I read your explanation in the challenge thread, I thought I came give my opinion as the page is absolutely gorgeous, love that there are numerous relations and you explained well, I honestly don;'t think Robin is being pushy as to completely follow instructions to the T, as a many countries family, I can understand well what you did, you also produced an amazingly happy page that I rather have , love your choices of patterns, the colors popping but still clean lines, gorgeous take on the template...all around love your take on the challenge, I think it was good that you didn't stick to the plain ones!!!!!!
Agree with Cynthia- the instructions are 'loose' and up to your interpretation so I agree that your explanations pulled it all together- and made a beautiful layout! Thanks for playing along with our Parade of Nations!