Happy 2nd birthday, Lena!

The Hamiltons are back in the U.S.!  Stories and pics from Lena's first overseas trip to Spain are coming soon!!

Turns out I'm not the only one who gets a birthday blog post this month.  Remembering last year's skydiving and other birthday craziness (links) can be fun and all, but we saved the most important birthday for last: Lena turning two years old!

A small gathering of friends and family showed up for Lena's early birthday party earlier this month.  The rainy week turned summery again just in time for us to move the party to our back yard.  If only our terrific Warner Pacific alumni barbecue had enjoyed that same perfect timing the night before!

Lena has picked up some confidence in the candle blowing-out department since her first birthday party (link) last September.

Of course, Lena's gift unwrapping skills have also improved markedly since last year...

...although her little friends Reagan, Jaron, and Sami were always ready to cheerfully assume the gift opening duties whenever Lena lost focus.

Yet the party raged on, so to speak.

This was the type of party that Kathy and I need to get used to.  Not just parties for adults, or for our teenage students.  Not just parties that are all about us.  We now celebrate something even better:  Lena, our precious gift from God!

Photo by Laura Meyer

Happy 2nd birthday, Lena!!

On her actual birthday, a sleepy 2 year old Lena looks ready for her nap.

Coming next week on Garth's Blog...

Camping and boating at Banks Lake, WA!

And then, this week's adventure...

Lena's first trip to Europe!!