Tales of a Fourth Grade Something

Girlie came home from school last week with the news that the fourth grade classes in her school were going to be putting on a production of Lewis and Clark, and she wanted to try out for the part of Sacagawea. She told me that there were a lot of roles for boys in the play, but Sacagawea was the only girl part. Tryouts were to be held after school this week. I would have loved to watch the auditions, but it was a students-only affair so there would be less distractions. In this precarious balancing act between holding on tight and letting go that they don't tell you about in the instruction manual for being a mom, I told Girlie I would pick her up after.

On the day of the audition, I thought I would try to give her as much of an edge as I could and play up on her natural features. I braided her long dark hair like an Indian maiden. (Of course brother had to get in on the act when he saw the camera come out):
Then I sent her on her way with my love and all my good wishes. You know those times when you hope and pray for the best while trying to prepare yourself for the chance that it might not happen? That's where I was.

All day long I thought about Girlie until it was time to go pick her up. As I pulled into the parking lot of the school, what did I see but 20 other girls with long black hair pulled into braids. Guess I wasn't the only one who had that thought.

Girlie said that so many girls tried out for the part of Sacagawea, while one boy each tried out for the parts of Lewis and Clark, as well as the other male roles. I asked her how she felt she did, and she said "Fine". She had done her best, the auditions were over, and she was ready to go home and play.

The play is going to be held on the Thursday before spring break. There is a knitting guild meeting that night, but I won't be attending.

I'm going to go see a 4th grade production of Lewis and Clark.

Watching my daughter play Sacagawea.

Yes, SHE GOT THE PART!!!

Meet Miss 4th Grade Sacagawea, 2008:
I'm so proud of this girl I could burst.