In the Minho Skirt and the Gingham Apron

I have been meaning to let her try this on.  It is the regional folk clothing for the Minho (pronounced MEEN-YO) region of Northern Portugal.  I remember the beautiful Wednesday I bought it and the shop where it was purchased while my companion and I were visiting Viana do Castelo for a rare day of tourism.  I knew two very good women named Amelia while I was in Portugal, one in the first area in which I lived and one in the last area of my missionary service--though of completely different backgrounds they were both so kind and respectable.  I somehow knew I'd  have a daughter named Amelia and I knew she'd wear this.  

She very patiently waited for me to tie everything on--the skirt, apron, belt, shirt, vest and shawl--she sighed in contentment.  I was a little emotional.  It's like she was made for it, but it will fit better in a few years. As she briefly posed for these photos I thought about her eyes and how I've seen them in other photos of family members.  She shares her eye shape with me, her maternal grandmother Stephanie, her maternal great-grandfather Lawrence, her maternal great-grandfather Joseph who was half Portuguese from the Azore Islands.  I wonder what other things have been passed down that long chain to her.  

E was less excited about trying out another souvenir--a school apron made for little Portuguese boys.  I buttoned him in as quickly as I could and told him I wouldn't take it off until he had taken a photo in it.  He was a little amused by the pockets.  He has a slight obsession with feathers currently and stuck his latest find (and yes, we've already cleaned it with hot water and soap) into one pocket as I hurried to make sure his disconcerted brow made the shot.  His eyes are my favorite--though not Portuguese they are so expressive!