Sunday Snapshot: The Pool Party

After much waiting we celebrated Josh's birthday party this weekend in grand style. We had scheduled a pool party the weekend before his birthday (30 May) but the weather did not cooperate -- rain and a high of only 20°C (68°F). And the pool was freezing! Very unexpected weather for us in Suzhou in late May. So we decided to move it back a couple weeks due to availability. All last week, I anxiously watched the weather as it rained most of the week.

Then for the actual day of the party the forecast according the Chinese weather site: high of 30°C and cloudy. The English site: high of 27°C and rain. Actual weather: high of 29°C with sun that came out in the afternoon. I think next time I will believe the Chinese site!

We had such a great party. We swam for several hours, and after we were all too cold changed and enjoyed a BBQ.

Look at my three beautiful fish.

Becca and Andy played so hard in the pool that Andy had scratches on his back! Each time she would stand on his shoulders, she would scream when he first stood up.

The love of my life. He works so hard at his job that we often see the serious side to him. But at the party I also saw the crazy and ridiculous side that I  fell in love with. As he would jump into the pool countless times showing off belly and back flops, and played for hours with the kids, my heart sighed. I truly love this man.

Josh with his best buddy Matteo. We are going to be so sad when they move in a month. In fact, I am currently in a state of denial that it is happening.

Showing off their zaniest faces.

Are you taking my picture? AGAIN?
How is it that a look can say so much?

As I approached with the cake, Josh was really concerned that the wind had blown out one of the candles.
I am asking him: "Josh, please move the cups so I can put this down?"
"Mom, the candle. . . "
"Josh, do you see the cups? Can you move them?"
"Mom, that one isn't lit."
I could tell that I was fighting a losing battle and moved the cups myself.

He huffed and puffed and blew all the candles out.

At the beginning of opening the presents, the kids were spread out watching. But soon, . . .

they were drawn in like magnets. I think that China has helped us to get rid of any spacial boundaries that we have, don't you?

And through it all, my sweet boy was celebrated. Happy (delayed) birthday, Josh!