I'm 4!!

It's turning into quite a tradition of special vacation days. The three week 'winter' break culminating with a special birthday just for Irini. Normally this day would be celebrated in Greece followed by a post-birthday in Malaysia after our arrival, but this time we were based in Malaysia, so that's all Irini gets. Not that she worried about it, or seemed to care that there was just one rather than many. In truth, the birthday celebration was drawn out anyway...first there was that whole Christmas present opening thing (both in KL and in Singapore). Then there were the presents given by mom and dad, opened after waking up on the morning of her birthday. We talked to our family in Colombia and Sweden. Then there was a pool party with her friends and later she openend their presents. Add to that the arrival of Sammy and Erika's Christmas presents which were collected and opened that morning. Finally, after Scott and Rebecca returned from the US (yesterday) there were even more presents. Our girls have been showered with way too many exciting things that will entertain them for a long time~ we thank everyone for their generosity. They were all a big succes!

The only glitch, of course, was that silly insistence of everyone to sing happy birthday to Irini. Of course, though she loves singing it for others, having it sung to her is a big 'no no' and so it was that the extended family in Colombia and the visiting guests here all had to be told to 'not sing because I will cry'. Birthday wishes turned into a scattering of "happy birthday Irini" statements, and it worked much better, though for a brief moment there were some tears. Perhaps by next year we will perfect the procedure so that it's smiles all the way.

Happy birthday little beautiful one! You are, as you show in your pictures, four. We are sooooo happy to have shared it all with you and can't wait for more.