Polish Festival

This year, Marina and I have been exploring various cultural food festivals. And since we have Polish ancestry, we were very interested in the Polish Food Festival this weekend. We decided to go there for lunch. When we arrived, we started off by eating potato and cheese perogies. We really enjoyed them. We sampled some “Angel Wings” for dessert.

We decided to take a look inside the church. It was beautiful. Once we did that, Marina acted a bit bored. I wanted to watch some of the folk dancing, so we decided to try a potato pancake until the dancing started. As we were eating it, one of her friends from school walked by us with her family. They picked up some food and joined us in the shade of a tree.

After we ate, we watched the folk dancing. Then we all went to see the church since her friend's family hadn’t seen it yet. The girls wanted more dessert, so I gave them tickets to get some. Marina chose cheesecake!

Since it was such a hot day, we decided to head home. It had been a fun festival.

Greek Goddess

For the past few years, Marina and I have enjoyed attending the Greek Festival. Since the opening day tends to be less crowded, I decided to take part of the day off today so we could go. Marina decided to wear her Megara costume from Hercules this year.

We arrived around lunch time, so the first thing we did was eat. Marina surprised me by choosing calamari to eat. I let her try my lamb sandwich which she also liked.

After we ate, we did a little shopping – her favorite part! We saw beautiful jewelry and home accessories. Marina also tried out some of the rides.

Before we headed out, we took a look inside the gorgeous cathedral. The chapel has added some iconography since last year which we were both impressed with. When we entered the cathedral a tour was going on so we listened in for a while. By then we were ready to go home.

Early Easter

Easter came early this year, so today wasn’t as warm as we’d normally have. So, Marina was a bit chilly in her spring dress. We arrived at church early for the Easter Egg Hunt. It had to be inside because of all the snow we got this week.

Marina had fun collecting the eggs. She filled her basket and her hat with eggs. Then she exchanged them for another basket filled with goodies. After the Egg Hunt, we went into the church and settled into our seats for the service.

Marina was a bit bored through the service, but she managed to sit through it. Afterward, she shared some items from her basket with a little girl who was visiting our church.

When we came home, Marina went looking for her Easter baskets and eggs. Even though the hiding places were trickier than years past, she still found them all rather easily.

We changed our clothes and went over to our friends' house for Easter dinner. They had quite a few people there and Marina spent her time playing with the other kids. She enjoyed several deviled eggs before dinner. When we sat down to eat, she ate lots of ham and salad. We stayed there pretty late and by the time we left Marina was very tired.

Angels We Have Heard On High

Rehearsals for this year’s Christmas pageant started at the beginning of December. Marina was pleased to get the “third biggest part.” She played Gabriel and all the other speaking angels, which was exactly what she wanted.

The kids gathered to rehearse before the service. Marina was very happy with the giant angel wings she got to wear. I encouraged her to work on her lines all month, but she never wanted to, so she didn’t know them at all today. She ended up using her script through most of the pageant. She also helped out with the younger kids to help them with their lines.

The script was meant to be funny and clearly everyone had a good time with it. The pageant was the highlight of the service.

Big Fat Greek Festival

We had such a fun time at the Greek Festival last year that Marina and I decided we had to go back this year. Marina thought about wearing either her Disney Meg or Esmeralda costume, but ultimately, she decided on a tank top and skirt. I tied a coin scarf around her waist and she jingled everywhere she went. She loved that!

We arrived shortly after the festival started. The weather was very hot but not many people were there. Marina started off by shopping. The vendors had beautiful jewelry and clothing on display. Marina enjoyed looking at all of it.

For lunch, we decided to share a gyro. Marina seemed a bit unsure of it, but after she tried it she found she really liked it. We also tried a cheese and pita snack. She didn’t like the lemon juice used for seasoning on that though. As we ate we listened to Greek music and watched children’s dance groups perform.

Of course, Marina tried out all the rides and games. We were feeling very hot, so we went inside the cathedral. I had told Marina that the Greek Orthodox Church was famous for their icons. But we were both amazed by inside of the cathedral. When we listened to the priest discuss the church Marina was a bit bored. Once he stopped speaking, we took a look around and I could see she was impressed.

We did a little more shopping after the tour. Naturally, she found many things she loved. We did pick up a golden crown of laurel leaves. She said, “I feel like a Greek goddess!” She did look like one. But even goddesses get hot and tired, so we went home.

