high note

This week started off a little rough, with Elise coming down with croup (which later turned into pneumonia), but it ended on a high note with all of the kids being able to participate in their Christmas programs at preschool.
This was Lila and Bennett's first school stage performance (although Lila is a pro after her ballet recital last year) and they did great!! We weren't quite sure what to expect from Bennett, but he looked like he was having a great time participating in the singing!! I love their precious little angel collars.






It was adorable!! David and I, along with David's Mom and my Dad were there for the show! Sadly, Elise wasn't well enough to attend, but she had a blast watching the video later on that night...and I think she had a pretty good time hanging out with SuSu while we were at the show...





Elise's biggest concern all week was will she/won't she be able to be in the program. I can't remember her ever missing a full week of school...pneumonia really takes a lot out of you. And, after already missing her ballet party Monday night, we were really praying all week that she would be well enough to go...
I guess a little comfort from her buddy Boss helped...



So, after two full days without fever, and a much improved cough, we decided to allow her to participate today. Instead of doing too much too soon, we only brought her right before the show to let her line up with her class- it was SO SWEET how excited they were to see her!!
And, even after missing a full week of practice, she sang her little heart out! :)
The pictures from the actual program were really dark, but I got a few cute ones with some of her classmates afterwards...



These two crack me up. Look at William's face in the second one!!! Elise told me that he told her that he wants to marry her. So funny! They were actually baptized together and have been in class together for the past 3 years. He also recently became a big brother to boy/girl twins and so they have that in common as well. They will go off to kindergarten together next year at the same school, so we'll see if the romance continues....

There are only 4 girls in her class this year, but they are all super sweet! I couldn't track down Farrah, but here are Talia, Reese, and E...best buddies! Elise and Reese have gotten really close because they are our neighbors and we carpool together...

Besides William, E has other precious boys in her class....Dane is to the left, and Reese is in front with the sweater. This is their second year together as well....so cute!

We feel so blessed that she has had such a wonderful experience so far this year. I feel like it has become so obvious to David and I that we made the right decision for her to stay an extra year, as we have watched her blossom and absolutely adore her teachers and class. Her change in confidence has been great, although admittedly this has resulted in some increased sassiness and hardheadedness (is that a word?). But, she has also made several friends that she will be not only in school with next year, but on the same school bus, and I think that is going to make her transition to the bigger school that much better (at least that is our hope)....

Gosh, I got off on a tangent, didn't I?

Her sweet teachers Mrs. Cantrelle and Mrs. Mitchell...

We were all so happy that she got to perform, and for her finale Christmas program she even had her brother, sister, and both sets of Grandparents there....I think it is safe to say she is very loved!

Great way to end a dreary week!