Yesterday I had a bad day.  I won’t get into details, but it did involve me breaking into tears – at my office, of all places!  Sigh.

However, today I think I discovered one of the best ways to start the day after a bad day:  visit a third grade classroom when the students are celebrating their mastery of English letters and having a “Letter Party.”

The translator at my office doubles as an English teacher in the mornings and asked another volunteer and me to attend as "special guests."

Each child was instructed to draw and decorate the letters of their first name and bring it to school the next day.  Sandro’s was my favorite…

The S's are wearing sombreros!

…but Tato’s was a close second.

T is for Tato and teddy bears!

The class voted on their favorites and each winner was given a book (courtesy of our local American Corner).

"Ana Hunts for Nuts" - yes, some of the beginner books are a little odd...

We gave the kids candy, played a game and sang the ABCs.  They were thrilled, and so proud of their letters!  I, too, enjoyed my first Letter Party – I don’t think anyone could have resisted the adorableness if they tried.