Our Christmas Eve nativity

Singing wisemen with Mary (notice Baby Beans is Baby Jesus since we have no baby this year who can stay still long enough to lay in a manager).The dining room is a perfect elevated stage with the audience in the living room below.

Roman dressing as a wiseman the boys played both shepherds and wisemen with Tyfani as Mary and Alyssa as the angel. Sean and I narrated while Mark filmed

Our Shepherds were the best yet. They played their parts very well.

Last BookLook 2010

“Hell’s Corner”
I hope you got a book for Christmas. I did – surprise! I suppose it’s difficult to buy a gift book for someone who reads a lot. One of the books I received was a good-for-nothing read just-for-enjoyment novel titled “Hell’s Corner”. It’s by one of my favorite authors, David Baldacci and I enjoyed taking a break after Christmas with a good book.

The story begins in Lafayette Park, Washington, D.C. aka Hell’s Corner. It’s named for the law enforcement jurisdictional nightmare created when city police, secret service, and homeland security are all in charge, not the climate temperature. The Park is located across Pennsylvania Ave. in front of The White house which makes it a security risk to watch.

Oliver Stone, a retired government assassin witnesses a bomb explosion in Lafayette Park just as the British Prime Minister passes on his way between The White House and Blair House. Stone is quickly issued a badge and partnered with British MI-6 agent Mary Chapman to find the unknown attackers and uncover a possible terrorist plot. The assassin is sent out to catch the assassin but will he be betrayed again?

As Stone and Chapman uncover a sinister plot involving international politics and the intelligence community, they finally call in the Camel Club. Stone’s trusted companions from the past once again risk their careers, their loved ones and their lives to uncover the truth. They enter the story a bit later than past adventures, which is a disappointment if you were expecting the book to be about Stone and his club mates, but they do join the fight just in time.

“Hell’s Corner” is a good post-Christmas read. I like Baldacci because he keeps the unnecessary swearing out of his stories and he spins a good crime mystery. I have a couple more good books sitting on the desk but this one called out to me when I just needed to take a break and read for fun.

Bethany: Is your house on fire, Clark? Clark: No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights.

I interviewed the Carters since their front lawn is lit up like a beacon and it drew me right in. They have to switch their lights on with six breakers.Look out Griswalds!
Bethany: Is your house on fire, Clark?
Clark: No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights.

p.s. Christy - it all started about 15 years ago with a big old sleigh and reindeer originally from Modern Display they found at a yard sale!

BookLook "The Carpenter's Miracle"

“The Carpenter’s Miracle”
The most dreaded words you will hear this week before Christmas are, “Is your Christmas shopping done?” Complete strangers, friendly clerks and elderly aunts will ask with a big smile on their face. I want to reply, “Is yours?” But I am too afraid of the answer. Quick – grab a book for everyone left on the list and be done!

“The Carpenter’s Miracle” is the story of Josh the carpenter. One December day he is ice fishing when a young boy falls through the ice and Josh rescues him. The unresponsive boy Luke is rushed to the hospital but it is too late and his mother arrives to hear the news that her son has died. As Josh touches the cold shoulder of Luke he mutters, “I wish to God you could have lived, kid.”

Luke begins coughing and regains consciousness as everyone rushes back to witness his return from the dead. The nurse points to Josh and says, “He put his hand on the boy’s shoulder and he came back to life.” The story of the miracle soon spreads around the hospital and Josh becomes an instant celebrity but also an instant oddity.

He lives in a small town in Wisconsin where news travels fast and fish tales improve with the telling. Soon the national media hears about the “miracle” and descends on the town hoping to expose Josh as a fraud or a true miracle worker. Despite his constant protests that he didn’t do anything, his once quiet life soon spins out of control as reporters spin their stories trying to boost the ratings for their networks.

I enjoyed the humor in this little Christmas book. It was a refreshing change to read a story with average and oddball characters bringing the heartwarming message that miracles do still happen, even in Wisconsin in December. And when the next person asks if your Christmas shopping is done, smile and ask them when their baby is due.

I love this sign

This sign is posted at the salon I go to. It gets the message across.

BookLook "Christmas Prayer"

“Christmas Prayer”
Allison age 12 and a student at Art City Elementary enjoyed hearing me read this book aloud to her class. Her excellent review makes me worry about my future job security. On the other hand, when I am old and rambling I am confident she will leave her position at a famous publishing house to take over writing my BookLook column.

