Anne's First Birthday

Anne celebrated her first birthday on July 1st.

We sang "Happy Birthday," and ate cake, (work for it) (try it) (love it) (seconds) (thirds) (can't get enough)!

We also blew bubbles, colored flags, hung out, played, and had a sidewalk chalk art competition that Alexis and Jensen won (grand prize, the shown matching patriotic hats). These stellar artists did a "Happy Birthday Anne On Land and Sea" (notice the mermaids) rendition. Very nice.

Not to detract from the guest of honor, but I would like to take this moment to introduce you to one of our favorite neighbors ... Joh-Sun Poh-Poh. That's a rough Cantonese romanization for "good morning maternal grandmother." This great lady lives down the street and tends her two grandsons. They walk by our home to and from school everyday and she's become a dear friend. We share garden treats and, since she doesn't speak a lick of English, she helps me brush up on my lacking language skills. Last week she was telling me a story about a neighbor in southern China who's 6 year old son got bit by a dog ... or maybe there were 6 dogs ...? Needless to say I left the conversation feeling like I did in high school Spanish class when we'd listen to audio recordings of Juan and Anita going to the market and then have to answer questions about what we overheard ... totally lost. Anyway, Anne and Ella love her. Just the other day Ella had a break down and when I asked her what she needed she said, "I want Joh-Sun Poh-Poh!"

Here's a picture of our happy family moments before yet another Ella breakdown that had us leaving Anne's party before most guests.

It's an emotional age:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE! WE LOVE YOU!