The Masquerade

Last night was the most anticipated event. Alahna told me numerous times, "The masquerade is a dream come true." The team of women that were in charge of putting it together really out did themselves, paying attention to every detail to make it a night of refinement and elegance, and also lots of fun. I can't wait to see the pictures from the photographer with all those details.

 I have to explain David's suit.... One of the first things the girls talked about when they got their invitation was Daddy wearing the "baby blue". They have seen it hanging in his closet since they were little and have always wanted him to wear it. At first, I was completely against it, but as I realized how badly they wanted him to wear it and reminded myself that this night was for them, I acquiesced. Lucky for them their dad is a good sport and doesn't embarrass too easily. I just kept reminding myself, it's for the kids, it's for the kids. Hopefully, no one was offended by his seemingly silly attire.

 

We were able to find dresses that the girls loved and felt beautiful in at a thrift store. Grandma Petersen was an angel and made the boy's vests with some material she had. She then gave me the extra material so that I could make matching bow ties. The masks were our first artistic creation of the year. The kids and I spent hours on them and I think they turned out wonderfully. Each mask was designed by the wearer and is an original piece of art.

 Alahna was hoping for ultimate elegance. She got it. She was Princess Naprilina Victery Tilliana Isilli (Can you tell she is a fan of the Goose Girl?)

 If you look closely, you will notice that Robert's glasses are actually build into the mask using an old pair of lenses. That was Alahna's idea. He is Lord Geric of the house of Gryffin.

 Anna was looking for more of a battle mask. I think she achieved the look she wanted, she is the "Black Cat". Also notice that her and Alahna's masks have no string. They are glued to their faces using spirit gum. 

William's mask had a hard time staying on, but he looked absolutely adorable with it dangling around his neck. He was Sir William of the house of Hufflepuff. Yup, he still hasn't quite gotten over the Harry Potter theme.

 

 

 The girls were so excited to find some of their friends from last years Latin class!

After all the families had been formally announced we learned some Victorian dances. And Alahna had done a great job teaching Robert...oh, I mean Lord Geric...the appropriate way to escort his lady to the dance floor.  Now, if she could just teach him to keep his shirt tucked in...
 

 William was quite smitten with all the little girls in their dresses. I think he asked every single one of them to dance. Unfortunately, most of them said no, but it was probably one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

After some beautiful refreshments that were works of art in and of themselves (hopefully, someone else has pictures of them) we were privileged to have a performance by a classically trained pianist in our group. 

And this is the point of the night, where the children were addressed by the Scarlet Pimpernel and officially inducted into his league. Unfortunately, I have no pictures on my camera of that part of the evening. But believe me, it was amazing.

We seek truth here, we seek goodness there,

We seek beauty everywhere!

by these WE will judge, in these virtues excel. 

We're the league of the Scarlet Pimpernel!

(If you have seen the movie, you have to say this in the Sir Percy style!)