Allison wrote a perfect synopsis without any plot spoilers. “The “Christmas Prayer” is a heartwarming children’s picture book. It is about a boy whose father teaches him the true meaning of Christmas. The father teaches the son what Christmas is all about by having him help give gifts to their poor neighbors,” wrote Allison.

I agree with Allison. The author Rian Anderson has been a sheep herder for most of his life and to quote the inside cover leaf, “He wrote this story one freezing night in the desert while pondering true needs and how to share the true meaning of Christmas with his children.” Anderson’s sweet simple story does teach us about our needs, needs of others and how a father’s example is a priceless gift. It was difficult to read aloud and keep the lump out of my throat and the tears under control.

Since I have grandsons, I am always looking for books that appeal to little boys and offer thoughtful lessons. In the story, the boy Matt expresses the reluctance most young men feel when the need for service means sacrificing a warm evening at home. He also lets the young reader know how he comes to feel differently at the end of the evening.

Allison mentioned the beautiful full-page illustrations in her review. “I thought the illustrations were simple, yet showed a lot,” she wrote. The illustrator is Michael Parker who lives here in Springville uses his talented brush to give visual life to the story.

“I loved this book and encourage everyone to read it,” Allison wrote as her conclusion. I agree wholeheartedly and couldn’t have said it better myself.

Grandpa and Grandma Granat with Esme and...

Our wild turkey survived Thanksgiving

We came home from shopping and saw our wild turkey happily roosting (not roasting) on our back porch outside the kitchen door. There was a couple inches of snow as you can see. Not sure if it's a he or a she and adorable as our new pet is, the size and volume of those bird droppings is getting annoying! We should think up a creative name...

Pack your bags we're going on a guilt trip

“The Christmas Experiment”
We’ve all tried to “do” Christmas better. We read the books and articles about simplifying and refocusing (when we can find the time) and try to copy our perfect neighbors. And every year no matter how early we start we’ll never be organized enough to pull off the perfect Christmas.

Reading “The Christmas Experiment” by Denise Wamsley provides an opportunity for personal reevaluation. Our Christmas celebration has become more commercialized and more complicated with every year. If you need to have more peace and joy during the season and less stress and discord, even changing one thing can make a difference. Wamsley wisely suggests customizing our Christmas to include bringing our family closer to Jesus Christ.

The author shares her journey to Bethlehem in book format after fifteen years of verbally teaching six lessons to help put Christ back into Christmas.
1. Simplify gift giving
2. Give all year
3. Create meaningful family experiences
4. Serve one another
5. Teach with symbolism
6. Enjoy quality traditions.

The author wisely cautions us not to fill our "inn" with presents and parties until it is so overcrowded we risk turning away The Holy Family. When Mary and Joseph seek lodging for the Christ Child will you have room in your home?

It's not too late to read this book before Christmas, but it would be even better to buy it now but read it after the decorations are put away. When that nagging little voice surfaces whispering you could have done it better, take a break, open your "inn doors" and consider Wamsley's advice.

BookLook "The Christmas Stone"

“The Christmas Stone”
Your neighbors would rather have a book this year. True, your Divinity is divine and your fruitcake is, well it’s fruity, but a little Christmas book is a better gift. If you are truly thoughtful you will not write inside in giant letters “Merry Christmas from the Smith Family” either. When they finish reading they can pass it along to someone on the next block over and really spread that Christmas cheer. And they won’t have to give it to DI where it’s just embarrassing when you find it there with your signature.

”The Christmas Stone” is one of those perfect little Christmas books. It is written by Liz Carlston, a young woman who survived the Columbine High School massacre. Since all the proceeds from her book are being donated to Primary Children’s Medical Center, it is a worthwhile purchase as well as a worthwhile read.

The story begins with Claire rushing home on December 23rd to Milwaukee to be with her father who is hospitalized. She is beautiful, financially successful and adrift in the lonely life she has made for herself in Colorado. Daniel is about to enter her life as a seat mate on her flight home. He will be meeting his son Spencer for Christmas in Milwaukee as soon as he takes care of an apology to his ex-wife that is long overdue.

During the flight Claire hears the story of Daniel’s mistakes and regret and his hope for forgiveness at the end of the flight. He also shares the story of the small “magic” stone he carries in his pocket and how it came to represent what he needed to do to forgive himself and begin the healing process.

