Eliza's 11th B-day

Eliza turns 11 on February 4th. Just a couple weeks after she returns home to Ukraine.
So we wanted to celebrate her birthday with her and we had an inpromptu party for her today.

It started with breakfast in bed in the kitchen. (We didn't make it to her room before she came down and when we all tried to rush her back to bed her still-sleepy self was alittle confused). 

A good-morning birthday gift!

Paige shared her cuddle bear with her.
(Eliza had shown interest in it the day before)

EXPLOSION ART!

We had already made plans for Uncle Josh and Aunt Lisa to come for dinner. 

So when talks began to have Eliza's birthday, she asked if we could have it while they were here.

She must have asked me 1000 times that day when they would be arriving!!!!

Paigey having fun with Aunt Lisa!

The birthday girl!!

She blew all the candles out before we had finished singing. 

We lit them again and had another go...

Steve tries to hold her back!

And now...

The kids playing "Hot Lava" with Uncle Josh!

Alona and Aunt Lisa talk on the iPad about teen life and God's love.

We also had the privilege of hosting one of the Ukrainian Chaperons that came over with the kids.

Olga has been staying in Holt, Michigan and she joined us for dinner. 

She has wonderful English and we had a lovely time with her!

Eliza was just a little bit excited and grateful for the gift Jake gave her!!

Soccer wrist bands!! Yah, baby!

She was so excited she was squeezing Paigey with thanks before she even opened the gift! :)

And...Connor gets the tackle "thank you" hug!

Here she is all "looted up" in her soccer garb!

And from Mom & Dad...

And the thank you tackle for Dad!!!!

YES!!! This is Eliza picking Josh up with the strength of her legs!!

The girls is ROCK SOLID!

Lisa gives it a try with Steve! (ha!)

It was a great night, with great friends!