Chaya Turns 8

Chaya's Birthday last year was such a hit that the gang decided to have a repeat party.  John Hardy's friend Seth has a birthday only three days after Chaya, so each year they have decided to have a joint "pool party".  I use the term loosely because it has a bit of a different meaning here.  Between our two families we have a blow up pool and two horse troughs (originally intended to be used as bathtubs) that we fill with water on the slippery tile veranda and turn on the hose.  Thankfully the Schrader family has a well and water spiket on their property, without which this would never be possible.  Swimming is not a regular past-time on the edge of the Sahara, and in most circumstances we would never waste so much water, but for our kids who have given up so much to be here, it is a special treat that we allow once a year.  Everyone had fun time, and this year we even played capture the flag with water balloons and took turns swinging at a homemade piñata.  We had burgers and fries and watched Shrek 3 before collapsing in our beds exhausted.  It was a memorable day, and a great way to celebrate another hot season too.  I love summer birthdays!

Happy Birthday Chaya!