The book is small, with only 81 pages. It is easily read on a winter’s evening when it’s time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas chores and spend a little time quietly nourishing the soul. Reading “The Christmas Stone” reminds us Christmas should also be a time of love and forgiveness and mending.

Zac Efron joined our family Thanksgiving!

One of our most loved family members is Laura. After making sure it was okay with us, she brought her special friend Zac to our dinner table in his full cardboard outfit complete with scarf (in Timpview High School colors)and a Primary song taped to his shirt in celebration. He didn't say much but he did add a lot to the dinner table conversation!

Happy Thanksgiving

BookLook for Thanksgiving

“The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet”
Historical fiction is a time machine sitting on a magical flying carpet. Off to explore places and epochs with an author like David Mitchell as our genie. His magical powers carry us where we will never go, to visit a place we will never forget.

In 1799 the Empire of Japan has completely isolated itself from the evil Christian world of the west except for the Dutch East Indies Company. A young clerk with the company, Jacob De Zoet, sails into Nagasaki Harbor planning to make his fortune and return to his fiancé in Holland. But Jacob’s integrity and Christianity place him on another tragic path. After refusing to sign his name falsely to allow his superior to steal from the company as is commonly done, Jacob is left behind without status or protection. He faces years of servitude and falls in love with a Japanese woman studying medicine with the Dutch doctor. There is hopelessness and courage in the lives of all who are also trapped by the mandates of society and their individual decisions.

Mitchell has been compared to Tolstoy and I would add Michener. His complex characters are magnificent in their bravery and foolishness. Their stage is a foreign landscape described so vividly we hear the crunch of leaves as they pass and smell the malodorous vapors rising up from a decaying civilization. Sometimes the author creates an atmosphere filled with so much tension we find ourselves holding our breath waiting for their rescue or redemption.

“The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” is an epic novel of epic length. There are some graphic descriptions which though not offensive they are not for the faint of heart. It is available as a 19 hour recorded book and narrated by a man and a woman whose dual performance enhances the unforgettable experience. This is a great historical fiction novel however you choose to read or listen to it.

A Christmas Tree made of dolls

I interviewed 92 year old Alta Taylor today for a newspaper story about the Festival of Trees. In 1984 she made a tree covered in dolls she made from scratch. She poured porcelain in the molds, painted the faces, attached the hair and sewed white gowns. The tree in her home was the model and it has 36 dolls in 3 sizes attached to a tall white tree. Amazing. The dolls sit in a glass case in the doll room until they are placed on the tree every November. She is blind now but still makes porcelain gifts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren every Christmas.

BookLook Review "It's Good to be Alive"

“It’s Good to be Alive”
Inspirational speakers are inspiring. On the other hand and there’s always another hand, you have to fight traffic, shift your schedule around their appearance date, and sit too long on an uncomfortable chair to listen to their message. It’s much better to read their book then watch their YouTube clip (this author has more than 500,000 hits)!

Jack Rushton had everything. At age 50 his six children and happy marriage filled his days with joy and he enjoyed his church education job. He was living the good life in southern California until his head struck a rock while body surfing with his family and ended up a quadriplegic 21 years ago. His new book “It’s Good to be Alive, Observation from a Wheelchair” is good inspirational reading.

Rushton’s self-depreciating humor is revealed in this quote: “All my life I wanted to be able to do one thing better than anybody else and was very unsuccessful. Then I had my accident, and I thought, you, maybe I can be the best quadriplegic on a respirator that ever lived. And then wouldn’t you know it, Christopher Reeve goes out and breaks his neck and I’m in competition with Superman.”

Although Rushton didn’t have the publicity Christopher Reeve generated, he became a popular inspirational speaker and writer. His humor and wisdom despite a tragic accident and his current difficult circumstances inspires readers to face their adversity with courage too.

With chapter titles like “If Rushton can do it, anyone can do it” it’s hard to choose a favorite. But one of mine is the concluding chapter written by his wife and full-time care giver Jo Anne. Her life also changed instantly that day at the beach. Reading how she initially felt completely overwhelmed comforts others beginning the care giving journey. When she writes, “I never would have predicted early in Jack’s injury that we would be so happy today and find life so pleasant and fulfilling,” we believe her. Her sense of humor shines through as she mentions one of the benefits of having a husband confined to a wheelchair is that he doesn’t mind going shopping with her since he always has somewhere to sit!

