Our very special big girl turned 4 years old yesterday. This was an event that she was anticipating with great excitement for about six months now. She could not wait for November 27th to roll around, and when it did she didn’t even know it. As per her request a few weeks ago, we organized a surprise party for Arias, on our boat, inviting all of our cruiser friends to join us in the fun.
While she was being entertained by friends on a neighboring boat, making a birthday cake that she didn’t know was meant for her, we were scrambling around making mermaid themed decorations and snack food for all of our guests. Everyone arrived promptly at 3pm, which for living in a tropical country it is rare that anything starts on time, but we managed. A few minutes later we heard the neighbours dinghy start up and everyone went down below to hide. She had the expected reaction when everyone yelled surprise, excited then shy, then happy when she realized it was for her. It was wonderful having all of our cruising buddies crammed into our boat to celebrate our baby, especially at a time when everyone is busy prepping for an eminent sailing departure. Arias was spoiled with gifts, two cakes, and lots of love. She had a blast playing with all the balloons and her new doll, taking turns monopolizing each of our guests, one at a time, to bask in their attention. Both her and Ellia had their sugar-energy cranked to high.
Our monkey has grown up on the boat, being on board for three years now, with a few short breaks here and there. She has taken the live aboard life as her norm and thinks nothing of it, embracing the adventure and wonder of it all. She delights in catching critters and playing on deck, checking in with all her boat buddies, and playing with all her toys. She is an amazingly intelligent and sassy child whom we adore. And no, I cannot believe our baby is already 4.
mermaid themed decorations
art a la Eben
Ellia ate all of the black olives on the tray
when the wind blows all your candles out, you blow out the lighter
ellia trying out some of Arias’ birthday presents (the shirt)
Oh man! This is so awesome. What a wonderful party you put together for her. I'm so glad her friends could be there even though I can't. I'm all choked up reading about her party and thinkin of my beautiful little "baby" niece. The one I held while she was sleeping, only hours old. A situation I took advantage of and made her sing the Alleluia chorus to all our enjoyment 🙂 And now she's 4!!! I miss her. I love her. and I love her some more. Auntie Jaa xox
I know I still remember the day of the alleluia like it was yesterday, and four years later, bam, she' setting old, I'm getting old, my baby has an attitude, what the…it was a lot of fun but we sure did miss having that crazy aunty Jaa around. Xoxo
Nice Job! I love the food… WOW… you guys rock and we love living vicariously through your blogs and Facebook posts. Thanks for staying connected. I am glad you are a self proclaimed screen addict… It helps this Aunt stay connected with my beautiful adventurous family. Love You all! Carol Brent and Carter
I like that "self proclaimed screen addict" I might have to rename the blog! Glad to stay connected, all the comments from friends and family also help us not feel so far away. Xoxo
Oh man! This is so awesome. What a wonderful party you put together for her. I'm so glad her friends could be there even though I can't. I'm all choked up reading about her party and thinkin of my beautiful little "baby" niece. The one I held while she was sleeping, only hours old. A situation I took advantage of and made her sing the Alleluia chorus to all our enjoyment 🙂
And now she's 4!!! I miss her. I love her. and I love her some more.
Auntie Jaa xox
I know I still remember the day of the alleluia like it was yesterday, and four years later, bam, she' setting old, I'm getting old, my baby has an attitude, what the…it was a lot of fun but we sure did miss having that crazy aunty Jaa around. Xoxo
Nice Job! I love the food… WOW… you guys rock and we love living vicariously through your blogs and Facebook posts. Thanks for staying connected. I am glad you are a self proclaimed screen addict… It helps this Aunt stay connected with my beautiful adventurous family.
Love You all! Carol Brent and Carter
I like that "self proclaimed screen addict" I might have to rename the blog! Glad to stay connected, all the comments from friends and family also help us not feel so far away. Xoxo