Birthday Parties Galore

In this lovely month of August, the girls attended no less than 5, FIVE, birthday parties. So much fun! ... for them, of course.

Here are a few pics from one of the parties.
 

Alina's Latest Words of Wisdom

After finishing her English school for the day, Alina told me she was going to go outside and start writing a story until dinner was ready. When she came inside, I asked her what her story was about and she informed me that it was going to be a diary of sorts based on her life. 

She commented that all the other stories she's written were actuallly based (read copied) on some story she had read previously. That's why, according to her, this current story will be better because it will be, and I quote, "orignial, since it's about my life, and nobody's written a story about my life". She then sighed and remarked, "The greatest ideas were used before I was born". Haha, poor thing. 

I know the feeling of frustration in realizing that there's nothing new to write about, sing about, draw about, or express in some other form. Not only that, but it's all been done better than we could ever hope to do. 

Her latest reading project is a series her aunt Patricia sent her about cat clans. I think it's called Warriors or something like that. Anyway, she's already read two of the books. She was telling me about them and ended by saying "I'm really liking them, but Narnia is still my most favorite book ever!"

Partying

It was my youngest sister's birthday the week before last and my brother, mom, and several other folks threw her a surprise party complete with a DJ and disco lights. A bunch of her highschool and college friends came over as well as a few friends from other cities. It was C-R-A-Z-Y! Fun crazy! 

Some time during the party, Laurie got a sudden inspiration to be a photographer telling me, and I quote, "Mamãe, me take pictures todo mundo!". Translation: Mommy, I want to take pictures of everybody. And she proceeded to do just that. 

The little nut ran up to almost every single person at the party, snapped a photo, and if they had their back turned to her, or didn't realize that their picture was being taken, she'd tug at their sleeve to get their attention and show them the grand photo she'd just taken. Too funny! 

She also took photos of the decorations, the cupcakes, the flowers, and the lights. She was fascinated with the swirling lights and took several pics of them only to be disappointed with the final product which consisted of some colorful spots on the floor.

Here are some pics of the eventful night, most of which were taken by her.

Party crasher:

Cupcakes:

She loved the candy in the glasses:

 

The only one of the birthday girl (in the middle with blond-ish hair):

 With Mom and a couple of friends:

 

 The next day "helping" daddy fix the trampoline:

Sushi Nights

Enjoying a yummy dinner together after picking Alina up at the airport. She wanted to eat sushi so her wish was gladly granted. :)

Such a pro:

These are from mid-July when we went out to celebrate our 4th anniversary:

Lil' Traveler

Alina traveled down south for a week-long visit with her dad in the cold city of Porto Alegre. It was the first time she traveled by herself and she was so brave. Thank God she had a good flight and made it there safe and sound. We miss her so much already! Thankfully, she'll be back next Monday ... school starts on Wednesday.

Planes in the background:

Waiting for Alina's plane to take-off: