Christmas Musical

Abby and Ella ran around the house singing the same songs for months as they prepared for the annual Christmas Musical. Ella was especially excited because this was her first year singing in the show (and Abby's third). It's hard to say what they were most excited about: the show OR the chance to dress fancy and wear their beautiful Christmas dresses. They were lovely! It was fun to see the way the girls personalities shone through that night.

Ella was equal parts nervous and excited. We thought it was because it was her first time and she was anxious about being in front of people while she sang, but the more we thought about it, the more we realized she has the complete opposite response when she dances in her recital (and the crowd, stage and lights are even bigger). When we asked her why she was so nervous, she told us it was because "they told her she has to stand still up there throughout the show. She wasn't allowed to dance. She just had to smile and sing the whole time. AND THAT IS SO BORING, MOM!" I assured her it would be ok if she wanted to dance with her shoulders a bit and put some movement into her song. Be you, girl! 😊 Fast forward to showtime and she had a blast. She always found a way to make eye contact with us in the audience. She put all of her joy and facial expressions into the songs. She even found a way to bounce around a bit. Ella was the little girl in the front row waving excitedly to her parents (and Uncle Cory) between songs and then got into it when it was time to sing.

On the other hand, Abby was not nervous at all. She knew what to expect and had all of the songs memorized. She was ready to get on those risers, focus on the musical director and perform her part to perfection. And she did. In fact, she didn't take her eyes off of the musical director to the point that she kind of refuses to make any eye contact with us. It has been exactly the same for the last three years. We laugh with her about it and ask her why she won't look at us (at least for a good picture?) and she said it's because she has been told to do that. Abby takes her role very seriously and told us that she is supposed to stay focused and watch for her cues. I also think it's because seeing her parents makes her a little nervous, but that's between you and me! I have to give her credit though because this year she looked over exactly once for our photo op. Though she tends to look more serious and focused up there, she had a great time too. Both girls left the performance feeling energized and ready for some celebratory hot chocolate!

The pictures and videos aren't the best. In this one you can see Abby second row from the top and second one in from the left.

Ella is on the floor in the front, two students down from Abby. This picture is a good example of what I described! Abby is looking in the complete opposite direction at the musical director and Ella is all eyes on us. We were so proud of both of them! They all did a beautiful job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aByulkKYZUc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4br9ihuTLM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc6wbB08tIo

With their school buddies: Abby with Christine/Ella with Gianna 

A few days later...

It was Saturday night. I was making dinner and everyone else was hanging out when there was a knock at the door. Our neighbor, Brian, was at the door with free tickets for us to Disney on Ice. The show was in two hours. It was such a fun surprise blessing! The girls were thrilled. Juliet and I stayed home and had a nice quiet night together. The big girls got ready for their special date with daddy complete with pizza and a show. It was a memory we will never forget for lots of reasons, including the kindness and generosity of our neighbor!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccigd_ExOgA