Graduation

In the midst of our busy Christmas season, we had to make the time to celebrate Alina's graduation from 1st Grade (Portuguese) and English Grade 1 and 2. 

We're so proud of her!





The preparations were rather rushed being that we had just gotten back from singing at one of the bookstores.

"Sing to Somebody"

On Tuesday we spent most of the day busking at the airport, came home to change, and then went to a store to do a presentation. 

From there we met up with some friends and went to a plaza to carol. It was the same one we'd gone to the other night to see the decorations.

Alina went with us to the store and then to the plaza, kinda like our mascot, and some people even said we should get a matching outfit for her. Maybe next year.

She's been begging me to let her come caroling with us on Christmas Eve, just have to see how that'll work out. She's feeling all grown up this year since she's participating more with us "big people". 

I was impressed though, she actually stood up for the whole half hour that we sang. Of course, by the time our presentation came to an end she was dying to sit down, although I had told her it was ok for her to sit when she got tired. Such a great kid.

The flowers:



When we finished, the owner of the store kindly invited us all to have a snack. Oh, and Trish, if you see this, do notice the poison we're drinking and envy us, jk!

Singing later on in the square:



Alina distributing Christmas pamphlets:



A pose before going home:

Acting God: December 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Unfortunately, Alina hasn't been faithful to write down her "acting God" deeds. More and more days pass and before she knows it, a whole week has gone by without her writing anything and then she has a hard time trying to remember if she did anything worthy of writing, heh. 

Oh well, here goes: December 11: I can't remember! December 12: I gave one of my dolls to the poor kids for a Christmas present. December 13: I shared my face paints with the poor kids at the party. December 14: I gave cookies to my ballet teacher. December 15: Sang to people. December 16: Sang to people. December 17: I gave a hug to my dad. December 18: I made my mom's bed for her.

EDF's Christmas Party

The big day came and went and all I can say is that it was a total success! It was awesome how everything worked out, the many people who contributed towards this event in various ways thus making it possible, and how the event in itself flowed smoothly.

This year we invited the kids' parents and siblings which came to a total of 105 people. Most everyone worked hard (aherm!) and tiring as it was, it was pretty fun. And yes, we had barbecued chicken for all these people as well as the 20+ helpers/volunteers ... so yummy!

The families who benefited from this merry event were so grateful, not just with the food, presents, etc., but with the attention they received and the pleasant, welcoming atmosphere. Yay! 

Pictures galore below.

Setting things up:

Laurie waddling off with one of the presents:

Our young helpers:


The volunteer cooks who saved the day:

Receiving the guests:

This one was not invited, haha! (she closed the gate on herself)

Kim and Marcia face painting:


The clown show:






Serving the goodness that was lunch:



Presents!


Dessert!

Giving certificates to the graduating Bible school participants:


Treat bags:

More Christmasy Happenings

The night before Alina's dance recital, we took the kids out to see the Christmas decorations at a big square. They were really pretty! 

These rotten pics don't do the decorations justice.


Alina's first cotton candy (yuck!) which she shared with everyone:

With her aunt Ana:

A lovely shot of us looking special and tired:

Another out of focus shot:

These are from the same day, which happened to be my day off. We were asked to sing at the company of a long-time friend and so there went most of my afternoon. Yay!


With our long-time friends Luciano and Junior. Happy fellows.

Randomness: