evan, lindsay, nina, elena and esther

Ever since my family had a number of exchange students living with us, we've continued a tradition of singing happy birthday japanese-style. "Happy birsaday to you" It does sound a bit.... what's the word... offensive? But as my cousin Rosalie said, "I asked my Japanese friend. That's how they sing it in Japan." i can't argue with that. Not even on my birthday.

This year I got to celebrate my birthday three times, each time with food.

The first celebration was with delicious ethiopian food thanks to the wonderful Kokeb restaurant. They threw a great little party just for us. I got all the wot I could ever want. I embarrassed myself trying to dance ethiopian style. They put a crown and cape on me and fed me baklava with a candle in it.









Kaysi also wore the birthday crown for a bit

The second was more of a Kaysi-Lindsay joint family birthday party. We share our birthday - Nov 7th. It was mostly her party since I'd already had mine! Pictures from that great day:





Nina just wanted to play with and organize the paper plates.

The third celebration was a yummy dinner my mom made this past Sunday. I got to pick anything I wanted. I've been taunted and teased with simple beautiful dishes on that "French Food at Home" cooking show, so she made a few of their recipes. Including chocolate millieux (sp?). mmmm