Just the Bear Necessities

We've enrolled Leah in dance, gymnastics, soccer, horseback riding and cheerleading.  She is a natural dancer, but doesn't seem to care for the formal and organized structure of a dance class.  I know I'm awful for saying this, but she really wasn't very good at gymnastics.  Sorry.  She enjoyed being part of a team in soccer, but couldn't be bothered kicking the ball when it mattered most.  She loved horseback riding, but we backed off it due to the cost at the time I was building my business.  And she's a natural cheerleader for sure.  One thing I've always thought she would be good at is acting.  She loves the limelight and attention and has a flair for dramatics.  She's always poopooed on the idea though. 

Last year, all the kids in our neighborhood were trying out for a part in the play, Disney's Jr. Jungle Book.  Leah agreed to give it a shot.  We poured over different songs she would sing a cappella for her audition.  She finally settled on "Let's Go Fly A Kite" from Mary Poppins.  She sang that song everywhere she went.  While I'm certain everybody that auditioned were given a part, Leah didn't anticipate that and she was so nervous to learn if she would be a part of the play or not.  She was so stoked when she learned she would play two parts; that of elephant and wolf.

From top to bottom, from Producer to Director, from choreographer to costumes to sets.  It was a fantastic production.  Of course, the best part was watching the kids.  They did such a good job.  Not only did we enjoy watching Leah do so well, but there were 15 or so other kids from our immediate neighborhood that were in the play.  They all did fantastic!

Leah's first dress rehearsal as an elephant.

I think Leah's favorite part of the whole ordeal was getting to wear makeup.

Leah as a Wolf

Sarah was part of the costumes team, so she had to be there before the
performances.  Here she is helping Leah apply some lipstick.  

Leah had 3 performances and we filled the house with her loved ones every night.  We were very touched by the support for our little thespian.  

L to R:  Uncle Ray, Aunt Lyn, Grandma Tine, Elijah, Uncle Josh, Aunt Marie
Leah, Sarah, Me, Jacob, Dax, Cole and Uncle Duane.
All there for opening night. 

We wanted to get a picture with all the neighbor kids in costume, but it was
difficult to gather them all up and to keep their costumes on.

Night 2:
Aunt Sam, Uncle Jim and Cousin Mady came to support Leah.

Baby Reagan and her movie star cousin

Uncle Josh and Aunt Marie brought Leah some flowers.  She got so many flowers and gifts.

Leah and her friend, Molly.

Night 3:
Grandma Tine, Uncle Jake, Aunt Erin and Reagan attended.

Our neighbor Bella was King Louie

Our neighbor, Peyton, played the part of Baloo.

Jared

This is a friend from the cast that Leah met while practicing.  Opening night,  her friend
 was so excited that Leah got so many flowers and said out loud, "You sure are  lucky
to get so many flowers from your family.  I wish I got flowers."  So, the following
night, Leah gave some of her flowers to her new friend.  Leah's a sweetie. 

Leah and the whole cast did a great job.  Her next play is going to be sleeping beauty.  Break a leg, Leah!

That's a Wrap!