christmas program

Addison especially was looking forward to Monday night. She had been practicing at school at was super excited to sing in the Christmas program. For once she seemed like she would get up on stage and perform without being nervous. I was nervous. I was afraid she would freak out and bail at the last minute just like she normally does. But she did so good. She still acted a little shy and reached out for me a few times during the performance, but she made it through. I was so proud of her.

This was Morgan's first real performace and I didn't know what to expect. I knelt down in the aisle to get some pictures of her and was for sure she would come running towards me when she spotted me. Instead she stood up there and rang those jingle bells with a smile on her face the entire time. I think I was beaming from ear to ear.

I told Addison that Zarkle the Elf would tell Santa if she didn't take a couple of pictures afterwards. I know that's bad, but I need all the leverage I can get with her. She was super excited though so I think that helped as well.

After the show we took the girls to dinner. Morgan will pose for a picture any time.

When we got home I convinced them to take one more picture in front of the tree. They mostly agreed because Zarkle would be in the picture with them. See him in the tree?

Lucky you, I got the entire night on video. I tend to get a little choked up when the girls make me super proud, but this night was all about smiles. Morgan actually sang the song. And the wave at the end was the cutest thing.

You'll notice that Addison did get a little shy. She's does the classic reach and the finger in her mouth. She was able to pull off some of the sign language for Silent Night. As soon as her songs were over she broke down in tears. I was only 4 feet from her and I couldn't get her off the stage soon enough.

I have a feeling that Christmas this year will be the best! Both of the girls love reading Christmas books at night in front the tree. They love waking up to see where Zarkle is. They love pressing the buttons on the musical holiday stuffed animals and dancing around the house. I can't wait to see their faces Christmas morning.