This past weekend was a busy one as we celebrated three birthdays: Johnny’s, Hannah’s and mine.Some gifts came early through the mail – like these bagels Grandma Trudy sent for Hannah. (The puppy was NOT a gift – it belongs to the Bundys next door. Buddy is more than enough for us to deal with right now!)
Here’s MY favorite gift – Melissa ordered me in a bottle of Nyquil and I was finally able to kick my sinus infection. She didn’t intend it for my birthday, but it was certainly a welcome “treat”.
Before heading into the restaurant, we stopped next door at one of the two grocery stores that Melissa and I tend to frequent: Kokyaj. Johnny had never been inside and he and the other two took lots of pictures … of themselves posing in front of canned goods.I was looking for crackers but came upon a rare treat: cans of Dr. Pepper. I decided to buy one can as a surprise for Hannah and one to share at dinner with the three guys who (gasp!) had never even heard of Dr. Pepper before.
Thankfully, the young ladies didn’t stay up TOO late, so Saturday morning they were up early looking forward to some chocolate chip pancakes.If I remember correctly, snapping this pic was followed by these words: “Daddy! Don’t post that on Facebook or the blog!” (She never reads my blog.)
After breakfast, Grandma Trudy Skyped and that gave Hannah an excuse to open some presents so Grandma could be a part of the moment … from a distance.
Much of the rest of the morning was spent in crafting. Hannah was in such a good mood, she even allowed her little sister to participate as well.
These girls were serious about their crafts!
Then there was pizza (and one Dr. Pepper) for lunch.
And chocolate cupcakes!
Grandma Gross had sent money and a hairbow- and bracelet-making kit – all of which was a big hit.
That evening, the celebration continued with a dinner at the Heckmans’ house. Delicious food and great company! And more cupcakes.
On Sunday we spent the day at Cormier Plage, just on the other side of Cap Haitien. A gorgeous day at the beach.
The kids and I started our time with a bit of exploration of the rocks at the far end of the beach.
I got to spend quite a bit of time snorkeling – one of my favorite beachside activities. The highlight this time was finding a fist-sized octopus that I pestered for nearly 30 minutes. He was so mad he inked four times.For some reason, throughout the day we kept running into Cowman students – four total! Like Sarah’s little friend from 1st grade, Hannah.
Not to mention the Heckman family and the Weavers! Our kids were thrilled to get another meal in with Haylie and Ethan and Melissa and I enjoyed our adult time with Emily and Phil Heckman and Cheyenne and Ryan Weaver, who all work at Emmaus Biblical Seminary.
And homemade ICE CREAM!
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