Kaleb is in his third year of being part of the advanced choir at school called "Uno Voce." It is his last year as it is only for middle school. They put on an annual musical play, and this year the play was "The King and I."
The practicing is intense starting a few weeks after the start of school up through the play, which occurred in the 3rd week of October. It is a really fun experience for the kids, but also a nice break when we have more time back in our week.
This year's play needed to have a large number of young kids, so Addison had the rare opportunity to participate as well, which she thought was the "cat's meow!" Wow, she was just tickled pink to be part of it, and it was a really fun experience to have the two kids in the play together as their ages are far enough apart that they would never have had the chance to do that. The kids had to look like they were from Siam, so their hair was sprayed black, and they had the traditional costumes of the Siam King's court from those days.
 |
| All ready to go! |
 |
| Rare moment of sitting on her brother's lap |
Kaleb had one of the main roles - he was the man who had a secret love for one of the king's wives - so he had several scenes in which it was his lady friend and he even had a solo - he did a GREAT job, and didn't seem nervous at all - we were so happy to watch how well they did, and it is really fun to see the kids experiencing new things in life and stretching their wings.
 |
| One of Kaleb's scenes with his secret love |
In addition to being the star-crossed lover part, he also was the stuffed-up Buddha for one of the scenes.
 |
| Kaleb all ready to go as Buddha |
Amy volunteered to be part of the make-up crew for the three shows - so a lot of time spent behind the scenes which was fun as she got to know the kids a little more and see their transformation. Amy helped mostly with the boys, and then with spraying their hair black, as well as dashing over to catch Addison's transformation.
As Amy was volunteering, she was backstage for two of the shows (one she was able to watch it from the audience, which was fun to see it from the front). Being behind the scenes, she was able to talk to Kaleb and Addison though and be part of the hustle and bustle. Another friend was there and caught a few pictures of Amy talking to each kid, which was fun to get those pictures after.
 |
| Holding Kaleb's hand, talking about some of the scenes |
 |
| Doing one of the "dance" scenes with Addison - Amy is not a graceful waltzer! 😀 |
 |
| Addison and Kaleb loved watching the play from the side-wings |
 |
| Posing on the Buddha rolling cart - looking pretty Miss Addi! |
With the fact that there were three shows, Grandma and Grandpa came for the Saturday night show, and then Niesha and Aunt Evelyn came for the Sunday afternoon one. Karis was in Union with Zachary for the soccer tournament and flew back early Sunday morning to be sure that he could see a show - so he was able to catch both of them on Sunday. Sadly Zachary's flight with the team didn't come back until late Sunday so he wasn't there for the shows.
 |
| Niesha, Aunt Evelyn, Sadie (and Addison's friend Elin came as well!) |
After the final show, we took the opportunity to take lots of pictures with the special people as part of the play.
 |
| Taking his bows afterwards |
 |
| Uno Voce choir leader - Miss Esther. She also does Kaleb's and Addison's voice lessons, and Addison's piano lessons - we love her! |
 |
| The whole cast |
 |
| These are all of the 8th grade students |
 |
| With their congratulation treats afterwards |
 |
| The lead lady was Lily who is a good friend of Kaleb's |
As mentioned, Karis and Zachary were at the Union annual soccer tournament that weekend, and did some fun activities with the other parents on the trip.
 |
| Up at O-dark 30 to get to the school on time. Ouch! |
 |
| With some of our Orlando friends! |
 |
| Karis toured the campus and took a picture of Amy's deceased grandma's house - still there, still yellow! |
.HEIC)