Beautiful Easter Day

Marina has been looking forward to Easter for some time now. We started our morning at the church Easter Egg Hunt. Marina brought Grace along with her since they had matching dresses. We were running a bit late, but there were still plenty of eggs to gather when we arrived. Marina got started right away.

After the egg hunt, Marina and her friends hung around outside – it was such a beautiful day. They came inside in time for the church service.

I was so impressed with Marina during the service. She didn’t have Sunday School today, so she sat with her friends. She followed along in the bulletin and even sang the songs.

After church, we went home where Marina got to look for more eggs. The Easter Bunny challenged Marina a bit this year, but she responded by saying, “He’s dealing with a pro here.” She found both of her baskets but there was one egg that eluded us.

A little while later, we had friends over for dinner. The girls immediately disappeared into the basement to play on the Wii. They also enjoyed playing with Marina’s American Girl dolls.

We all had a lovely ham dinner together and took a little break before dessert. But we all had a wonderful day together.

Birthday Blessing

Our church has a tradition of saying a public birthday blessing for every member. Last week Marina wasn't there, so she got her blessing today. She was quite excited about it. She wore her birthday dress and since she had a matching American Girl dress, she brought Grace along as well.

Today was Palm Sunday. Marina enjoyed helping to hand out palm leaves to everyone. Then she joined he procession with our friend Miss Judy.

Near the end of the service, Marina beamed as she received her birthday blessing. She didn't have to be prompted at all to go to the alter for her blessing.

After church, we went out to lunch with Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy. When our server asked if we were there for an occasion, Miss Judy let him know we were celebrating Marina's birthday. She was quite pleased.

Marina ordered for herself and even had a salad to start with. We were all impressed with how much she ate. She was the only one who wanted dessert. She ordered chocolate cake and ice cream. When it arrived, our servers had added two birthday candles to it. They lit them and we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She graciously shared her cake with all of us.

After we finished lunch, Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy took Marina shopping for a birthday present. Marina clearly enjoyed that. Once she picked out her gift, she and I went out shopping for a bit. We bought some of our favorite lotions and a Cinderella movie inspired dress for Marina. She'd had a good day!

Bells Are Ringing

This year, Marina has been in a before school club learning to play hand chimes. She’s been enjoying it. A friend of mine is in a handbell group. Tonight they had a concert at our church, so we decided to go.

Marina was very excited when we arrived. We sat near the front and looked over the huge assortment of bells laid out in the table. Marina pointed out to me which ones were the handchimes.

Once the concert got started, we were both impressed by how amazing the bells sounded and the difficult choreography that the musicians had to use to play the right bells in time with each other. They played many Christmas carols that we knew. Marina particularly enjoyed “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” because the handchimes were used for it.

The program ended with all six ringers playing bell trees. The church was filled with the many bells harmonizing together. It was truly amazing!

After the show we talked with my friend for a little while. She and Marina discussed handchimes for a little while. The concert had been a great experience for both of us.

It's All Greek

When I was a child, my parents used to take me to the Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Church. I haven't been there in many years. So when I suggested it to Marina, she was interested in checking it out. She still has a bit of a cough and the weather looked threatening, but she still insisted she wanted to go.

We arrived a few hours after it opened and we were very lucky to find a good parking place right away. As we entered, we saw several rides for kids. Marina was immediately excited. I suggested we look around the festival first. She grumbled until I said, "Look at all the shopping." She saw a jewelry shop and was definitely interested in looking around. So we looked through a few stores before checking out the rest of the festival. We found a few more rides, by now, Marina couldn't wait anymore, so she took her turn on some of them. She especially liked the spinning ride, she rode it several times.

We decided to stop for a snack. I got baklava, but couldn't get Marina to even try it. Marina got ice cream instead. She was disappointed that they didn't have chocolate, but they made it up to her by giving her vanilla with chocolate syrup and sprinkles.

We took our food to the main stage and ate while we watched two children's groups perform traditional dances from Greece and Crete. The MC was Miss Colorado - Marina really liked her crown. After the dancing, Marina took a few more rides and then we headed home. I wanted to go on a tour of the cathedral, but Marina was too tired and the weather had taken a bad turn. But we'd had a fun afternoon. Opa!

In Her Easter Bonnet

Marina has been looking forward to Easter for over a week now. We've been pretty busy all week and we didn't even get our eggs dyed! Marina did enjoy the church service on Maundy Thursday this year, she'd never been before.