Jack Rushton’s optimism is contagious. If he can find joy in his journey and believe it’s good to be alive we can too. Our challenges pale in comparison but his advice applies to whatever is diminishing that attitude of gratitude for each of us.

BookLook Nov. 11 "The Terrorist"

“The Terrorist”
Don’t let the title scare you – wait, government conspiracy novels are a little scary. Peter Steiner writes another thriller for those of us who enjoy the occasional great spy novel. It’s an addiction which began when I read every LeCarre book published. Or maybe it was even earlier when I discovered Agatha Christie in elementary school. Like chocolate, once you’ve tasted a good spy novel you just have to have more.

“The Terrorist” continues to follow Louis Morgan who left the CIA as an accused terrorist. He was innocent but set up by his now deceased former boss in a complicated plot. The file was supposed to be buried deeply in the dusty archives of the CIA but with the increased search power of new computers and a zealous employee, the file is resurrected and another conspiracy begins.

Louis, who now paints quietly in the French countryside, is visited by a CIA official and asked to help find links to al Queda using his former contacts in the Middle East. At first he refuses, but when a young boy is kidnapped Louis knows he must agree to help. Louis suspects he is being manipulated and that once again things will not end well. Using his intelligence, intuition and experience, the retired spy takes control of the game and changes all the rules for an exciting conclusion.

Steiner sketches his characters and countryside so simply and brilliantly, they are unforgettable. Louis is a reluctant hero making life and death choices for himself and others. His recent romance with Pauline brings tenderness and wisdom into his lonely life but he must risk it to reenter the dark and sinister world of spies. The innocent young boy Zaharia gives us a glimpse into the terror of false imprisonment and provides additional tension as we fear Louis will not succeed in time to save him.

Since this is the third Louis Morgan novel, you may want to read “L’Assassin” and “Le Crime” first, but it’s not necessary. The novel is short but satisfying – sometimes you just want one chocolate, not a whole box. If you need a delicious spy novel to read, “The Terrorist” will satisfy your craving at least for a little while.

Halloween Pictures

I was "flying" little dragon Finn after his first big trick-or-treat night out with his big boy cousins.

The Star Wars family.

Roman saying "EEwww!" while helping clean out the pumpkins.

Dawson was up on the table for better pumpkin carving leverage.

Haydon loved the design and the cut part but not the clean out!

Flower arranging is like Karoake

Pictures for the newspaper with an article on flower arranging


Flower arranging for the amateur - it's like karaoke

Debbie Balzotti for the Springville Herald

It started out as a basic interview of a local business and their news that they would be teaching floral design classes in Springville. But Chad and Cherie Hall found out I had a secret yearning to create and they made me give it a try on the spot. Here are a couple of things I learned.

It's like karaoke. You think you can sing but actually you need someone singing along with you to make it really good. Chad patiently, very patiently and smiling sometimes at my complete ineptitude, stood by my side teaching me how to make a simple fall arrangement. Here is the recipe I followed, with lots of help.

First, hollow out a small pumpkin and attach the lid with a wooden skewer. Next, fill the pumpkin to just above the rim with that green florist foam stuff. Cover the foam with little pieces of leather fern (already I was pleading for help on where and how much) around the edges. Now take 3 cattails and cut them 3 different lengths and insert to form a triangle - no, no the smallest one always goes at the top!

Take 5 red carnations and place them in the triangle pattern - yes 5 makes 2 triangles when viewed from the front and side. Oops I make the big mistake of sliding a carnation up when it looks too short. "Never pull a flower back up or you will make an air pocket and the flower can't get water which makes your arrangement die sooner." That explains a lot about my past failures.

My focal flower is a sun flower and I learn how to wire the floppy stem and make it stand where I want it to stand - down front and center. Off course Chad now has to zoom in and repair with a little stem stick where my flower isn't quite standing up.

The filling in is the hard part for me. And I forgot to strip off the lower leaves so Chad reminds me again that I need a couple of inches of just stem to push in. Myrtle, Solid Aster, and Broom Corn finish the flower work.

