Renaissance Feaste

This is the first year that Gracie was part of the Renaissance Feast (Boar's Head Dinner) that I've been narrating for the past nine years. (You can read more about the Feaste here at last year's blog entry.)

Tess, even when she started participating with me at a year old, has always been nothing but perfect on stage. Gracie Rosie, on the other hand, our little bug full of personality, is a little more unpredictable--so I was little concerned about both girls participating this year.

(Aw, but doesn't she look angelic in this picture?)

I just planned on Gracie coming with me whenever I was on stage narrating, but instead she wanted to follow Tess in with each food course processional. The going in and out wasn't that big a deal, it was the maneuvering of her floor length dress while climbing on and off stage by herself that left me concerned. There was also potential for a disastrous terrible twos temper tantrum when she decided she did NOT want to leave the stage (uh, yeah NO stage fright there!). Other than that and her last minute decision that a crown should NOT be part of her costume, there were no major catastrophes (also thanks to my friend, Dana, who kept an eye on the girls while on stage!)

(Tess getting ready to enter)

During the chorale concert, the girls went alone to each audience member, tapping them on the shoulder with their magic wand and whispered "Happy New Year". (The girls received in return numerous teary eyed hugs!)

(I love this picture because you can also see Gracie on the left on her tip toes socializing with the guests by herself with no hesitation!)

Tess decided again this year to break out into an impromptu interpretive dance at the end of the performance when the choir and harpist close with a reverent rendition of "Silent Night." My fear of her taking the spotlight was put at ease by the senior citizens who told me they were greatly moved by her pure and innocent worship.

(in the lobby after the performance)

As always it was fun night by all and I was so proud of my girls for the joy they brought to our "older friends" at the close of the Advent Season.

(Oh, and by the way, the girls were NOT on stage this year when the belly dancer shimmied with the large sword on her head--the girls watched with huge eyes from the back--just a little too dangerous with an unpredictable 2 year old!)