This was the first year I let Marina help me pick out her Easter dress. Surprisingly, we were able to agree on one fairly easily. We were even able to get a matching hat - that's a requirement every year.

Our Easter celebration began with the Easter Egg Hunt at church. It's not too difficult a task, the eggs are spread out on the church lawn and the kids collect as many as they can. Then they trade them for a bag of goodies. Marina decided she would pick up as many pink eggs as she could.

After the Egg Hunt we attended the Easter church service. It was long and included a baptism, but Marina did a good job paying attention. I allowed her to sit with her friends which helped, I'm sure. Her favorite part was when everyone was invited to put fresh flowers on a cross at the alter. She went up several times.

After church, Marina had fun looking for eggs at home. We didn't get around to dying our eggs, so the Easter Bunny was nice enough to hide plastic eggs at our house. Marina also located her baskets as well., She seemed more excited about the toys than the candy.

After the excitement settled down, we had a special dinner and watched a movie.

Hail Mary!

Marina was very excited for the church's Christmas Pageant this year. She got to play Mary. She's been going around the house with a blanket over her hair preparing for her costume. And we've been going over her lines all week. She even volunteered to bring one of her dolls for the Baby Jesus.

Before the church service, the kids arrived to rehearse. They went through the pageant twice before everyone arrived.

During the service, Marina and I lit the Advent candle. I read the prayers and Marina got help from Miss Judy lighting all four candles. Once we did that, she went into the classroom to put on her costume and wait with her friends for the start of the pageant.

The pageant went very well. Marina remembered all her lines and spoke in a loud, clear voice. She had a little trouble pulling Baby Jesus out of his hiding place to be born. All the kids seemed to have a good time.

For those of you who missed it, here is one of Marina's pivotal scenes.

Flower Girl

Two of our friends from church got married today. When our invitation came, she immediately asked me, "Do they need a flower girl?" The bride decided she did. Marina took the offer in stride, but to me she showed how excited she was. This week she drew pictures of being a flower girl at school and told everyone who would listen that she was going to be the flower girl.

Marina's dress was ivory with a dark pink sash, very similar to the bride. She slept in curlers last night, so her hair had lots of curls. At this wedding, she had real rose petals to drop. She loved that. She also enjoyed holding the bouquets of the bridesmaids.

During the ceremony, Marina was very patient at times when she had to stand at the alter with the bridal party and sat quietly during the service. She and one of the bridesmaids created quite a bond in the short time they spent together.

At the reception, Marina sat with the bridal party and not with me. She got her own food from the buffet and sat with all her new friends. She came running when it was time for the bride to toss her bouquet. She didn't catch it, but a rose fell off which she was happy to pick up. Marina had so much fun at this wedding!

Easter Celebration

Marina has been excited about celebrating Easter. She was very happy with her Easter dress and especially her pink hat. (I always get her an Easter bonnet.) Our holiday started at the Easter egg hunt at church. Marina waited very patiently before the kids were told to begin picking up the eggs which covered the grass. Once she got started, she didn't want to stop collecting them. She was the last child still looking to gather the eggs. She was having so much fun she forgot to trade in her eggs for a goody bag. She played with one of her friends until the service started.

After the service she played with her friends for a little longer and had a snack. But she was more than happy to got home because she couldn't wait to see what the Easter Bunny had brought. We were barely in the door when she started finding the eggs hidden around the house. She also found her two Easter baskets.

For dinner we invited two friends. One brought Marina a bag of candy and toys. Marina was quite thrilled with that. We had turkey for dinner. Marina at the drumstick and stuffing. She even tried some wine (she didn't like it). Once dinner was over, she put on a Disney fashion show for us, dressing first as Rapunzel, then Elizabeth Swann and, finally, Snow White. She was sad that it had to end, but it was time for our friends to go home.

Before bed, Marina read the story of Jesus' resurrection for her Bible. The perfect way to end the day.

Springing Forward

The time change last night didn't sit well with Marina. I had a tough time waking her up in time for church. She was fine in church and afterwards she played on the playground for a while.

Ever since we went to the trampoline park a week and a half ago, Marina has been begging to go back. So I thought we'd go back and help her get to bed on time tonight. We invited her friend Sabrina to go with us. Sabrina brought two friends as well. They all got along very well while they played. We also ran into other kids we knew once we were there.

Marina and the girls jumped and ran up the ramps, but ultimately the other girls wanted to try the Dodge Ball. Surprisingly, Marina went with them. She did really well. I was impressed with her for trying something new.

