Kid's on Stage: School Performance Day

In Japan the school year starts in April and ends in March. Little Man started school in January, mostly because of the move, so technically he just finished his first year of school. And like most schools, Little Man’s pre-school ended the term with a performance and graduation ceremony. Oh yeah, it was as cute as it sounds.

Entertaining herself while we wait for the show.

Little Man has been practicing since January. Every day we would talk about the song he would sing, My Bonnie, and his role as a rat in the school production of The Pied Piper. By the way, if you have never seen a bunch of 3-5 year olds perform this little play, you really should. Lots of twirling and a little nose picking. But he was excited and we were excited too. We all got cleaned up (yes, I did blow dry my hair) and drove down to the town hall arriving on time at 9am. We kissed Tyler goodbye and sent him on his way. But there was an hour and a half to kill…in an area we didn’t know…with a two year old. Thank God for tablets. I know, I know, there are people who swear they won’t let their kids play with expensive electronics. But hear me out: it was free and all she did was draw and play Angry Birds. We made it through the entire hour and a half without a tear or a wine. It was beautiful.

The moment he spotted us in the audience.

Finally, the show started at 10:30. We quickly found our seats pulled out our recording equipment and readied ourselves for the joy of a children’s performance. Little Man didn’t walk on the stage until the fourth song in. Tentatively he stepped on the stage, scanning the audience with a cautious look. Before dropping him off he said he was nervous so I wasn’t sure what he was going to do. But then he saw us. His little face lit up, he waved, gave us the thumbs up and sang his little heart out. Baby Girl was so happy to see her big brother that she clapped and smiled for him throughout the show. Each time he would leave the stage she would ask where he went, finally concluding that he must have had to go poop. I was as cheesy as you’d expect. I know I must have looked absolutely insane with the giant grin on my face. But I was so impressed that he did his job and did it well if I do say so myself. I had the same reaction when I saw him scurry around the stage pretending to eat a cardboard fish and again when he sat on the floor of the stage singing about rainbows. I just couldn’t help myself.

A stunning performance of "My Bonnie"

Dressed as a rat for the play singing in the finale. 

 And then the graduation ceremony happened. Two little girls were leaving the pre-school to attend first grade. They sat in their little caps and gowns while a teacher tearfully gave her graduation speech. Each one said a couple of short sentences about what they dream for their futures. They handed roses to their respective parents. And that’s about when the water works started. I went from silly glee to a hot emotional mess in about 5 seconds. I did a pretty good job of hiding my tears but while I have never met either of these girls and I felt like I was going to miss them. Once again I was reminded how short this all is.

Cuddling with daddy. She was done before the show was. 

 We ended the special day with a delicious BK lunch, or as Little Man calls it, Booger Games. Baby Girl discussed the difference between a boy and a girl using the proper names for body parts while scarfing down her french fries. Some days I’m not sure how we handle the array of emotions we feel in one single day.

I have a friend who’s son will be starting at my son’s school three weeks from now. We talked about her fears, her sadness and feelings of loss. I shared my experience with her when Little Man started school, which was basically identical to what she is going through. This performance day was yet another reminder of the passage of time. And as my sweet Baby Girl was curled up in her daddy’s arms, I had to come to terms with the fact that she will start school soon too. But I am okay with it. I was so proud of both of my children today. Little Man performed his heart out and Baby Girl handled herself beautifully for the three hours we were out and about. I’m looking forward to the next step for both of my bebes.

In Memoriam: Nap Time