Festival of Nations

Russ and I decided, when we moved to the St. Louis area, that we would take advantage of all the city has to offer.  Or at least as much as we can.  The end of August we made a family Saturday out of it and headed for Forest Park for the Festival of Nations.  It is a huge multicultural event featuring over 40 ethnic food booths from various countries/regions, dancing and music, arts and crafts, and a bazaar with unique gifts from around the world.

It was also probably the hottest day of the year.  Ha!  We were all soaked by the time we left, but we had such a great time!

Listening to Nigerian music/singing

Trying native food from Iran

One of the residents under Russ is from Iran.  He and his girlfriend (or wife...I can't remember) helped with the Iran food booth.  They offered Russ some food free of charge, and Russ is always game for any kind of food!  Ha!  We had a nice visit with Sam and his girlfriend before continuing our stroll taking in the sights.  There were SO MANY different kinds of people there!  So interesting. And very fun!

We watched some of the Mexican dancers perform for a while.  Then Millie Janalee met some of the ladies waiting for their turn to perform.  She loved their costumes!  The ladies kept telling her to, "Look at Poppy" when Russ was taking her picture.  She was probably very confused.  Ha!

We strolled upon the international bazaar area of the festival.  I loved looking at all the unique gifts from around the world.  There was jewelry, clothing, handmade fans, Russian dolls, and so so much more!  Russ and I decided to let Millie Janalee pick something out.  She chose this sweet little doll.  Since that day, Russ has had to doctor her eyes with gorilla glue.  Millie Janalee was devastated that her "bebbies" had lost her eye.  We learned that coloring her eye in with a Sharpie just would NOT do.  Ha!  Needless to say, the doll was a hit!

She found the one!

"Yep.  That's it Daddy!"

Sweet baby love

We finished our afternoon with a nice big cup of fresh squeezed lemonade while watching the belly dancers perform.  Obviously, this man is having a little too much fun...

We are so blessed to have these opportunities to enjoy as a family!  Thankful for our "year long vacation" as I call it.