We stayed until Marina was completely wiped out. She's been pretty quiet at home all night!

In Excelsis Deo

Our church put on it's annual Christmas Pageant today. This year, Marina actually had lines. She was one of the angels who appeared to the shepherds. She was pretty excited. The kids practiced several times this morning. Marina learned her part quickly and was excited for the performance. She did very well and happily accepted compliments afterwards.

Advent and Early Christmas Present

I signed Marina and I up to light the candles on the Advent wreath at our church this morning. I read the prayers while Marina lit the first two purple candles with the help of Miss Judy. Naturally, she wanted to light the pink one, but it's not time for that one yet.

Today during the service I had her follow along rather than playing with one of her friends. She did really well at paying attention. Hopefully, it will become a habit.

After church, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house to celebrate an early Christmas. Marina received many lovely gifts, but one was particularly special. She received an American Girl doll from Aunt Ann and Grandma. She literally squealed with delight. She has been "dying" for a Julie Albright doll for months now. So she was ecstatic to get one today.

Naturally, Julie went with us to lunch. In fact, Julie has been with Marina non-stop ever since. It looks like this has already been a memorable Christmas!

Princess and the Pirate

We went for our annual trip to Boo at the Zoo with our friends Jen, Madi and Noah. This year I dressed up as well. When Marina heard I was dressing as Snow White, she wanted to as well. Once she realized we only had on headband for the costume, she agreed to wear her Elizabeth Swann costume.

We arrived at the Zoo after lunch. While we were there, Marina colored a tote bag, posed with Star Wars characters, watched a magic show and rode the train and carousel. She didn't get as much candy as previous years, but she had a good time.

After we left the zoo, we went to church for a chili cook off and costume contest. Marina had a good time playing with her friends from church. And when she found out that my chili didn't have any votes, she got a voting token so it would have one. She's so sweet.

We went home and watched Snow White and the Seven Dwarves on DVD. It was the perfect way to end the day!

Dinner fit for a Princess - or three!

Marina slept late again this morning. We had decided to go to church with Christina, Leisa and their parents today. Marina got to go with Christina to her Sunday School class. She seemed happy to do so.

We had lunch with Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary Ann. Marina has taken to calling them “Grandad” and “Gram” like Christina and Leisa do. It seems pretty natural. We packed up our bags and got ready for the drive to Orlando with my cousin Linda. The three girls were in the back. Leisa took a nap on the way while Marina and Christina played with the DSI. They all did really well on the trip.

We checked into the hotel and got ready for a very special dinner. The girls put on their princess dresses. Marina dressed as Cinderella, Christina as Rapunzel and Leisa as Sleeping Beauty. I even put make up on them all. One we were all ready, we headed to the Grand Floridian hotel. We had reservations at 1900 Park Fair with Cinderella and her friends.

Dinner was a buffet, which made it a little hectic. But the girls were all ready to meet the characters as they came to our table. We met Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella. Some of the characters weren't so nice, but what do you expect from Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters?

After dinner, we had planned to take the girls swimming, but the weather did not cooperate. So we all ended up back at the hotel. The girls didn't seem to mind. They just like being together.

Easter

Marina slept a bit late this morning, so I had to wake her up. After a few moments, she said, “Easter!” It didn’t take long for her to want to go downstairs and look for eggs. They were a little tougher to find this year, but she got most of them easily. Once she had her baskets, she emptied them out to check everything in them.

Marina put on her Easter dress again for church. We got there just in time for the Easter Egg Hunt. Since it was pretty chilly today, they had the hunt inside. The room was covered with plastic eggs. Once they were all picked up, the kids traded the eggs for a bag of goodies. During the morning service, Marina was quite happy with all her new stuff. After the Mass, she got a plate of food for brunch, but she didn’t eat much. Too much excitement, I guess.

Mardi Gras Princess

Last night I told Marina today is Mardi Gras. She was very excited and asked if she could wear her purple and gold mask. I added her beads as well. When we arrived at school we saw many other kids and teachers in green, gold and purple. I think she was most excited because Mardi Gras was featured in The Princess and the Frog.

After school, Marina and I went out for dinner. Her school was having a fundraiser. She happily ate her food and ran around with a few of her classmates who also came for dinner.

From there, we went to the church pancake dinner. Since we'd already had dinner, Marina didn't eat any pancakes, but she happily played air hockey while I helped clean up. The day certainly had a feeling of celebration!