My 61st I mean 16th birthday!!

 I have been joking with people that I am turning 61 (instead of 16;-). For some "odd reason" they

always look at me with disbelief on their faces.:-) I just tell them they both have 6 and 1, what is the difference? Any way, I had a great birthday, which we actually celebrated on Friday, due to Saturday and Sunday being so busy.
  
     I knew that Sara and Emily were coming over on Friday to spend the weekend, but I didn't know what else mom had planned for Friday; after picking up Sara and Mrs. Halstead, mom then told me, we were going to Thika Road Mall for cake and cappuccinos. We met Emily and Mr. Halstead there, and first got our cappuccinos. (Mr. Halstead decided to leave us "boring" girls, though :-) After shopping, getting our pieces of cake, (I had blueberry cheese cake, and was given a "free" piece of cake), and just having fun, we went home.

     That night I opened all my presents, and heartily enjoyed my first piece of salmon in four years!!!:-) (I love salmon, but unfortunately get it only in America, when on furlough; It is very expensive here,and I am glad mom and dad splurged and bought it for me:-)

Yesterday, (Sunday, and my real birthday) I stood in front of the church while everyone sang me "Happy Birthday", oh, and I can't forget, I got a lollipop.:-)(it's a tradition for Lighthouse Baptist to give every birthday person a lollipop) We ended the day with blueberry ice cream and brownies!!!

Thank you to everyone who made my birthday special, and thanks for all the cards, emails, and birthday wishes I got! I enjoyed getting them.:-)
By - Ashlyn Elaine

In America I would be getting my driver's license (which I will be getting next year, on furlough),  but here in Kenya you have to be eighteen. So, I was just joking when I got this picture taken by this car. :-) (Notice the keys in my hand....they are mom's car keys:-)

Where we got our cake!!

Enjoying our pieces of cake.

Mom, Sara, me, Emily, and Mrs. Halstead waiting for our cappuccinos.

Opening presents, and pics of some of the presents I got.

I love zebras, zebra print, and anything to do with zebras, and I love collecting little zebras, so here is one, added to my collection. 

Emily made me a bookmark. (Love Suzy's face behind me:-)

My parents gave me an Africa shaped necklace....I love it!!

Suzy carved me a little purple heart, and also gave me a bunch of candy.

Notice the Halsteads "birthday" card to me....it says with sympathy?:-) You can't see inside but it says, something like, through trials and hard times, we are praying for you.   ( It's an inside joke they tease me about.)