The ribbon - for me this is very important but Chad reminds me it isn't the focal point. What? Another false notion is corrected with a lovely fall bow - not too prominently placed to complete my first masterpiece. It was really fun but I think I better take the class and see if I can do this more than once and all by myself.

Primary Program happiness

Dawson and Haydon did very well saying their parts in the church Primary Program on Sunday. They both memorized them and spoke so clearly. In every children's program there are some characters. There was the little guy who almost ate the microphone at the pulpit,the start over a couple of times reciter, the mega-volume child and of the course the little shy one who couldn't remember a single word when he looked out at the congregation in absolute shock.

Working on a book review in Jamaica

Welcome to Monster Fest 2010. We continue the October celebration of books past and present that are sure to haunt your dreams. The recently released paperback “The Doomsday key” by James Rollins is a frightful beginning for our festival. What could be more terrifying than genetically altered crops? Toss in world domination conspiracies, the plague, religious relics, the Celts and the Norwegians and you’ve got a truly strange brew.

“The Doomsday Key” is the sixth book in the Sigma Force action series and definitely one of the best. It isn’t necessary to read the previous books but after reading this one you will be tempted to go back and read the series in order. The first few chapters reestablish the characters before the adventure begins so a little patience is required – but then it’s a fast paced ride.

Commander Gray Pierce and his team must race against the clock to solve an ancient riddle that prophesies the end of the world. There seems to be a link between the deaths of a famous geneticist, a Vatican archaeologist and a Senator’s son when they are found branded with the same ancient pagan cross symbol. There is also some mysterious connection between the ancient Doomsday Book and a recent genetic crop research project. The team splits up to follow leads in Norway and the British Isles. In both locations motorcycle chases, snowmobile adventures, explosions and fires continually threaten the lives of the good guys.

Rollins is Michael Crichton and Dan Brown rolled into one. He combines modern scientific ethical dilemmas with historical religious mysteries. I like the generous amount of pages spent on explaining peat bogs, for example. You can feel better about wasting time reading an adventure book when you come away with random trivial knowledge that has absolutely no practical application.

Did I mention the black mummified finger? That alone is a qualifier for a Monster Fest book selection. The wonderful Michele Richings will be reviewing her choice for creepy literature as the official guest reviewer for the next two weeks and I expect her choices will be equally nightmarish.

Wedding shower for Michelle

Michelle and my nephew Michael are getting married in November. We have a tradition of a family shower and here are a couple pics from the shower I did on Saturday. Thanks Cheri for taking pictures since I was too busy to do it.Lori (future mom-in-law) made delicious minestrone soup and Tyfani (future cousin) brought her famous homemade rolls - we are working hard in the kitchen and the lovely bride is sitting nearby visiting with one of our girls. Little Roman is watching standing next to his mom.

Since the weather was cold and rainy I tried something new for our refreshments. A steamer bar. I purchased a cocoa-latte machine and guests made their own steamers or flavored hot cocoa from the recipes sitting on the counter.Recipes included Coconut Tres Leches,Mexican Hot Cocoa, and Timberline Cocoa. We mixed in chocolate syrup, or caramel or coconut milk and then topped with whip cream and sprinkled with crushed toffee, cinnamon, or marshmallows or cocoa shavings.Very yummy with pumpkin tarts and donut holes. And of course our take-home gift was a bag of M&Ms since they are Michael and Michelle...

Cruise pictures - to torture everyone

We had the most wonderful dinner partners. Phil and Terry entertained us with their stories about Greece (where Phil is from) and New York (where Terry is from). He introduced himself as a retired jockey, horse trainer who fixed races! We introduced ourselves as the boring Balzottis from Utah. They were celebrating their 41st anniversary and still in love. We were lucky to spend the week with them!

We had a singing Maitre D'named Konstantine who seriously sounded like Frank Sinatra. He and the waiters serenaded us every night and danced for us.

Since we don't buy pics on the cruise we have our waiter do it. Ok, not that great.

The night after we got home Mark put this towel creation and a chocolate on my pillow. Almost like being on the cruise again - so funny. That's why I love him!

The turkey that got away

This is a bad picture of the huge wild turkey leaving my backyard being chased by a little hawk. I couldn't believe the hawk, which perched on a tree branch 10 feet outside my back door really thought he could catch a turkey. If I had his optimistic attitude I would have tried harder to catch it for my Thanksgiving feast!

Some people shouldn't write to columnists

I find this funny!

