there's no business like show business

I am still trying to get used to the fact that I, a woman who puts forth great effort to "blend in" in social situations, have children who naturally stand out - loudly, boldy, unselfconsciously. Last night, I dropped off an under the weather Mary at my brother's house, picked up my niece, Isabelle, who joined Benjamin, Priscilla and me on an outing to Valparaiso to see Elijah perform in a play put on by the kids in the drama workshop he's been attending these last five weeks (Thanks again, Papa and Nana! The acting lessons have been a perfect fit for him). Elijah played the prince in a skewed and comedic version of Cinderella. It was cute - a little hard to hear as many of the actors spoke softly, but still delightful.


I truly believe, however, that no one in that theatre enjoyed it more than Benjamin who more than once laughed hard enough to nearly pause the entire performance as the audience and cast members alike turned to gape at us. With Isabelle on my lap and a camera in my hand, I wasn't swift or agile enough to grab Ben's shoulder and flash him my "tone it down" face, which I pull out in these kinds of situations where he is swept up in the moment, reacting twelve times more exuberant, more over the top, than appropriate. He was fiercely proud of his brother, as is obvious by the last several seconds in the above video, and cannot wait for his own chance to get up on a stage and perform. Oh good gracious.