The Best First Grade Christmas Pageant Ever

Last night was our 3rd First Grade Christmas Pageant. It was also the best. Here's why:

1) We didn't have any babies with us. For Josh and Spencer's we had babies or toddlers. Babies and toddlers in a dark elementary school gym = no bueno.

We did have a grouchy Tess. She wanted to sit on the bleachers and Lance and I refused because we are old and have achy backs and when folding chairs closer to the front are an option you take them. Tess didn't agree. However, Josh has been extra great with Tess lately, so he and Spencer were able to keep her happy and occupied most of the time. Lance and I even got to sit next to each other, which never happens at stuff like this because we're usually wrangling children. A Christmas miracle!

2) It was quick. Cole had to be there at 6:30. The show started promptly at 6:45 and was over 20 minutes later. When it comes to First Grade productions this kind of timing is key. It was amazing.

Their music teacher kept those kids on task, moving quickly from one song to the next. Kudos to her!

Fun fact: I purchased Christmas gifts for 3 different family members on my phone while waiting for the pageant to start. Technology is great.

3) First graders are pretty darn cute. They're not as spacey as Kindergartners nor as jaded as 2nd graders. They're the perfect mix of darlingness.

4) Cole fell of the risers. TWICE. This wasn't much of a surprise since he had mentioned this to me as a problem a few days earlier. As in "I keep falling off the risers during practice."
"How come? Are you being rowdy?"
"NO! It's just too crowded up there!"
"Do you you get hurt?
"No."
"Are you going to fall during the program?"
"Maybe. Probably."

I actually watched him fall each time, but unfortunately didn't get it on video. However, my friend Roxanne (who I have visit taught since Cole was born and who also has a son in the first grade) happened to get it on video. It was kind of in the background, so she had to zoom in and the quality is not that great. But it's good enough for us to keep watching it over and over and belly laughing until tears stream down our faces!

Oh mercy. It's funny because it's Cole and because he just pops right back up and looks around like "Yeah, I totally meant to do that. All the cool kids fall." Good heavens.

5) The music. Okay, so this is not exactly a choir of angels. But it is a choir of around 100 first graders trying their hardest. And there's something charming about hearing classic Christmas songs sung by a bunch of earnest children. So here's a sampling of most of the songs, in no particular order. Cuteness abounds.