The Doehne Family: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A Good Day

Every year Abi's elementary school produces two plays - one in the Fall which is only open to the older kids (3rd grade and up) and the other in the Spring, which is open to all students. After seeing the first play a few months ago, Abi thought it looked fun and she decided she wanted to be in the next show. This was not a big surprise considering that her favorite class in Kindergarten is Drama!

Yesterday was the auditions for Charlotte and Wilbur (a musical based on Charlotte's Web). I was not sure what to expect being that I have never been to an audition before, but I was amazed when we showed up to a gymnasium filled with 150-200 kids (plus parents) waiting for their turn to audition - it was a big audience. The Kindergarteners were the first kids on stage. They got called up in small groups and had to recite a line from the play ("Look at that big porker!"), sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and then dance to some music. Abi was in the first group of kids to audition and did a GREAT job! She has much more courage than her Mom - I had butterflies just sitting in the audience.

Apparently I need a tutorial on how to use the camera on my phone because I missed the first two parts of the audition but at least this gives you an idea. Abi is the 2nd from the right with the blue skirt on.

This afternoon, as I picked up Abi from school, she came bouncing off the bus with a big smile and told me that she got a part in the play - she is going to be a Bubble Girl - she is super excited and I could not be prouder of her!

Thanksgiving (and the BIG surprise!)

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at our house with Ferryboat Grandma. We had a yummy dinner and the kids had a fun time making CakePops with Grandma for dessert (along with pumpkin pie, of course!) In the excitement of the day, I didn't take one picture of the whole family (or even the kids) together but here are a few random pictures I took throughout the day.

Josh working on the turkey

CakePops!

Abi had a really hard time not licking the chocolate off the sticks!

Brady's much-needed nap before dinner.

The most exciting part of the day was our surprise for the kids - a trip to Disney World! On Saturday we are headed to Disney World for a week with Ferryboat Grandma and the Murray Family (Josh's Aunt, Uncle and cousins). After planning this trip for almost year, I can't believe we are now a few short days away. I am not sure who is more excited to go - me or the kids!

In anticipation of our big announcement, I created a paper chain countdown with fun Disney facts

and loaded their backpacks full of things that will (hopefully - fingers crossed!) keep them busy on the plane - thank goodness for the Dollar section at Target :)

As you will see from the video, these are the papers that are rolled up in the front pocket of their backpacks. Since they received them, the kids refer to them as their "maps" and tell me on a daily basis that I need to pack them so they go with us to Disney World.

This is an edited version of the big reveal - the original is over 5 minutes and just consists of the kids discovering all the goodies in their backpacks. As you can see, B is more excited about his snacks than going to Disney World!