Kate Turns 9

Anna, Camilla and Kate prepare the party room - or Spa!

Gift bags prepared.

The spa begins with chocoate facials and home-made bath salts.

Joanne Ledgewood doing the toes.

Steve and Alex Ledgewood man the feet station - a huge hit.

Some girls just didn't want to move.

Camilla and her apple - what a great way to wash off the chocolate.

Gertine Brouwers paints the fingers.

Gabi and Kate at the facial station.

Cupcakes for all.

A kitty theme.

More cupcakes for school mates at Oak Hill.

Some ice skating too on her actual birthday.

Breakfast in bed.

Auntie Jenn here to celebrate the birthday.

The loot - a shirt from Auntie Jenna and roller blades from Grandma and Grandpa.

It is happening - the kids continue to grow-up. Our baby Kate turned 9 this week. It is her 6th birthday party celebrated outside the US. Her 4th birthday party in Dubai was one of our first big events. My how the time flies.

This year Kate decided to have a Spa Day birthday. Maria did a fantastic job of planning and getting organized, and friends Gertine Brouwers and Joanne Ledgerwood joined in the fun. We had stations for the feet, hands and faces. The kids loved it - Steve couldn't get some of the girls to stop soaking their feet in hot water and rose petals. Facials done with chocolate were a big hit. And, of course, Gertine and Joanne's exerptise on finger and toe painting gave the kids something to leave their spa experience with. Thank goodness we had Gertine and Joanne there - Steve is not an efficient painter of toe or finger nails!!

Kate was not pleased that her actual birthday was during the week, and even more unhappy that Steve would be on a business trip to Singapore. However, Auntie Jenn came to the rescue to help finish the birthday week.