Aladdin

The kids all tried out for the school's play, Aladdin, and all 3 kids were cast! Rayleigh got the part of the Genie, Ella was a skeleton, and Jack was backstage crew. It was awesome that all 3 could participate. What a wonderful club to be associated with!

When show time finally arrived, I took the kids to school early to help them get ready. Rayleigh especially needed help with her intricate costume and make up. It was fun to be back on Rondo's campus but made me realize I'm not ready to return to work yet (something I'd been debating). I ran lines with Ray and her comedic timing was on point. She had to sing "Friend Like Me" and that is NOT an easy song to perform and she did amazing! She was right on pitch and timing (something that couldn't be said for Aladdin and Jasmine). Ray truly was the star of the show!!!

Ella was a skeleton and this was her first taste of being on stage in a play and she LOVED it. She was also cast as Dorthy in her class' rendition of the Wizard of Oz! Way to go Ella! She worked so hard to project her voice during her solo and she nailed it!

Jack didn't want to be in the play. The only reason he agreed to do it was because he could work backstage. Well, that stand came cumbling down when the time came to do the show in front of an audience. Jack has main character energy and could not come out to move a prop without making a funny face or drawing attention to himself in some way. I thought it was hilarious and totally on par with Jack's comedic personality. But the teachers/directors told him to take it down several notches.

Speaking of directors, Mrs. Murphy, who has been all the kids' 3rd grade teacher, was amazing. She teamed up with another of Rondo's most kind and lovable teachers and the school counselor and there could not have been a more caring team of directors. They were awesome and made sure each kid had a wonderful time on and off stage.  

The kids performed for TK-2 on Wednesday, 3-4 on Thursday, 5-6 on Friday with a big evening performance for friends and family on Friday night. My mom came up to support the kids and I LOVE that she did!!! They did a fantastic job at every performance but Friday night was the best! Ray even added in an improve line about applause when she came on stage. It was epic. Some kids and leaders from Activity Days and even Haley from Young Women came to support the kids. It was really nice because the rest of the youth were doing baptisms that night. 

We had a big feast of pizza and ice cream when we got home that night. The kids had been at school from sunrise to sunset and they were exhausted but totally happy. I gave them each a little gift to celebrate their fabulous performance and I love Ray's Kendra Scott necklace that changes colors. It's moonstone!

Anyway, it's no secret that I have the best kids in the whole wide world and I'm incredibly proud to be their mother. Everything they do is amazing and it's a wonder to watch them grow and share their gifts and talents with the world!