The Teddy Bear Parade

Hannah's school had a Teddy Bear Picnic and Parade for all the little ones.  It was a gorgeous Friday morning (Friday here is like Sunday in Texas), and we all brought something to share.  The Smalls of Doha contributed Krispy Kreme donuts cause I'm a nutritional ninja like dat.  We sat next to the family of Hannah's favorite friend, Amena.  Amena's Mom and Dad are originally from Liberia (here's your dose of Wikipedia) but have lived all over the world, including in Houston.  They are a beautiful family, inside and out, and we hope to develop a friendship with them. Amena is hilarious, and she and Hannah make quite the pair of sassies.  Along with them, Olivia and Maya form the Power Quartet.  Maya wasn't at the picnic, so I don't get have a photo of all four.

Amena's Mom helps out at the school one day per week, and she tells me that the kids do have loosely formed favorites but that they are all kind to each other (so not exactly cliquish).  Knowing a little about girl drama, I am hoping that's the truth.

On to the photos...

 The bear she took was given to me on my 16th birthday by my beautiful friend Julie Blumenfeld.  When I let Hannah pick which bear/creature she wanted to bring, she chose that one.  It used to be pink, but now 24 years later is sort of a dirty white.

 Amena, Hannah (with 24 year old bear), and Yosmina. Happy girls.  I love these smiles.

Dissolving into a pile of giggles with Olivia (far right).

The goofy girls marching with great enthusiasm.

 Here's the end of the parade.  They had children's music playing through a loud speaker system and all the kids lined up to march around the circle.  Then they took a picture and it was over. :)

 A traditional Filipino dessert.  Can you imagine the patience and talent required to make those layers?

 The boys had a good time, too.