Family Flower Girl

Marina has been in need of a haircut and since she was the flower girl in Emily and Brian’s wedding, she wanted to look extra special. So we went to get her hair cut. We also had them style her hair. Marina was happy to play with the Xbox while her hair was done. First she got a haircut. Once that was done, the stylist created a “heart braid” in her hair and then curled the ends. She topped it all off with ribbons and glitter. It looked so pretty!

We went shopping with some of our Florida relatives and spent a bit of time at the American Girl store. We picked up a dress for Julie that was very similar to Marina's. Julie also had her hair done in a heart braid.

Shortly after we arrived at the clubhouse for the wedding, it started raining. Marina stayed with Emily and her bridesmaids while I waited with the rest of the guests. The wedding was supposed to be outside but after a half hour delay it was decided that the ceremony would be under the pavilion where the reception was scheduled.

Marina was very solemn as she processed in. She was taking her role very seriously. During the ceremony, she stayed up front with the wedding party. Occasionally she would get my attention and motion for me to take more pictures! At the end of the ceremony, she threw a handful of flower petals at Brian and Emily for a confetti effect. Everyone laughed.

Marina spent most of the reception with her Florida cousins. They ran around on the golf course until it was dark then they played with cards at the table for a while. Marina was very excited when we lit sparklers to send Brian and Emily off.

It was pretty late when we finally left. I was surprised Marina didn’t fall asleep in the car on our way home.

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!

Family Wedding

Marina and I were invited to my Aunt Annette's wedding this weekend. We flew out the day before. Marina got a chance to meet her second cousins, Christina, Leisa and Lizzie who she hadn't met before. The girls it it off right away.

The day of the wedding, we went over to see my aunt get ready. Marina made herself the "unofficial" flower girl, even ending up in a few of the pictures the photographer set up.

At the reception, the younger kids entertained themselves in an area near our table. Marina even got her uncles to dance with her. Marina was sad she didn't catch the bouquet, but she settled herself with some flowers from our table.

The next day we had to head home. We weren't sure Marina would be able to take her flowers on the plane. On our way to the airport, she gave the flowers to the shuttle driver, who told Marina she made her day. I was so proud of her thoughtfulness!

We'd had a fun trip, but both of us we happy to be home!

Flower Girl

Our friend Bethany got married today. It's such a happy day when people get married.

A few weeks ago, Bethany asked Marina to be her flower girl. She calls Marina "my adopted niece," since her parents have been almost like grandparents to her. Ever since then, Marina has asked nearly every day,"When is the wedding?" She's been so excited. I bought her some petals to practice dropping and she did pretty well at home.

Last night at the rehearsal she had a few things to practice. She looked so nervous as she waited her turn to walk down the aisle. We had to slow her way down since she walked even faster than normal. But she seemed to be having fun. On the second go around Joe, the pianist, decide to have some fun. He played the "Imperial March" from Star Wars as the parents entered. Everyone laughed so hard! When it was Marina's turn, he played "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. It was so perfect for her!

When Marina woke up this morning, I asked her what we were doing today. "Bethany's wedding," she responded with a big smile. She actually let me use a curling iron on her hair, despite being afraid of it. She had a long white dress with pink flowers on it. In her hair was a veil made out of a bow that had been on Bethany's wedding dress. I even applied her Disneyland makeup. She looked beautiful.

Last night we heard the groomsmen saying they were going to McDonald's for breakfast. Marina announced that's what we should do as well. While we were waiting for our food, in came Bethany and her bridesmaids, fresh from having their hair done. So we all had McDonald's together at the church. One of the bridesmaids even pulled out a blanket so Marina could have a little picnic.

Marina was very happy to watch Bethany get her makeup done and put on her dress. I think she just liked being "one of the girls." She took her basket of flower petals everywhere she went. At one point when someone moved it, she came crying to me, "It's gone!" she wailed. Fortunately I knew where it had been placed. She didn't put it down again until after the wedding.

When it came time for the procession, Marina seemed completely confident. She walked down the aisle on cue, she walked slowly and dropped petals on one side, then the other. I suppose the rest of the wedding was boring for her. But it was beautiful. The recession music was from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Hilarious, yet fitting for the occasion. The wedding party called for Marina to walk out with them. Funny, that never happened in rehearsal. But Marina answered the call and did just fine with it.

She was a bit restless during pictures, but fortunately, they did hers early. Then we went over for some food at the reception. I got a plate for her and that kept her occupied for a while. From there, she deteriorated quickly. It was apparent to everyone that she was tired. She grumpy and came close to a tantrum (she didn't catch the bouquet when it was tossed). When she didn't want to blow bubbles, I knew it was time to go home, after all, she loves to blow bubbles. Once we were home, I insisted she lie down. Despite claiming she wasn't tired, she slept for nearly three hours.

Who knew being a flower girl was so tiring!