a party for Lydia

The morning of her party day - she's looking so NINE years old to me!

It's good to have a sister.  Well, most of the time ;)

And one more pre-party picture.  She looks like me, huh?

And then the party guests came, ready to decorate cookies.  This was such a fun activity for a group of girls!

Butterflies, tulips, stars, hearts, and all those other fun girlie cookie shapes.

All of these girls have spent the majority of their lives in China - some we've known for years, others are newer friends.

And it was such a blessing to get to spend an afternoon with them celebrating our Lydia.

We had at least a dozen icing colors, and plenty of candy for toppings.

a sweet afternoon!

and the little brothers?  skillfully re-directed on an away-from-the-house outing by Matt, but returning in time to do a little cookie work of their own.

Happy birthday Lydia!