A Whole Hand

Grace turned FIVE this week. Five years old! And on top of that, she's about to lose her first tooth. I'm telling you, the loose tooth has gotten to Kevin and me more than her turning five. Is she really old enough to be hitting these kinds of milestones? It still feels like only yesterday she was a toddler running around. Grace has changed so much this year, especially in the last 6 months. We've seen much growth physically, (she grew 2 inches in 2 months!) spiritually, and mentally. She is inquisitive, smart as a whip, and a great big sister. We celebrated two days early with a little party on Saturday. We began the day by letting her open something she's been wanting for at least 6 months, a scooter. I've never seen her happier about a present before. I think the 6-month wait was good for her. She has been permanently attached to this thing all week! Since we are still new to town, I had no idea who we would celebrate Grace's birthday with this year. We invited 4 little kids, one of whom couldn't make it and one who had to be late. But then one of my friends asked if she could bring along some kids she teaches and I said, "You bet!" One thing about Grace is she loves meeting new people. And she loves a good party. She's my social butterfly. The thought of having new friends she'd never met before really excited her. When I explained to her that most of the kids probably wouldn't bring gifts and that we had already opened her gifts earlier in the day, she was totally fine with that. I was so proud of her. She just wanted friends there to celebrate with!

Here's Trinity with a few cupcakes, san icing. Our local friends typically don't like sweets that are over-sweet, especially icing. Trinity had been sick for a few days prior to the party, and I was prepared to have the party outside if needed. I didn't want to expose anybody if I thought she was still sick. Trinity woke up Saturday morning feeling great, so we had the party inside. Unfortunately, she got really sick again that afternoon and stayed sick for a few more days. I guess she just wanted to be well for the party!

We started off our time coloring, to break the ice. These kids colored diligently and with such great care that I had to finally move them on to another activity before they were finished.

This little cutie wanted to wear his formal attire for the party. He's a friend Grace and Trinity have enjoyed playing with in the evenings at our apartment complex.

And who doesn't love a little Pin the Tail on Bullseye?

Grace wanted a Jessie cake this year. Let's just say PTL for edible cake toppers which can be ordered online. This cake topper was mailed to my mother-in-law, who mailed it to our previous city, which we also moved 800 miles to our new city. Oh the things we do for our kids! :) Grace loved it, though. Can you see that huge, hideous candle? A friend gave it to me sort of as a gag gift (it lights up huge, opens, and plays music forever). Grace saw it, loved it and wanted it on her Jessie cake.

The party really got hopping when we played a balloon game.

And the favorite seemed to be the Wii! Grace was so excited because she beat a big 9 year old boy at Wii boxing. (Have I mentioned this girl is competitive!?)

• Here's most of the crew, minus 2 kids. I have to say, this might sounds trivial but I was extremely thankful and felt like the Lord himself sent these kids here for Grace's birthday. A few months ago, when we discovered we were moving, my initial reaction as a mom was to worry about more transition for my kids. Then the next day I heard a woman speak who raised kids overseas. She said the Lord has put our entire families together and it's not a surprise to Him that our children live overseas, too. He knows their needs and their little personalities. This sounds so basic but it was freeing for me and it hit me right where I was at the time. For Grace, it was important for her to have some little kids to celebrate with. And she ended the day by saying things like, "this was the best birthday party I've ever had" and "I wish this day would never end."
• At the end of the day, we were trying to encourage Grace and tell her the ways we have observed growth in her this year. We also told her how proud we are to have her as our daughter. Then she asked, "Are you also proud that I can beat a 9 year old boy at wii boxing?" Love you, big girl.

look who came to town

Our first house guests came to town last week! The O family had a trip planned to our province and came a couple of days early (and a few hours west) to come see us. We were so excited to see them and grateful they made the time to come. We made our way to a few of our fun spots in town. Here are the kids at Old Town.

I loved this picture of these two.

The day we went to Old Town was also Dragon Boat Festival, so there was a carnival atmosphere in the air.

Notice all the people gathered around to watch the foreigner kid in the boat. She was the only kid in the water at the time.

We also went to a local park. Betcha didn't know we have our very own "cruise services."

Please don't be jealous of our cruise ships. Here's the boys' boat.

And my dear friend hanging out in the girls' boat.

with Miss H at the wheel.

Thanks for taking the time to come see us, O family! We are sad this goodbye will be longer than the last one. Until next time...

