A Holiday Tea.

This past Sunday, we were invited to attend a friend's family tradition: a mother-daughter holiday tea! In case that doesn't sound exciting enough, the theme was The Nutcracker, and let me tell you - the decor and decadent piles of sweet treats lived up to the classic ballet.

As you may know, I took Ava to see The Nutcracker last year, just before her second birthday, and despite the 2+ hour long performance, she LOVED every second! This event sparred a sudden love of ballet and - even today - when we pass The Long Center she talks about going to see The Nutcracker. We were unable to swing tickets to this year's 50th anniversary show, but I was able to hype up our nutcracker tea experience beforehand to the point that she hasn't felt like she missed out, at least not as far as I can tell!

I should tell you in advance: the woman who threw the holiday tea could be a professional party planner. I mean, seriously impressive stuff. Check it out for yourself:

Mommy and Ava before we left for the tea (aka, before she was ramped up on sugar and wouldn't cooperate...)

And then on a sugar high at the party...

The aforementioned sugar-high cause:

Is that not the most gorgeous display you've ever seen? Someone who saw my pictures on Facebook after the event asked if it was the one at the Four Seasons :)

More shots of my girl in her carb coma...

Waiting for a turn on the swing!

I don't know where she got that energy...ha!

We had such an absolutely fabulous time Sunday afternoon - we're so very blessed to have such amazing people in our lives that make the holidays just above and beyond anyone's expectations. I may not have actual immediate family in the area, but it never feels that way given all the love that surrounds us regularly!

The best part, though? Each little girl got to take home a present with their name on it under the tree! Ava's was a ballerina ornament - true to theme and right up her alley! - and she has been talking about it ever since!!!