After months of practice it was opening night at The Children's Theater in Old Town Temecula for the production of "The Wizard of OZ".
Lila was a Munchkin, a Flying Monkey and an OZ citizen (costume above). Emry was cast as 'The Guard'. We were all stunned & amazed at how big Emry's part was. She had tons of lines and solo singing parts, & this was her first play! Yup my heart was bursting through Emry's entire performance. I don't think it was pride though, more like happiness that she gets to have this amazing experience that I could just tell she ate up. She was definitely in her element.
Glenn's parent came down from Fresno to witness 2 stars being born.
My parents stayed in town an extra day (before leaving to visit family in Utah) to see the show.
L to R - Glenn's parents Lanny & LoRane, Glenn & Ethan, Jeannette and her 3, my parents, me
Our good friend Chris brought 3 of his 4 kids to see the show. His wife is a professional photographer so I am sure she will love this photo.
Now can I just get a family picture? Just one, not a big deal right? I mean I see so many other families who have great family photos, it shouldn't be that hard.
"Lila come, we're taking a family photo. I do see Ethan and Nathan wrestling I'll get him in a minute".
"Got Ethan (literally by the hand), can you stop being a diva Emry so we can take a picture?"
"Got Ethan with one hand, Lila with the other, and divaness continues".
"Ethan, where are you going? Not you too Lila".
"Glenn, I've got Ethan, pretty please come take a family picture since you ARE the father to these crazies".
"Keira stop photo bombing our shot. I love you but you are not my kid. Outta the pic please".
"I am happy, I am smiling. I am the only one".
"Wait, I can't leave well enough alone. Maybe I should take off my spectacles".
"Money shot. It only took 10 tries".
Emry & Lila, no I didn't spring for the shout out in the back of the program, I can do that on my blog for free! So here goes - You both are spunky, energetic, funny and brave. You've logged many a hours into this play and let me tell you it was worth it. It was a treat to see you both perform. To see the culmination of all those hours come to fruition on stage was totally worth it.
You both are superstars. Always have been and always will be in my book. It is a joy for this former extreme shy girl to see you so bold and fearless. Watching both of you putting your whole hearts into this was magical.
You will have many opportunities to shine. I am not perfect but I am strong and my love for you both gives me a super strength I never thought possible. So I will continue to love, encourage, build you up and fill your life with opportunities to help you stretch and grow.
Just remember to always be grateful. To always be kind. To let jabs roll of your back and come back with a smile. Working with a cast of over 100 was fun but I know you had your moments with some girls. Don't be a mean girl. Never be a mean girl. You are both far too lovely for that.
Shine On Girls!!!!!!!!
Are the two stars being born those glasses or your girls? ;) It LOOKS like she had a huge part. You must be so proud Mama! The only thing worse than ANYTHING is trying to get a group shot at say, a cousins graduation or something. Where they TRY to rope everybody in at the SAME time food is being served and it's 3 pm and no one has eaten yet.
ReplyDeleteThat IS the worst. I don't do well when I am starving, not at all.
DeleteHow fun! Looks like you've got two real performers!
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely! I love how you exhort them to never be mean girls. From what I can see, you are a wonderful mother, Marie.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the girls on the play! I love what hams your family is in front of the camera.
ReplyDeleteFavorite part?
ReplyDeleteSpectacles. Marie, you are not geriatric.
You're forgetting I do have arthritis.
Deletehow wonderful to get o act in a play. Even more wonderful, family to cheer them on. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Marie! It all looks like such Fun! Especially your attempts at a family photo! So nice that your folks and Glenn's were able to be part of this for the girls! As an old theatre major...I'm so proud of the girls for doing this!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had taken advantage of plays in high school, but I was way too shy. I bet you are full of good advice. Mine is always, smile, speak loud & slow, annunciate.
DeleteSo much fun! I love how your grabbing kids to get out of the picture and I feel ya...we have to take several pictures before a family picture is approved by me hahaha sometimes i settle with the crazy ones. Have a good weekend :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure you can relate. I settle for the crazy ones most of the time too, but really I just want to make sure I look good :)
DeleteHow absolutely wonderful the girls. They will most certainly treasure the memories of this performance, as will you!
ReplyDeleteMaya's school put on a Wizard of Oz production and had a show yesterday. How funny!
ReplyDeleteLove the money shot. But I have to say that you rock the glasses in a way that I can only dream of achieving. I just look like a nerd with mine.
Have a great Friday Marie! Enjoy the weekend and this awesome weather.
I'm going to share this my girls. They are growning and are shown so many behaviors that I never want them to mimic. No mean girls! I want sweet, thoughtful girls.
ReplyDeleteLove your tries at the family photo!! Have a great weekend, Marie!!
How awesome that they were in the play!
ReplyDeleteAnd I know the trouble with getting a good family picture with everyone looking at the camera and smiling. It's like trying to pull teeth that aren't even grown in yet.
Your words were much better here than in the back of a program that will be lost in the coming months! Loved this post!!
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteWhat lovely advice! And what lovely girls, they look so cute and I'm sure they did a wonderful job. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are the real deal Marie! They are going to do so well I am sure. They are so lucky to have you as their mum who is always so encouraging and supportive. Love all the photos. My best to all the three!!
ReplyDeletePlus, its so cute that their grandparents were around to cheer them up!
So much adorable family time! And I can imagine how proud of the girls you are. YAY to them for being rockstars!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post! Again!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like your adorable family always has so much fun together. I love it.
Great photos!! :)
Hahahahaha! That family picture turned out great! ;D
ReplyDeletexo
purposelyathome.blogspot.com
My dearest friend, I love this post. I love the end, you have such a great mind. I am so thankful for you and think of you all the time. I got your message today or yesterday, the days are running into one another. My life is nothing I can describe, it's just so different right now, with so many things happening at once, hard things. But I am grateful when I hear your voice over a message or over the phone. I love you and your sweet family. It's good to see Glenn's parents. Glenn looks like his dad and Mark totally looks like his mom!!!!!!!!! It's crazy. Love you,
ReplyDeleteShauna
Glenn totally looks like his dad. And Emry looks like her dad. And I am sure Emry will have a child that looks exactly like her. Love you so much.
DeleteBrava, brava!
ReplyDeleteO the family photos are too much!! I feel like we have a million of those familed pics.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet message to send to your girls.
Have a magical Monday!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your stars Marie! Those wacky family picture are really cute by the way.
ReplyDeleteOnly 10 tries for the family photo? You have the patience of Job. The photos did indeed turn out nicely, so the effort was worth it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to both girls on their thespian experience may they have many more :)