Happy Un-birthday to you

Caitlyn turned the Big 2 yrs old yesterday, November 18th 2008. However, because we are moving internationally, and the packers were coming a day later, her birthday celebration wasn't quite the norm. I did bring her to Parkway (the mall close by) and get her a dog balloon, at which she will screech with excitment every time she sees. You'd be amazed at the eagle eyesight a toddler can have for something they want! It's so cool, a helium balloon, on accordian style paper legs with a leash so you can pull it along and it "walks" like a real dog. Great idea! Unfortuantely, I couldn't get a picture of her with it, because Ethan enjoyed playing with it a bit too much, and it popped. :-( I also made her chocolate avocado pudding and strawberries - one of her favorites - but she slept through it, because she also caught a cold the same day! So I have decided to celebrate her birthday officially when we get to the states. I am a real traditions type girl, so I feel the need to celebrate her birthday the "right" way. You know, have a cake (or other favorite dessert) with candles, then she tries to blow them out and everyone sings "Happy Birthday"! So, who's up for a birthday party!!??

Farewell Camelot

This process of saying goodbye is not likely one I will ever forget. In this transient society, we so quickly make friends, friendships that most often become our family. Unfortunately, as quickly as we develope these relationships, we have to say goodbye. In our 4 1/2 yrs here, we have seen many families leave. We have had farewell parties, helped them clear out their pantries, and gone through the last days with them. It always felt odd, wanting to be happy for them , often going home, or another luxurious location, yet feeling sad to see them leave. Sometimes there was a bit of jealousy, wanting it to be you whose going home.

Now it's our turn! This is bittersweet as you can imagine. It's time for us to go home, and leave our friends behind. Those whom we have gathered around the Thanksgiving table, and spent Christmas with. Those who we've shared our joys and saddness with when missing our homeland. They have been with us throuhg thick and thin.

Our friends from Camelot had a farewell party for us on Sunday evening. All the children ran freely around the pool and ate tons of sweets and crisps, swimming and playing thier fvorite game of cops and robbers. Everyone asked about our new house and what it's like "back home" They spooke of how much they will miss us when we are gone. It's so hard to balance the emotions in this situation! We were blessed with great neighbors in Camelot!

Here arre some pics from the night............

Patsy and Wendy

The guys of Camelot

The Camelot Ladies

Beena and Wendy

All the children lining up for a peice of Erin's homemade cake

(this is after they've already decorated 2 of thier own cupcakes!)