Independece Day

Last weekend was Independence Day in Guatemala.

The girls had a special presentation at their school. Hazel was supposed to wear sky blue, the color of the Guatemalan flag. Ellie was supposed to wear traditional Guatemalan clothes, which we don't have. We borrowed her outfit from a friend. I was a little disappointed because I wanted an excuse to buy a real one. I hope to buy one soon.

The 4-year old class dancing.

This is the third time we've been invited to the school for a presentation. The first time was Mother's Day the first week we were here in Guatemala and Ellie cried the moment she saw me and refused to go up on stage. The second time was Father's Day and she was shy on stage but stayed and didn't cry. We thought this time would be the best because she's even more comfortable now with her friends and teachers.

Classic.

We were wrong. The moment she saw us she ran to us. Excited, at first, but I think overwhelmed by the sheer number of parents holding cameras pointed at her in a packed small room.

Then Hazel saw us and had the same reaction.

I tried to help them up front but it didn't help. Oh well. There's always next year.

Ellie was "La Marimba"

Hazel with her teacher.

Ellie with her good friend Mia. 

After the presentations there was food. Hazel spent the rest of the morning playing by the stereo. She loves music and singing and dancing. Our little music lover.

Saturday we went downtown with an MCC group touring Guatemala. On the way back to our car we stopped at one of our favorite coffee shops. It was perfect timing to watch a marching band and parade go by and we had a great view. 

Watching the parade.

 This seems to be the common form of celebrating Independence as we could hear marching bands everywhere we went.

Happy Independence Day Guatemala! (Photo credit: Ellie)