Birthdays!

Last week we had a great little pool party for Makai's 2nd birthday. After some fun in the pool under the hot sun, we had lunch and cake at our place with dear friends. It was so fun to celebrate Makai.... I just can't get enough of the cute conversations we have now, his rough and tumbly cuddles and his super giggly little personality. What a joy this little curly-haired silly boy is!

On his actual birthday, Makai woke up to a new marble racer game. He loves it!

And then we took him to Active Fun to run around, jump and throw balls with his kuya.

And a family lunch....

That evening, a friend from Peace Mennonite Church, Len Block, came for the night (and brought gifts from Gramma and Grandpa!) before his flight to Davao to meet with Peacebuilders Community, so we had him and Kuya Dann for dinner along with Reg (who's actually living with us now) and Fread (who lives with us half the week). Too bad I didn't take any photos.

Six days after Makai's birthday, it was time to celebrate me :) We had a fun pancake breakfast, lunch at PF Chang's and Peace Church in the evening. 

Darnell had a special sharing about hospitality and how central building community around "the table" is for Christ followers (Jesus spent 25% on his time eating with friends!). The theme of the evening was thankfulness and appreciation for the time and energy I put into feeding everyone (healthy) meals all the time and in so doing, creating an opportunity to share life together. I was touched by the affirmation of what sometimes feels to me like an insignificant ministry. We also had some good laughs about my (rather strict!) no cell phone rule at the table (I love that people affirm it though!!) and I felt blessed hearing how much our friends appreciate the way we include them in our regular family meals, a daily ritual that many in our circle have never experienced before. 

It has been a great week of celebrating! Thank you all for the warm wishes from near and far.