Saturday, October 30, 2010

Big Birthday Month



We've been pretty busy this month celebrating everyone's birthday. Thomas turned 1 on the 5th, then Lilian turned 3 on the 27th. We were able to have little parties for both of them. We did a luncheon for Thomas's party with a Costa Rican theme (being that he is Costa Rican, after all!). I made a traditional party dish from Costa Rica called Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken).



Of course the kids had a great time playing (in the wagon, especially--it was a very novel item for everyone!)





And, we can't forget the cake. I made a yellow cake with a whipped topping in the shape of a Costa Rican flag with a number one. (It was a lot of fun for me!) We used strawberries and mulberries to make the stripes and outlines.


(The number one was made of cake, too.)


Then, for Lilian's party, she's been telling me that she wanted a Pink Princess Party. So, we started her birthday off with pink princess oatmeal--only way to start the day!


For her party, we invited a few of her little friends over. They all started by making their own princess crowns.


Even Thomas tried to get in on the crown-making action!


Then we had finger foods and drinks. I was so proud of the nationals! We had raw veges with Ranch dip, fruit with a cream cheese dip, deviled eggs, and banana bread. They tried everything! The nationals here eat meat, starch, and foods made from corn meal--that's about it! So, they were great sports to try our spread. I realized how big of a stretch it was for everyone when I heard a few of the moms talking about how they had never had raw broccoli before...


And, for the princess party, we brought down the castle. They all took turns playing the evil witches and princesses. It was great fun to watch!


And, Thomas even found a little friend to play with. He kept trying to sit in her lap and play with her hair.


And, Lilian and I made ice cream cake rolls (with pink ice cream, of coarse)!


So, all in all, I think the kids had a blast! And, although I had a good time too, I'm glad now that I can rest a little!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Thomas Turns ONE!

As hard as it is to believe, Thomas was born a year ago today! In his short one year, he's already lived in 2 countries and 3 different houses and started learning 3 languages. He's been perfecting his walking for 2 1/2 months already and is on a mission to climb everything in the house. So, in honor of Thomas, we made this video to say Happy Birthday. (Don't worry--everything in this video was supervised, although I can't say that about the first few times I found him on top of things!)



Please pray for Thomas today on his birthday. He has had a fever and some sort of sinus problem for a day and a half. The fever broke last night, but he's having trouble sleeping. Pray he can get some rest and that he will continue to improve.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Tigers and Tererere

Although we are pretty far from home, we still remember to wear our purple and gold on gameday to support our tigers. (We're still waiting for our internet to be fast enough to at least watch a game or two.) But, even if we don't get to see one this season, we'll at least look the part!


The game face (Watch out! Justin's been working with her on her tackling!):


Also, we've started drinking our Terere more often since it has finally started to warm up. Here is Lilian drinking with us one day.


And, Thomas loves his terere too! So, when we won't share with him, he gets his sister's kitchen toys and pretends. Pretty odd sight for a little American/Costa Rican baby, but probably not too uncommon around here!