baby's 1st birthday

christmas eve was nina's first birthday!  at 12:30, we were going to have a get-together at gloria jean's coffee.  personally, i've never heard of celebrating a child's birthday at a coffee house, but it just goes to show how integral coffee is to europeans!  


ben's back had been bothering him for a couple days, and he got a text from his assistant coach saying he needed to go to the trainer for treatment... at 12:30.  we decided that he would drop me off at gloria jean's and then head for treatment, and come back when he was done.


when i got there, i was the only person who's first language is english.  of the 7 of us, 3 were fluent in greek and 4 in serbian (one speaks both, and i can only pick out a few choice words in either).  i can't lie, it was pretty interesting trying to act interested in conversations that were only taking place with bits and pieces here and there that i could actually understand and contribute to!


finally, eboni, kevin, and irie showed up, so the problem dissipated as the conversations turned more towards english.  ben got back about an hour later, and the group of us spent hours in the shop while irie, nina, and semina (the 2 1/2 year old daughter of another couple that was there) colored on placemats, played with dora, and jumped up and down.  

tell me they aren't the cutest?? finally, we all decided it was time to head out.


at the end of the day, it wasn't quite the christmas eve i'm used to, but no complaints here for a great afternoon expanding my comfort zone and enjoying the company of our newfound friends!


...someday, i swear i'll learn greek.


xox k