Stage Fright

Yesterday Alyssa and Megan were in their very first performance. The 3 to 5 year old kids at the girls' school put on a performance of the little mermaid (Yes it was in Dutch). In the days leading up to the big show I asked their teacher how the girls were doing getting ready for the performance and everytime she shrugged and said something to the effect of we'll see. The girls gave us no more indication of how it was going. Initially when questioned they looked at me like, what show. Later we were told "It's a secret!" by Alyssa. I had no idea how to prepare them. I didn't even know if they had a clue what was going on! (Remember their school is in Dutch.) The day of the dress rehearsal for the show their teacher indicated she didn't think the girls would even get on stage. I was doubtful they would even get into their costumes. (They were to dress as Nemo) The morning of the show the girls were their obstinate, contrary selves. My heart went out to the teachers having to deal with these two "hard nuts to crack" as well as 16 other 3 year olds all in various stages of their threeness. A half hour after drop off I peeked in the window. Remarkably Alyssa was in costume and Megan was well on her way! Wow! I nervously waited for the show to begin. All I was hoping for was for them to get on stage and not burst into tears. Well they did it! They got on stage with the rest of their class, in costume, and stood there scared to death. They nervously peered at the audience as I carefully hid. At the end of the song they held hands in the circle with the other kids and walked across the stage down the steps and out the back door. Great JOB!! Whew!