Ieva turns TWO!

Tuesday, September 25th was Ieva's 2nd birthday, but this year the celebrations lasted for 4 days! They began on Sunday the 23rd with a fabulously crazy kid's party, hosted by Ieva's friend Charlotte who lives down the street from us. Charlotte's apartment was large enough to hold the 9 kids (all under the age of 7) who came. Her birthday poem invitation went along with this photo:

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom: My birthday’s almost here!
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom: It’s been another year!
I’m turning two and I’ve been told that even though it’s not that old,
I still can celebrate with friends and have a party that never ends!
So please come celebrate with me on Sunday, September twenty-three.
My good friend Charlotte is our host since her house can hold the most.
Her door code’s easy: x-x-9: and then you’ll be there right on time!
3:00, just up the stairs: Ramioji 8 – I’ll see you there!

More photos from her party:

The Queen of her table

Andrew & Ieva with Gina & Ema

Ieva & "baby Yarlotte"

Party Friends! l-r: Nike, Ema, Erik, Charlotte, Ieva, Heavenlee

Then on Tuesday - her actual birthday - we had a family celebration at home with Ieva, Mom & Dad and Grandma & Grandpa and opened a few presents together.

Busia & Papa (Ieva's Aunt Leslie's parents) sent this fabulous Noah's Ark!

The box Noah's Ark came in is almost as fun as the toy itself!

Then on Wednesday, September 26th, we had a special birthday dinner on the balcony for Ieva with Grandma & Grandpa, Rebecca & Pisey, Chad & Casey. Rebecca, Pisey, Casey & Chad are some of Ieva's favorite non-related adults! We always celebrate special Ieva-events with them since all but Chad have known her since her birth!Birthday dinner on the balcony!

Rebecca & Pisey gave Ieva this pretty Asian-style dress for her birthday!

Ieva & Uncle Casey

Thanks to the four days of celebrations, Ieva learned the phrases "birthday girl", "happy birthday to you" and when asked how old she is, she can now hold out 2 fingers & says proudly "two, two, two!" We're so thankful for all of Ieva's friends & family - far & near - who remembered her 2nd birthday!