Preschool Christmas Program

This morning we went to Ryan's preschool Christmas program, where Ryan and his classmates told the story of Jesus' birth through Scripture read by the teacher and songs performed by the children.  According to his teachers, the children started practicing the songs around Thanksgiving and even learned sign language to accompany some of the lyrics. 

This is our third year to attend his school holiday program, and every year when I see him standing up there doe-eyed and slightly pigeon-toed, singing softly and innocently, I get choked up.  He is such a sweet, happy little boy.  We are so blessed to have him!  (The quality of the photos is pretty pitiful - perhaps in 2011 I'll learn how to use our camera!) 

Ryan smiles at his adoring fans as he enters the chapel.

The children look a little nervous as they wait for direction from their teacher to begin.

During the song, "Away in a Manger," Ryan and his friends show how baby Jesus "laid down his sweet head."

This song, which was the most popular among parents, featured different lyrics sung by the girls and boys.  The girls sang, "where is the baby Jesus boy?" and the boys sang, "we are the wisemen, we came from a far."  When practicing this at home, Ryan would sing the girls' part in a falsetto voice, and the boys' part in a deep, booming voice.  It surprised us the first time we heard him change his voice, but then we couldn't help but giggle each time he did it!

Here the children demonstrate the sign language sign for Jesus.

The children conclude with, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."  Here is a brief video of their performance:

After the performance, Ryan poses with his closest friend, Josh.

Based on the way Gavin ate at the party following the program, you'd never know he's had the stomach bug for the past 5 days.  He can eat an alarming number of Dunkin Donut munchkins!

Ryan (and Blue Puppy) wish Mrs. Meyers a Merry Christmas!  Mrs. Meyers is the teacher's assistant in his class.

Ryan wishes Mrs. Lomax (his teacher) happy holidays!