Holly

Before we even started our day, we knew were were in for it.  Check out what Jingle did to Madison's tree again!

Yep, he went there.  He got some TP and had some fun with Madison's tree.  We'll have to see about hiding that toilet paper now, as he's done something with it two times this month already.  He must be obsessed with the stuff, or at least how it unrolls.  Perhaps we'll get him a toilet paper gun... moving on:

This morning was the big day - our production of "Holly" took place at Free Chapel this morning, and everything went splendidly.  Knowing how hypercritical I can be of my own productions, I can look back on this one with a smile on my face.  Things were a little awkward at moments, particularly at the start of the thing - our podium prop actually collapsed on stage while we were up there using it.  Fortunately, we were comic characters and the bit actually seemed like it was all planned.  Also, there were moments where I got a bit lost mentally, and yet somehow found myself saying exactly what needed to be said at each precise moment.  Which is tricky, but somehow it worked out because of all the practices we did up until this point.  As usual, only we know the things that went right or wrong, and with this production, everything was very well received.  Ye-Ye, Nana, Aunt Shain, and the cousins were here to enjoy the show - and of course Madison had center stage for a time as a little lamb.

She and her other lamb friends were just adorable in the Nativity scene we set up this morning.  They came out as three guest singers were performing "Who Would Imagine a King?"  Daddy had a big chance to sing on stage today, a first really.  This was a duet, and miraculously, Daddy remembered all the words - and the song seemed to get a lot of laughs at the right moment.  It is neat listening to the script you wrote, and seeing how thousands of people react to various jokes in a live audience.  Here are just a few snaps of my favorite star though:  a little girl in a lamb costume.

And here are a few others of the production itself.  A lot were taken - we're still collecting a bit of a gallery.  Here are just a few random scenes from the big play:

It was a great day.  Everyone was smiling afterwards, as we pulled off something special.  Additionally, it was so well received.  But there is this bond that develops over time with a cast, and a bittersweet moment afterwards where you almost miss practice just to be with the rest of the gang.  Almost though - this time of year, these practice times add up and we've missed a lot of "Christmas time" together.  Tonight we attempted to catch up on that a little by plugging in a movie or two.  We saw "The Year Without a Santa Claus" this afternoon, but all three of us were suddenly napping on the couch.  Yes, the exhaustion caught up with us.

But later, we saw this one movie called "Nativity!"  We hadn't seen that one before, and were glad to have spotted it - the movie was actually pretty fun.  We had a nice fire in the fireplace, and a couple cups of tea, and some nice warm blankets to snuggle under.

In case you're wondering about the elf - we found him this morning, with toilet paper all around Madison's tree.  It seems he enjoys a bit of mischief around here, which makes me wonder what he'll be up to tomorrow.  That will come soon enough, because after this day, we're ready to turn in early.  Madison fell asleep quickly, after we read a few Christmas books.  Mommy and Daddy stayed up a little, but the wear and tear of the day has gotten to us:  it's time for bed!  Goodnight!