I'm sorry this is a few days late. We celebrated on time, but between the busyness and fun of that and my working nearly full-time until our other lab lady returns from Australia, I just haven't had the time or energy to post. (And check out the birthday cakes - pretty sad decorating! But when kids ask for a puppy and kitty cake and a superhero cake, what's a too-busy, non-crafty mom gonna do?? )
We had a fun hotdog and marshmallow roast - the kids' idea! - with all the kids in their class who could make it, plus a few more. It was "exciting," as Marcie said. :) It was also really special that a full brilliant rainbow stretched across the sky behind our yard, especially when Gavin prayed and thanked God for their lives. Seth had run to me immediately beforehand, and he had his head on my shoulder and his arms and legs wrapped around me. I'm SO GRATEFUL God saved all five little lives and has sustained both them and us in every way, and that we are all thriving here on the mission field! In fact, Gavin and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary yesterday. (Actually, we celebrated in June and just remembered it yesterday with gratitude!) :)
Thanks to Jo Anne at our Printshop here for the pictures on the birthday cakes!:
 |
| Gracie is at 12 o'clock; Will standing |
 |
| Gavin, Gracie, Will and Seth with another little girl at Seth's feet |
 |
| Marcie having fun with Gracie's new bubble wand |
 |
| Trampoline balloon games |
Two treasures at the end of the rainbow! They chose their shirts to match each other. They say "Sisters Make the Best Friends" - isn't that sweet!?
And because Aunt Karen is back in our lives (she's the one who brought her camera and took ALL of these photos!), here are some bonus pics of the kids doing reading and playing outside at her house:
 |
| Karen's sweet daughter, carrying on the tradition of the older siblings who have loved on our kids and blessed us HUGELY! (We still miss you, Walter and Victoria!) |
 |
| Their best PNG friends, Manuel and Sinai |
 |
| David with his LEGO shooter present |
 |
| Gracie with her new "Fingerling," a birthday present |
