Happy Birthday Alexa!

Alexa turned 10 on July 5, and we spent two weeks celebrating this double-digit milestone!  The festivities started on June 23 with a party for her school friends that we hosted at home.  Alexa was happy that almost all of her classmates were able to come.  It was "a bit awkward" (for Alexa) at first when a car full of 7 boys was unloaded at our house.  But the girls arrived soon thereafter.  They kicked off the fun with some swimming and poolside horseplay.  One of the boys had the good sense to put away the water blasters after it got too rowdy.

Dewa and Putu helping us decorate for the party

We then enjoyed an interactive African drumming, dance and martial arts performance.

Nat and I had a great time hosting the parents, and Ibu Desak, one of Alexa's teachers, who decided to join us for dinner while the kids continued to play.  We enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Dayu Warung, a small place in Ubud owned by a lovely Balinese couple, featuring organic salads, satays and Indonesian food. 

The girls watched a movie and stayed over.  They evidently did not appreciate having "Mirror, Mirror" interrupted by this photo op.

Our two cakes -- one vanilla with mermaid decorations and the other with chocolate and caramel -- were a big hit!  

On July 5, our whole family was exhausted from a full day of July 4th festivities at our friends Wendy, Walker and Kyan's house, so we enjoyed a relaxing day at home and celebrated with a cake and a few gifts.

Charlotte delivered breakfast in bed

Lynn baked a delicious birthday cake

Charlotte's birthday card

We offered Alexa a choice of birthday activities the following day.  She opted for an overnight at a hotel on the beach down in Nusa Dua.  The highlight for Alexa was bike riding around the hotel property and along the beach.  Charlotte had fun with lawn chess and Kids Club activities such as water polo.   

Alexa had a big year, at home and in Bali.  Happy Birthday Alexa!

Posted by Lynn.  Photos by Nat, Lynn and Charlotte

Updated July 17th