Birthday Gratitude

Here we are celebrating birthdays a million miles away from home. Yet, despite the distance, the beautiful notes from so many of you have made it feel like we are all continually connected. I am deeply grateful for the emails, the letters, and even the flowers that have been sent for my birthday. We had a beautiful day -- though pretty low-key as our little pumpkin woke up with a bad cold this morning. But even with a frog in her throat she woke me up singing Happy Birthday Mama -- it's enough to melt your heart (i wish i had a video)!! We started off with a wonderful breakfast of "bird's nest" (eggs fried in bread) and crepes; followed by a lovely walk in our neighbourhood. We explored the streets filled with vendors, and picked up some delicious treats. Later that afternoon we had a feast for lunch with fresh pasta and cakes that we had purchased at the market. When we bought the slices of cake Isabel promptly reminded Joshua that he must purchase candles for us to sing happy birthday -- so candles were purchased while she napped. Lots of good quality family time, and even some calls from afar. What a perfect day!! Thanks again to each of you for all the words you share... keep sending them along. Here is a little video of Isabel dancing/hopping in our living room/study...