5 years old!

My tiny baby girl celebrated her fifth birthday this week. I know every parent says it, but how can she be 5!!??

Here she is before the party. 

This year, we decided to host about 9 little girls at home for a "heart birthday party." L is just like her mama in that she loves hearts. We started off the party with beach ball coloring.

 

This activity did not occupy the girls as long as I expected. Soon they were off wreaking havoc in her room.

They enjoyed the little heart cakes I made. 

 We had a bakery cake for the parents, which I prefer not to show since it has her full name. It was quite lovely.

And here she is on the actual day of her birthday, about to open some wonderful presents from family. Thank you, all!

It was a nice, typical, American birthday. I wonder what the two Dominican moms who attended thought- parties are much bigger affairs here. But it was just the right size for us.

Happy birthday, precious girl! How did you grow so fast!?

Senseless loss

Our small State Department world is reeling from the news that Foreign Service officer Anne Smedinghoff, only 25 years old, was killed along with Department of Defense, civilian, and Afghan colleagues in an attack in Afghanistan yesterday. Secretary Kerry's remarks are here. This loss hits particularly close to home, as Anne served her first tour in Caracas and many of my friends know her personally. I am grieving for Anne's family and friends today.