The weekend proved to be an eventful descanso full of crashing computers, my first quinceanera, and Monika’s 22
nd birthday.
That Friday was Liberty Day, or our family's annual trip to the Liberty Antique Festival.
A few of my cousins come every year to join in the shopping frenzy.
Since I couldn't be there they Skyped me in that night. During the call, my dad mentioned the royal wedding that took place that morning and so I decided to try and find photos of the dress. I clicked on one and suddenly my computer was being downloaded with something bad and next thing I know it's caput. No more laptop for Sarah! Great.
The next day I slept forever to drown my sorrows and got up just in time to eat and shower before a special mass that weekend in honor of a quinceañera celebration. One of the director couples' daughters was celebrating her fifteenth birthday and all the volunteers were invited to attend. First, was a mass at the house in the chapel and afterwards a huge party. I was excited to attend my first quinceañera. And let me tell you, it was elaborate! Definitely on par or nicer than most people's weddings. The chapel was decorated in the birthday girl's signature color, pink, and the mass included a grand entrance of her entourage, a special seat for her in front of everyone, an extra ceremony during the mass when different presents were presented to represent different aspects of adulthood, and a royal exit. Afterwards I hitched a ride with Marinay to the wedding. Teresa, Monika, Wesleigh, and I all piled into Marinay's car. None of us really knew where we were going and we lost the car train when we stopped for ice cream, but eventually we made it. The reception hall was also decorated in pink: pink tables, pink chairs, pink balloons, pink table decorations, etc.
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An open bar, lots of good food, and a dance floor completed the party atmosphere. The biggest difference I could find between a wedding and a quinceañera was the many choreographed dances between the birthday girl and various other parties.
She had a retinue of six guys, friends, family, and boyfriend, who escorted her everywhere and ate at the head table with her. They were her main back-up dancers (there were even costume changes), but a dance of older male family and friends also happened. We had a great time and left very impressed.
Me, Wesleigh, Marinay, and Monika
Because the 30th was Monika's birthday, we celebrated Sunday night with pizza and wine. The volunteer baby was finally 22!