I know it's hard to read, but all moms and future moms should try.

Dawson's winning goal

Last game of the season, the score is 0 to 0 and just before the whistle blows to end the game Dawson scores the winning, and only goal of the game!

BookLook Review "Supreme Justice"

“Supreme Justice”
Today my computer spam menu includes offers for an oil deal in Iraq, a free iPhone, a palm reading, and apparently I have inherited money! Unbelievable – just like this book.
“Supreme Justice” by Phillip Margolin is a fairly enjoyable murder mystery requiring the reader to suspend reality and just take that offer for a free ride. It would be a good idea to read “Executive Privilege” first to understand why the characters do what they do, although I read that book and I was still confused. Maybe fewer characters and time-line jumps and state skipping would have helped my disorientation. When I read a book I want the free gift offered; I just don’t want to work too hard for it.

A mysterious freighter carrying drugs is docked in Oregon. Captain John Finley narrowly escapes being murdered with the rest of his crew by one of the sailors and steals a duffle bag filled with cash from the ship. It doesn’t turn out to be a good idea. The ship soon disappears with the dead crew and illegal drugs and everyone who knows about it is silenced. A powerful drug cartel and mysterious government agents are involved in the cover-up.

Next we travel across time zones and calendars to Washington D.C. to the Supreme Court which appears to have a criminal sitting on their court. The justices are deciding whether to hear an appeal from Sarah Woodruff on death row in Oregon who has been convicted of murdering her ex-boyfriend John Finley (that boat captain who stole the drug money).One Supreme Court judge resigns and another is nearly murdered. There appears to be some connection to the Sarah Woodruff appeal.

One of the clerks of the court, Brad Miller teams up with three other characters from “Executive Privilege” to secretly investigate and they once again turn over a rock to find government agencies hiding underneath. Dana Cutler, Keith Evans and even Miller’s girlfriend Ginny return to find out who is hiding what and bring them to justice.

“Supreme Justice” picks up where “Executive Privilege” left off and Margolin has once again convinced me that there are shady politicians and crooked agents everywhere. Since the government is still running those corrupt black ops, I wonder if I could get a little help from a rogue agent to track down the guys who keep offering to find me a date on Singles Net. I’m pretty sure that’s a black op too.

Finn's House

Finn behind bars - one of three baby gates to keep the boy on the inside. When Finn arrived the entire house became his. Every room is now filled with his stuff and all adults must adapt. Including to going through gates to exit the livingroom.

His very own recliner. Some people call it a jumperoo or whatever, but Finn just lays back and relaxes when he needs a bit of a rest. This is only one of many pieces of personal baby furniture in his house. A new highchair is in the background.

This sweet baby boy has a very cute bed in his very own bedroom. His nursery is actually the larger of the 2 bedrooms since he has a lot of stuff to put in there.Evidence that he does sleep sometimes.

Finn has his very own counter space reserved full-time in his kitchen. Bottle warmer (which I love!)His own clean dishes,binkies,etc.wash and dry area and the cereal measuring station take up almost half the available space.

In theory Finn is supposed to stay on his king size blanket which covers the living room floor and is filled with wonderful toys. In reality he immediately army crawls off to investigate dangerous items like the back of a chair or an electrical chord.

Finn likes to use his personal keyboard which his parents provided to keep him busy while they are working on the one that is actually hooked up to the computer.

Sometimes Less is just...less

Serving on the museum board is wonderful. One of my assignments is to "advise" the volunteer guild. They held their first-ever Princess Tea in the sculpture garden this week and a shocking number of people bought tickets - 150 princesses and escorts would be arriving Saturday morning. The food was perfect, the entertainment wonderful, activities, and a professional photo to take home included. But as the guild discussed their decorations I realized they were going for the Less is More approach. On the way home I thought about all those pretty princesses and decided to take matters into my own hands! I loaded up the wedding decorations which included tulle, netting, bows, silver lanterns,garlands, flowers etc. and accompanied by my Knight in Shining Armor (Mark of course) arrived an hour earlier and decorated the gate, the entrance, and the loggia where the girls would be doing their fashion show.It was beautiful. Instead of dressing up as a princess, I dressed as a serving wench.

The Disney princesses were well represented.

A few of the royal guests arriving - there were about 150.

The serving wench closing the garden gate at the end of the party