  I believe Samantha was one of the co-choreographers. Allow me to be the first to say that her career is starting out right and this will not be the last you see of her. 

And last but certainly not least, Hannah. The peacock. The masqued dahhncer of the night.  You can see here in this photo that I have captured a portion of the mystery and intrigue she poured into her performance. You could hardly wait to see what she did next and every turn truly was a surprise. Every moment was red-letter. She shared a whole new world with us as she spun and kicked and twirled her way into our hearts. Hanna's stripe-ed costume was inspired by prison attire and served as a reminder how dancing mustn't be kept deep inside, locked away. You must free it and embrace it. And this she did. This. She. Did. Hannah was the orchestrator of the performance, which received a standing ovation and rampant applause. To her I say Encore! Encore! 

 Clearly, my family is cooler than your family.

Love these kidlets. They're my favorite kidlets of all the kidlets in kidletdom. 

In other news, these Sheets kids had no idea what Santa had in store for them the next day, nor did any of us. They walked downstairs to find this little guy waiting for them Christmas morning. 

Introducing Otis Gary Sheets, the golden retriever puppy that Santa brought the kids Christmas morning.

I'm convinced Santa saw their Christmas eve performance and added Otis to the sleigh shortly thereafter. Well deserved!