Sophia's 4th Birthday!

Anyone who knows Sophia, knows that she LOVES birthdays!!!  Any party, in her mind, must have balloons, hats, cake, and blowers to be a legitimate party.  So this year we went all out.

October 1st is China's national day, so there is a nation-wide one week holiday.  It's great that Sophia's birthday will always fall on vacation time as long as we live in China.  Even though Sophia's birthday was on a Monday this year, she and Adam were both off from school.  Our good friends from Wenatchee and team mates, Trevor and Inga Kingsley, came Sunday night for a visit and then helped Monday morning to get ready for the party.  Trevor is tall, so he did an excellent job of hanging streamers, signs, and balloons. Inga was a huge help with decorating the cake (something I'm always afraid of) and preparing the food.  Also, our dear student from last year and friend, Lollipop, came for the party.  He actually came to our home Saturday and stayed until Monday.  I'll use photos with captions to explain the rest of the party.

For lunch we had bbq pork sandwiches, homemade applesauce, french fries, deviled eggs, and a veggie tray

Sitting at the table with Sophia is Lollipop

A lavender colored cake with princess stickers on spaghetti sticks (good idea Inga!) and candles galore!

Lollipop's mom spent countless hours making this sweater for Sophia.  On the back she knitted Sophia's name!!  This sweater is so special.  

This is Michelle.  Our student from '04-'06 and our dear, sweet friend.  She is studying for her master's degree in English Literature at a university here in Wuhan.

 Our very special friend Ron.  Again a student from '04-'06 and our friend who helps us take Elise to the hospital for her leg checkups because he is a 4th year medical student.  Ron is also our Brother!

Logan, Amber, and Lyla Parker.  Lyla is just one month younger than Elise.  They moved to Wuhan in July and work at Mr. Mai's Coffeehouse.  They live just a 15 minute walk from us. 

 Elise and Lyla eating lunch

Trevor & Inga Kingsley.  I was friends with Trevor and Inga when we were little kids in Wenatchee.  It's been fun to be reunited in China!  Sophia loved their gifts of a Hello Kitty umbrella  and a Minnie Mouse sweatshirt and matching skirt outfit! 

 L-R Kirk, Ryan, and Taylor.  These three guys teach at the No. 1 High School just down the street from our house.  They were sweet to come to Sophia's party!  She was super excited about their gifts of a puzzle, journal, pencils, and a candy watch all with the Disney Princess theme!

A gift from us of a princess castle tent!