I decided our make up posts would best be divided into two categories- the play, and everything else.
While the year is not over yet, I think I can say for certain that this play was hands down the highlight of their school year. (All pictures of the play were taken- ahem, against theater rules- by my Dad)
After all of their hard work (rehearsals often four times a week and 45 minutes away), it was such a joy to see them up their performing (and loving every minute). They did awesome. I couldn't have been more proud.
After their very first show, I took them both to my favorite coffee shop (where I had spent many rehearsal nights quite enjoying myself) to celebrate.
Then, with only a few hours to spare before their next show, we spent some time in one of my favorite places in the whole world, Interstate Park. A place I use to spend a lot of time in when they were little.
We saw animal "stories" everywhere, just like their play.
On week two of the play, with a night performance to be followed by another performance the very next morning, my mom treated all of us to a night at a local hotel. This allowed us to replace driving with sleep, swimming and "office playing".
While I was so ridiculously proud to see my children up on stage acting, I was equally proud to see the way this lovely group of young actors (with such diverse backgrounds and ages) worked together, both on stage and off. I had the opportunity to be backstage for several performances and watching all of them interact with each other in such a caring and respectful way was very inspiring. I know that is why Grace and Jackson enjoyed themselves so much throughout this experience.
Countless rehearsals and 11 performances, it consumed our lives for those two months, but definitely in a good way. They are still sad it is over. They miss their new friends and the excitment of being a part of something bigger then themselves.
But, they have both assured me, this is not the end. There will be more plays to come.
