Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Today (September 1) is Autumn's birthday. It is hard to believe that she is 3. She was so small when we came to China. The picture above is from the first day that we arrived in China. Actually, this picture was taken in the Korean airport right before we boarded our final flight. I remember her being so small that I was nervous about her climbing up the play area by herself. The picture below was taken in our first apartment during our first week there. Maybe this is how many of you remember her. :) In the days leading up to her 3rd birthday party, I was remembering how small she was when we left the states. I wanted her family to see how big she has really gotten. So, on Saturday we had her birthday party. We invited some Chinese friends, but we also set up the computer so that family from back home could be a part of the party. It was really special to feel like they were here.
She received more than enough presents, and we spent the day playing with all of them. And even though they were for Autumn, I think Isaac enjoyed them just as much. They both really like pretending to cook. Maybe they will grow up and teach me. ;) It is difficult sometimes to find good toys here, but there are a couple places where you can find them. I find that it is worth spending the extra money for good toys. If you don't spend the extra money, you will just be picking up all the broken pieces of the cheap toys within a week or so. REALLY!

All Autumn would tell me that she really wanted for her birthday was a Princess Cake. So, with some help from Nancy, Betty Crocker, a Chinese friend, and my husband...the cake was made. I couldn't find all of the ingredients here, but my Chinese friend helped me order what I needed from the internet. Nancy was my encourager...and Betty Crocker was my tutor and inspiration. Many people have said how creative I am....trust me....this came right off of the website. :)
Autumn did not see the cake beforehand. So, I had her unwrap a Barbie box (in which the above Barbie came in). When she opened the box, it was empty. I asked her where the princess might have gone. Finally, I brought the cake out of the refrigerator. She was very surprised...and her birthday wish had come true.
Isaac (he really does love her) is very blessed..and we are all blessed to have Autumn in our lives. She can be a handful at times, but we love everything about her. She is very outgoing, full of excitement, and a real comedian.

"Autumn, we love you very much. I hope that today is very special for you, and I pray that God will continue to bless us with your sweet presence for MANY more years to come. Happy birthday, our little princess!"