The Best Christmas Program Ever

I will confess that the twins have only been a part of 2 (and somehow I suddenly can't remember any of the Christmas programs before my children played a part...), but I still feel pretty confident that this was the best Christmas program thus far.

I was actually supposed to be one of the helpers, but the twinners got sick with a long-lasting illness (which we discovered, basically after the fact, was RSV), and we missed the 2 Sundays before the program.  Not having made the practices, I was a little worried how they would do.

Allie was an angel and couldn't wait to play her favorite character from the Christmas story!

Before the program with one of her fellow-angel best friends.

Ryan was a sheep.  There was supposed to be a whole herd, but he ended up being the only one who was willing to go on stage!  At first, he was a little nervous about being in front of the church without mommy or daddy, but I encouraged him to stay with his shepherd (who also happens to be a friend).  He proceeded to be the best sheep ever and follow his shepherd EVERYWHERE!

He literally would not leave her side.

During the program, I was in charge of the wise men (who made their entrance from the back of the church) and the kids whose parts were finished.  This meant I didn't get the best pictures of the program, but I did get a few of the kids exiting (i.e. coming to me).

Following his shepherd, but refusing to say his line (baaaaa).

 Rejoice!

At the end of the program, all of the kids filed back in for the final songs ("Away in a Manger," "Go Tell it on the Mountain," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas").  I got many comments after about how everyone could tell the twins had been practicing at home - their voices certainly rang out over the rest of the crowd.

Is there anything better than a bunch of little (and a few older) voices singing?

My favorite chorus members.

This year, compared to last year, was vastly better.  The kids were, as always, super adorable, but they weren't running all over the stage.  They listened to direction and seemed to really know what was going on.  As a mom, this was one of the moments I will treasure in my heart.

Best Christmas Program Ever...or until next year...