We went to our first Brazilian birthday party last night! It was for a little girl in Carter's class at school who was turning 3 (that should give you an idea of how much younger Carter is than everybody else at his school!). I have never, let me repeat, NEVER been to a party like this! It was like something you would see in the movies - think Billy Madison's parties after he passes each grade. (Let's just say Carter will not be having a party like, come June...) It was at the little girl's house in their side yard (I had no idea there were houses like this hidden in our little town). Everybody was dressed to the nines (which made our jeans look WAY too casual) and there were decorations galore - balloons, stuffed animals, pictures, props, favors, goodies, themed tables, etc. - photographers and videographers, and even an attendant when you entered to take and label your gift, haha. There were probably 200-300 people there, with the parents eating and visiting at round tables while the children played in the bounce house, ball pit, toddler playground, playhouse, and sand box (with hired childcare supervising). We were able to sit at a table with Carter's teachers (2 sisters) and it was great to visit with them and get to know them a little more :) Carter seemed to have a great time playing and it was fun for us to see him interact with other kids! (Well, he was mainly interested in the toy trucks and balls, but he played some with the other children, haha). We asked his teachers if he tends to play by himself or with others at school and they said others...the girls in his class! Things were going great until Nick pointed out he couldn't see Carter. We thought he was toward the back in the play house but as Nick went that direction, I headed toward the front...toward the pool. I could see Carter, through the crowd, heading for the water! (there was netting over the pool, but I could tell he was trying to get on it). I began running through the people but didn't get there in time - he took a couple steps out on the water and then fell causing a splash, and his little arms and legs to go through the netting. Another mom, bless her heart, dove after Carter as soon as it happened, pulling him back and I was by their side by the time she had him. He was crying and I think that poor mom was traumatized. I was just so grateful nothing worse had happened but at the same time absolutely mortified! This had happened in the middle of hundreds of adults....The mom of the party rushed me inside her house where her husband joined us as well. I was trying to apologize to them for causing such a scene and they were apologizing to me for it happening. She got us a towel and the dad kept insisting I change Carter into some of his daughter's clothes, haha. I told them it was really alright and we needed to be going anyway, as it was after 9pm. Aye yay yay, leave it to the Srokas...
Minus the fiasco at the end, it really was a great night and we'll just say the American's made quite a splash :)
I couldn't comment when I 1st read this. Knowing several TLH families that have lost a child to swimming pool accidents, the prospect is just too grave. As a life guard I'll share, when many are around, everyone assumes someone is watching but often no one actually is at a critical moment. Praise God for that wonderful lady. When you see her next, tell her Carter's grandmother in America says, You are a Hero :)
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