Birthday party action with some new friends

We were invited to a birthday party for one of Noah's new friends last night. We'd met the parents a couple times but had such a fun time getting to know them better. There were several other neighbors there as well ... some we had met, some we hadn't. It was a great time of fellowship and Light-shining!! Happy 9th birthday, Tarang!!

Games, pizza, and kids ... LOTS of kids!

The kids definitely dominated the floor space. The parents moved their living room furniture to the sides of the room (and even out to the balcony) so they could have all the room they needed for their romper room action!

We have grown to cherish time with our new friends. This is another neighbor who, along with his wife, has taken our family under their wings. They have been so helpful in our transition here. We are thankful to the Father for friends all around the world.

It doesn't matter where in this world you are, it's still HOT POTATO ... and it's STILL fun!!

The anticipation of the pillow landing in your lap when the music stops is almost too much! :)

A little twist that we'd never seen is that the person holding the pillow (or hot potato) when the music stops has to draw an "action" out of the jar and role play. Noah had to act like a teacher and received a grand round of applause! :)

....while Emma had to do a classical dance!!

And here's her classical dance with her daddy!!

This is the mother and little sister of the birthday boy. When she was caught with the hot potato, she, too, had to do some kind of dance. Still not too sure what kind of dance it was, but it was definitely entertaining!!

Emma made a new friend, too, and we were excited to find out that she is the younger sister of one of Noah's closest friends. There was also a teenage girl Elizabeth's age as well. The Father has shown us that if we would just be willing to step out of our comfort zone, He will lead us to those He has planned for us to meet.

Group picture time!!

Apparently it is tradition here that the honored birthday person gets icing creamed all over his or her face. The same thing happened to Elizabeth when we took her to Hard Rock last week. Lots of laughs over this one!!

One of the boys received a can of silly string as a prize. It was SUPPOSED to have been an outside "event", but he just couldn't wait!

Thank You, Father, for new friends ... and for knowing the plans You have for ALL Your children. Jeremiah 29:11