Maya's 1st Birthday Party

Maya celebrated her first birthday a little bit early so that her best buddy, Ellianna Hetland, could be there before they moved to Malaysia. Robbie was the official photographer for the day and he did a great job! Very much appreciated! Here is the play-by-play...

Maya greets her guests

She was thrilled that so many people came!

Really, you all came for me?!!!!

Grilling burgers

Me frantically scurrying around the kitchen trying to get everything together! Thankfully, Widya helped a lot. Couldn't have done it without her!

Ellianna, Livvy, and Clara enjoy the kiddie pool

Naomi joined in for the fun

Dirga and Rudi playing with Maya

Uncle Mark prayed a blessing over Maya

We even got to skype with Eric, Shannon, and ALYOSHA!!! Our first time to see his face! What a great gift!

Everyone was so excited to meet Alyosha!

Smothering her with sunscreen

Not many American kids get to have pool parties in December!

Pure delight!

 

Safari Fun

Here are some pictures from Taman Safari. We had a great time there with the Hetlands!

Maya gets a good look at a lion

Deer and some other big animal

Maya rides her first elephant :)

She had such a good time she got to go for a second round

First family pic with a lion. Gotta love living here!

She knows no fear

Goodbye, Eric and Shannon

Goodbyes are tough! After spending almost two years in Java, our sweet friends Eric and Shannon left to pick up their baby boy in Africa and head back to America. We've known for a while now that the plan was to send them back home to America but we just didn't know when, because they were still waiting to receive a court date in Uganda. A little less than two weeks ago, the Hetlands, Evans, and us were all gathered at our house when Eric happened to check his email on his phone. It was such a gift to be able to all be together and celebrate with them that they'd FINALLY received their court date and were expected to be present in Uguanda in only TEN days! Nonetheless, it has been a crazy week full of packing, selling their things, hugs, tears, and gratefulness for the time we had together in Java. Jesus bless you, Eric, Shan, and Alyosha! So glad you're finally able to be a family!

Shopping at TP in Surabaya

These 2 have been friends for something like a decade

Buying some cute baby clothes for Alyosha!

Eric looks so tall next to all of us!

One last pic at the airport

Off to Africa!

We will miss you!!!

Ballet Class

Maya attended her first ballet class last week. Thanks to the Guild girls she was able to attend in perfect pink ballerina fashion.

How about that tutu?!

Here she is praising the Lord again :)

Daddy snapped a picture before we left

Here she is with some of the older, more experienced ballerinas

Someday soon she'll have some ballet slippers too

Praise the Lord!

Maya's latest accomplishment is that she will raise her hands up high whenever someone says, "Maya, praise the Lord". It's the cutest thing! Take a look: