Photos of the Week- Charlie's Christmas Recital

This past Friday Charlie had her first ever Christmas Recital.

First let me say that kid's recitals aren't for everybody. And I can fully understand how many of you, particularly those who aren't parents, aren't really into the whole children's "recital" hoopla. I mean is listening to a bunch of little kids sing off key really all that exciting?

Well I can objectively tell you that YES!... YES it is!

This recital was the real deal. Complete with a dress code and everything. All of the children had to wear red, white, or black- or some combination of the three.

And in true "Mommy" fashion I decided to get in the spirit and dress me and Sierra in the same color scheme.

We looked fresh and fabulous.

Actually, upon closer inspection of this photo I realize the bags under my eyes really tell the tale- I'm EXHAUSTED!! Seriously- and this is off topic so please forgive me- I have NO idea how my mom used to do it all and manage to stay so fly!!

Charlie could barely contain her excitement and kept throwing her hands into the air. Sierra, as usual, did her own thing.

This is part of the 2 year old class.

A children's recital just isn't complete without a couple of meltdowns.

Obviously this little girl realized that she was the only oddball NOT adhering to the dress code. But, as they say, the show must go on and she recovered nicely. In fact once the children stood up and started singing she gave the best performance. She was loud, she knew all the words and all the dance moves- which if you ask me is most important cause you gotta have the moves! She was so great that I'm sure everyone forgave her fashion misstep, I know I did.

Way to shine kid!!

This is the other part of the 2 year old class. Unfortunately, this little guy never recovered from his meltdown.

I don't even know what upset him. I think he just got really nervous when his teacher asked him what he wanted for Christmas. All the kids were asked the same question and he was at the end of the row so he had to see it coming. But you never know what nerves will do to people. Some folks get sweaty palms. Some get the shits. This little guy dropped down into the fetal position and stayed there the entire performance. That's right, for 15 minutes those of us on the right side of the stage were treated to this...

Good times.

This is Charlie's class.

Again, you can say what you want about parents- like me- who put "extras" on things but Charlie did an awesome job! She wasn't nervous at all. Her class sang three songs and she was a rock star. She killed "Deck the Halls" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". She didn't really know the words to "Here We Come a-Caroling" but that's okay for 2 reasons.

#1 Whenever she wasn't singing she was dancing and I already stressed the importance of having the moves.

#2 Who the hell knows the words to Here We Come a-Caroling anyway? In fact if you're reading this and you know the words I'll give you a hundred bucks and if you're Black I'll give you two hundred!... well... no I won't... but I'll be impressed... or a little weirded out... either way I'd never even heard of the song until 2 weeks ago when she brought it home. But back to the recital.

Santa came out and gave the kids presents.

Plus they made crafts.

Charlie made her Santa look like PaPa :) and we loved it so much we hung it on our Christmas Tree.

I know what you're thinking, and yes, that IS a Black Santa.

The construction paper that was cut out for Santa's face was white, tan & brown. There were plenty of faces in all colors to go around and the kids sat and made their Santa however they saw fit.

Now you're probably saying to yourself, "That's pretty cool... I never would've thought of that...The person who came up with that idea is awesome." You're assuming that she's beautiful and talented... You'd like to know her.

Well luckily for you you do know her because I came up with the Santa craft and made all of the construction paper cut outs :).

Okay, enough games, back to the recital.

I love this last picture.

It was taken right at the end. Just before we left. My Charlie. Still excited. Hands in the air. Showing off her moves.

Good times indeed.