two big birthdays !!!

Just wanted to share two treasured days with everyone. Today Ian celebrated his 34th birthday with a morning wake-up onboard the sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue. A bit bleary eyed from the night of less than blissful sleep amidst the constant roll and tug of the train he had completely forgotten it was his special day but I promptly reminded him. We enjoyed a bike stroll through the city and its sights while fending off the locals offering tours, boats, guides, and taxi's at every turn and then took in a sunset boat ride on the perfume river. We then proceeded on to a lavish dinner which constituted 3 of our usual meals in spending for whopping 15 dollar bill. I searched around town for birthday candles using my best version of charades with the local shop clerks before moving on to pictionary. The drawing proved a much better form of communication and I had candles in hand in no time. I secretly handed them off to the waiter but some how midway through the meal they made their way back to the table. We are not sure exactly why but despite a full dessert menu I believe he said he had none. We had a good giggle in our moment of perplexity and I guess Ian will have to invent a new way for a good luck wish this year.

And the other big birthday announcement is that of Stewart Love Lawson. Sandra gave birth on Feb 22nd to a healthy 8 pound, and the phrase all mothers relish in, quite beautiful little boy. Stewart is currently surrounded by both sets of grandparents and just returned home yesterday. I have attached a photo of stewart just moments after birth.

Both birthday boys would love to hear from you!!!!