Lots of celebrating!!!

Over the last couple weeks we've had several celebrations in our home.  There is so much to be thankful for . . . isn't it worth celebrating!  Though the effort of celebrations sometimes does dishwade me, I'm always glad I took the time, gave the energy and committed to celebrating.  The act of celebrating is an act of gratitude.  Really it is worship, as we celebrate the One who has given such good gifts; who has faithfully brought us this far!

In cultural form, we celebrated the finishing of first grade, and a little early birthday celebration, with some of Ethan's buddies and Osh. 

 

Elli was thrilled to have a little girl from Ethan's class come.  They painted finger nails and played on the pink scooter, before joining in on the water gun fight.  It's fun to watch Elli grow more and more confident in language and culture interaction, even when Ethan's not around!

Ethan's best friend at school!

Can you read the hat?  In English: "I'm Muslim." 

Celebrating the countdown until we get on the plane.  The anticipation itself has been so much fun.  And the family and friend time . . . less than a week now, and we can't wait!

The celebration of growing bigger and a new bike.  He was riding his other bike with his legs out to the side of the handle bars . . . the kid keeps growing.  Elli is also excited, as she inherits Ethan's old red bike.  She's already removed the stickers and is calling it a Strawberry Shortcake Bike.  It's all in the perspective!

 And an early birthday camp out with his best buds!  Even though they DESPERATELY wanted to, the little siblings didn't sleep in the tent that night.  Poor Ethan didn't sleep the whole night out there either; as he started throwing up with a stomach bug halfway through. 
 

Enjoying water guns sent by Gogo.  We saved them for end of school/birthday celebrations!

 

Enjoying smores!  Elias is giving a tasty review for Zeke, who didn't get to sample one.  

Fun special treats!

Friday several women friends came for a pizza party.  They came to celebrate with me the opportunity to travel and see my family.  They'll be back to celebrate my return, hear a full report and see pictures.  Though the timing wasn't ideal, I'm so grateful to have sweet friends who want to be a part of my life!