;)
~ Peppermint Mocha Cake ~ We celebrated my birthday on April 9th this year because it was a national holiday here in Kenya - the inauguration of the new president, Uhuru Kenyatta. I woke up before the kids which makes a huge difference for some reason. Then Elijah (15 months) gave me the sign for potty which was unusual to say the least. "Why not?" I thought, so I put him on the toilet and he peed in the toilet! I'm certain it was a fluke but it was a wonderful present - or at least the hint of good things to come.
Two of our missionaries, Shara Cunningham, and Britt Anderson, came over to the house early to help with the cake and missionary Fred Reinhardt joined us just before lunch. We went out to lunch at ArtCafe and I enjoyed a cappuccino milkshake, chicken wings, and a pasta salad with feta cheese (ah, the luxuries of living in Nairobi). After lunch I went for my walk to keep my back in good shape and the girls finished the cake.
This year Krista (and the girls) made me a mocha cake with peppermint cream cheese frosting topped with shaved chocolate, crushed peppermints (candy canes), and chocolate covered espresso beans - inspired by my favorite drink, the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. It is absolutely delicious! A few presents, some particularly sweet moments with my boys (Josiah told me several times without prompting, "Happy Birthday, Papa!"), and a wonderful birthday draws to a close. Thank you all for the birthday wishes!
-Shauen