(Double post alert!)
Okay, peeps.
SPRING BREAK IS HERE!!!!!!!
We did it! We made it! We crossed the finish line! We survived! And, now, we have a glorious nine days without school and the oppression of a rigorous schedule and my crew is sooooo here for it!
We kicked off our break, with the most fan-freaking-tastic excursion down to...the Riverwalk! Our first jaunt down there in 4.5 years--which just feels incomprehensible, if I'm being honest.
But.
I truly believe this Riverwalk dinner celebration was pre-ordained in honor of my Chicklet because it was truly a night to celebrate--her!
This girl right here has put herself out there, time and time again, throughout her 6th grade year, auditioning for roles in dance and theater--both in the cast and behind the scenes as part of the tech team, and...time and time again, she's not managed to be cast for any kind of role...
Until last night! And this mile-wide smile says it ALL.
I can't even begin to describe the parental pride I've felt as I've watched her audition over and over throughout the year, getting her hopes up every time.
And then the parental pain as I've watched her quietly work through the disappointment and resignation of missing out on each and every opportunity.
:(
Honestly, it was starting to chip away at Chicklet's theater joy, and I couldn't blame the girl.
She'd become aware of a select group of kiddos--particularly upperclassmen--who seemed to be the cream of the crop and continue to be favored in round after round of production, and it was so fascinating to watch her reach a level of acceptance about this particular dynamic...while still putting her heart and her hopes into the idea of participating in any way herself.
Welp.
For this particular go-'round (a final, very small four-person play that is being presented), Chicklet still auditioned for a role--and didn't get one.
But then, a few days later, she decided to put herself out there one final time and try for a technical role of any sort.
She stayed after school, diligently answered the "audition" questions to the best of her ability, and when her theater teacher asked her if there was any final thing she'd like to share about her suitability for a technical role, she shared the following (which I'm paraphrasing, of course)...
She kindly told her teacher that she was aware that some people were talented and would always manage to get a part. But that others might have heart even more than talent, and that if they'd be given a chance, they'd work even harder than the talented people, because they'd have wanted it so much for so long. She told him that she thought those people should be given a chance because they wouldn't disappoint. They'd put everything they had into it, and...
Holy. Moly. Her wise, heartfelt and honest words paid off because not only did her teacher tell her the answer was "beautiful," but he eventually CAST IN HER A TECHNICAL ROLE!
I mean, the happy-happy-joy-joy our Chicklet displayed last night, when she finally received word that the tech cast had been posted. She logged on to see her name there, under costumes & make-up, and, I mean...I can't even begin to tell what her joy felt like, exploding out of her little body.
She was lit up like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and...deservedly so!
Moreover, I love, love that she earned this role by bringing her insightful thoughts to the forefront and advocating for all the underdogs--not even just herself.
I am so beyond proud.
It was the most incredible way to officially launch Spring Break--especially considering it came just after we were home from our special visit to The Riverwalk for an overpriced but delightful family meal at The Rainforest Cafe--something we've not done in years and years.
It was the hubby's idea to "gift" the kiddos this excursion for Spring Break, because Chicklet, in particular, has been asking to go there for a meal again for years--with her request being denied, ha.
We remembered it as terrible food and an expensive gift-shop endeavor, too boot, but...this time, with realistic expectations plus the knowledge that our kiddos have mostly grown out of the atmosphere of the place anyway, it was just a fun, lighthearted way to tell them we hear their requests and we honor their positive memories of this place.
And it was an absolute joy, I tell ya!
I don't know why or how, but...the food was incredible! Truly! We over-ordered and loved it all! And we brought card games to play as a family and passed the time so happily. And Chicklet, in particular, was still delighted by the animatronics, despite her tween age.
The gift shop purchases just felt like a silly bonus instead of a tantrum avoidance like it was when the kiddos were younger, and the whole thing was just...delightful. :)
I'm so, incredibly grateful to have launched our much-needed Spring Break on a very positive note, and I have nothing but high hopes for good vibes moving forward!
HAPPY SPRING BREAK, peeps!
Over and out!
P.S. If you want a trip down memory lane to our last Riverwalk experience, 4.5 years ago, when my crazies were so tiny—and cousin June was even tinnier…here you go!
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