Happy 6th Birthday Peaches!

Hard to believe she's six.  The tiny, featherweight girl I held on the steps of Hannah's Hope in Addis Ababa 1.5 years ago has grown so much.  She's filled with smiles.  Filled with joy and warmth and energy.  The girl that I could easily toss high in the sky, now requires effort just to lift her into my arms.  What a year and a half it has been.  She's has grown into us and we have grown around her.  On a legal level, the inclusion of an orphan into a family happens with a simple decree from a judge.  But on a practical level, the inclusion of an orphan into a family happens with much time, patience, love, and selflessness.  It is a beautiful thing to watch.  It is a beautiful thing to be a part of.

For her 6th birthday, Peaches had some friends over.  It was a simple party that included musical chairs (all who stood nearby were forced into action by Peaches' mom), cake, presents, and playing outside.  Very normal things for any little girl in America.  Very different things for any little girl in an orphanage.  We are blessed to have her as part of our lives and thankful that we can share what God has blessed us with.  Not just the stuff, but the togetherness, family, and love.

Some pictures from the day.  Radiant, isn't she?

Sunshine and Peaches looking at her new Bible story book she received from Grandma and Grandpa.

 A GIANT coloring book with stickers!  Hours O' Fun!

 A new bike!  She has ridden one of her brother's old boy's bikes since she taught herself how to ride a bike last summer.  Never did it occur to her that she had been riding a boy's bike and never did it occur to her that she should have a pink bike.  Now she has one.  She was very excited!

 Off she goes!

 Determination!

 A fun time opening presents with a few of her friends.

 What must be going through her head?

 Love that glimmer in her eyes!

 Whoosh!  Out they go.

One happy group of girls ready for some sugar!