I've started grabbing my camera again now that the boxes are unpacked

The move to CX went smoother than we could have imagined. Thankful. So, so thankful. The O fam kept our girls the night before our move so Kevin and I could get up early and meet the movers by 7 am. We were completely loaded by 10:30! Originally I thought we were moving 600 miles away, but it was actually more like 800 miles. The guys moving our stuff drove all night and were at our new house by 8:30 the next morning. We could NOT believe it! They were so tired that they didn't want to unload, so they sub-contracted with some of our security guards at our new complex. Not a bad idea. Our furniture took some major hits and bumps on the journey but we were grateful it all arrived. The last 2 weeks have been full of unpacking, settling, being sick, meeting new people, and Kevin traveling. It's been a whirlwind. But this past week we had 2 occasions to get out with the girls and enjoy some sites around town. Our apartment complex has lots of beautiful flowering trees. Let me just say that this picture of Grace below scares me a little. Where did she learn to pose like that?

And Trinity? She's all about accessories right now. Sometimes she even steals some of mine.

We took the girls to "Old Town," the touristy part of our new city. It has lots of restaurants, some rides, games, and shops.

And I like the architecture.

We ate at the Y minority restaurant, and it was a hit with my girls since everyone sits at a kid-sized table with little stools. Grace and Trinity both loved the "gan ba," which is dried beef.

There's also a man who sets up every night and makes various animals out of caramel. Here are the girls waiting for their butterfly they got to share.

They loved it!

Actually, it took all four of us to finish it.

Old Town at night

And on Saturday we went to the local park. We missed parks when we lived in CZ, so this has been a welcome find.

There are even a few swings! Granted they are way too high off the ground and have concrete below, but we'll take them!

Grace, again with the posing. She does this all on her own!

Grace had fun doing some painting. There's also a small bird and flower market attached where you can stare at all kinds of cute animals. We have already puppy-sat for a friend a few times this month, and let me tell you seeing my girls with puppies really makes me want one! But the practical side in me says, "no way!" At least not for now.

Because that same night I cut a few inches off of Grace's hair, and because she was so excited about having "shorter hair," I had to take a picture.

We are settling in well and are thankful for this new city! The girls and I have spent hours outside each day because the weather here really is great for doing so. And the girls have dug right in to play with local kids. That's been fun. We have a guest bedroom, so come visit! Two nights ago Grace and Trinity started sharing a room. THAT'S been funny to listen to. Mostly it's been Trinity yelling, "Grace?! Graaaaace! We go to sleep!?" Grace is learning that if she doesn't talk back to her sister, she won't keep bugging her. It's been going well so far! I hope as they grow up sharing a room they can talk and giggle and share hearts.

What I'll miss

the unique beauty of this province Chillin' in 3-wheeled vehicles

Living close enough to cousins that they can drop on down for a visit

Getting to watch this tiny cutie-pie get bigger

Community with these amazing folks

friends who love our girls enough to always pretend to lose at strength competitions

fun and crazy friends who know how to make us laugh

friends we've spent holidays with

friends who after 3 years feel more like family than friends... Thank you O family for sharing your lives with us, for letting us learn from you and with you, for your friendship, and for your servants' hearts. Thank you for keeping us sane, for seeing us at our worst and still loving us, for giving us a great example in how you parent your kids, and for just being your wonderful selves. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. We will miss you more than you know.

Tonight, I'm a bit melancholy but also extremely thankful for this season in our lives.

• Our big move is on Friday. Lord willing, we'll catch you on the flip side in our new town.

didn't want to miss this

An event we didn't want to miss before moving was the wedding of our sweet friends. Yesterday, they became husband and wife! Actually, in the eyes of the gov't here they were married the moment they registered for their marriage license, but yesterday it became official before God! Here's the bride getting ready for the day. And here's her bouquet, made by my friend Jill! Apparently, Jill went to youtube to find out how to make a bridal bouquet, and voila! Here it is. I thought she did an amazing job.

At the hotel, the groom waited for his bride. Here's his first glimpse of her...

And they are on their way!

It's customary to dress up the bridal car for the couple to drive to the wedding together. Do you recognize that driver?!

The venue

Typically, weddings here only includes a big feast, since the couple is considered married when they register. Most folks don't have the traditional ceremony as we envision, but our friends wanted to be able to share about the Hope that they have and included scripture reading, vows, and music in the ceremony.

Hannah sang at the wedding and did a beautiful job! Her mom and dad also sang and emceed the entire wedding. The O family wore many hats that day!

Just married

There were many wonderful, normal guests there...

and a few crazies, too.

Congratulations, dear friends!!