Last year Payton got a part in the traveling children's theater production of "Pinocchio". It was a hoot.
The theater company returned last week and Payton was on board to try out again. Conner, not so much. He didn't make it last year. And he stated to me, "I don't want to try out for a play unless I've seen the movie first." This year's production was The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, and as you can probably guess, we haven't seen the movie. (not sure if there even is one.) Anyways, I was just going to let him off the hook. Payton is really the one who eats up the spotlight and loves this kind of stuff.
On the day of try-outs the kids were out of school. We had spent the whole day at home, doing not much of anything. Well, soon I decided that Conner was going to try out, whether he wanted to our not because, hey . . . we've been inside all day, this is going to be our outing/activity for the day, and frankly, it is fun! The kids get to be silly, sing a song, etc. etc. etc. Conner questioned me, but I assured him that it was going to be fun.
Fast forward a few hours later . . . all the kids are up on the stage, listening to the director call out the names of those who got a part. Conner's name was called. He stood up to get his paper, and when he returned to his seat on the stage he turned around, folded his arms and glared at me something fierce! Oh man, I'm sure he was trying to conjure up some laser vision powers. I made sure to intercept him directly off the stage and offered a pretty good bribe incentive if he followed through all week with a good attitude. (Payton did not get a part - he made a sad face for about 20 seconds, and then he was over it).
Tuesday, Conner came home from play practice very happy.
Wednesday he came home on cloud nine. Singing his song. Goofy, silly, happy. We sent him to bed and soon he reappeared with a note that he threw at us and ran up upstairs. It said:
Dear: Mom and dad (shannon and scott)
I like being in the play a little. OKAY, I love it.
from: Conner R. Brown
My heart swelled up with feelings of . . . . vindication! I just knew he would love the play if only he would give it a chance. Ahhh, sweet, sweet victory.
As the week progressed I also couldn't help but think of the times that my parents made me try new things, much to my disapproval. Sometimes it bombed, and sometimes (a lot of the time) it turned into something I loved or was really good at. So mom and dad, this is my public apology for all the times I resisted your advice, drug my heels, and was just plain stubborn (I was an oldest child, I just couldn't help it sometimes) . . . and a thank you for all the great things that came out those torture sessions activities.
On Friday & Saturday Conner performed as a member of The Very Hairy Frowny-Face Tribe. The part was perfect for him.
And he's already talking about auditioning again next year.
