ISB~International Festival

I have been to more school carnivals than I can count.  I guess I kind of assumed the International Festival might be a bit like that.  Boy, was I wrong!  What an incredible and huge event (and I am not discounting the time and effort that goes into the school carnival...I know that is a lot of work too.)  Anyway, :) The two gyms were divided into booths for the countries represented at ISB.  There were 57 countries and 30 booths (thank you Mackenzie for doing the homework for me.)  Each booth was decorated with flair from their countries.  This was just one of those days where I was so proud to be an American.

Here are the kiddos representing the USA!  

Welcome to ISB, and the International Festival!  

And, welcome to the American booth.  Nothing says America like rice krispie treats, cupcakes, and cookies!

                             

                           Don't forget hotdogs, mac and cheese, chips, and BBQ pulled pork!

And, of course, Budweiser!  Just think of how bad the crowds would be at the already busy Lincoln School Carnival if this was offered on the menu. :)

The Vastines and our friends the Wheatleys!  Team USA!

Allison and her British friend Freddy....who has that fabulous British accent.

At 11:00, there was a parade of nations.  Everyone lined up with their country.  There were bag pipes leading the parade, followed by the Brits because they are hosting the Olympics, much chanting, flag waving, and lots of smiles.  I'm such a bawl baby and got choked up (strategically worn sunglasses helped with that), but you all know that it doesn't take much for me.  

Miss America!

 

Allison is part of the Green Team (an environmental group at school), so she spent time throughout the day working at their booth.

The boys were sporting some snazzy headbands purchased from the Green Team.

Thomas could have had anything to eat...from any country....and he chose a hotdog.

Based on my observations, those Canadians know how to have a good time.  I need to spend some time with them. ;)  We had to bring a Canadian flag home, so Allison could add it to her Justin Bieber collection...Oh Lordy!

A drink for Allison from Brazil.

And one for Daddy from Germany.

The Irish really only sold drinks...oh and soda bread.  The Irish also know how to have a good time!

Enjoying some very cool yarn art!

And, some fun on the playground.

After we were all exhausted, we headed home.  Allison clinging to her daddy of course.  So sweet!

What a fantastic day!  I can't believe the amount of work the parents put into this event.  I have feeling this year was my grace period (aside from teaching line dancing with my friend Mackenzie at the American booth), and I will be a little more busy next year.  Looking forward to being a part of it!

Until next time,

Wendy