The Christmas pageant

Charley's Christmas pageant was yesterday.  He did as well as I imagined, meaning he only did one vigorous lap around the auditorium while he was supposed to be singing at the front.  I call that "success".

The teacher asked me for a stuffed animal a few days ago, thinking that holding something might distract him long enough to get through their two songs.  I sent Grover, who is a particular favourite at the moment.

I tied a festive bow around his neck and off he went. 

This is what Grover looked like as Charley entered the auditorium yesterday:

 Yep, nothing says 'festive' like Grover, noose'd up for the holidays!

 If you enlarge this shot, you can see the moment immediately preceding the 'victory lap' around the gym.  The pondering face is especially adorable.  har har

 Here he is, returned to his spot, after his brief exercise.  They sure are a cute bunch!

And here's the wee man, proud as punch, at the evening performance.  Grover has been re-bowed and there were no jogging shenanigans.  His hat is a bit jaunty, but, hey, I'll take it!

It's an exciting place, here in Charley-world!

Love this kid!

Yes, he drives me around the bend, but I love his quirky, hilarious little self. They lost him for 10 minutes at school the other day. He decided to stay out when the bell rang and had (I'm sure) a lovely time in the playground. He went into the school on his own accord, and presented himself at the door with a joyous "here I am!". The teachers, who hadn't quite noticed his absence, must have looked at each other and blanched. I know I did when they told me about it. It's worth stating that I love his teachers and don't know how they manage the herd of 4 year olds, even without the added excitement of being responsible for a 'Charley'. They're doing their best.


Life is an adventure when Charley is in it. A jolting, heart-stopping-turned-heart-warming roller-coaster ride.