Maya is 12!

Maya had a wonderful 12th birthday sleepover. There was a total of 6 girls including Maya. Of course there was pizza for dinner (Domino's!) and the highlight was the Bon-bon cake. It was a two-tier "cake" made only of Maya's favorite candy! I ordered it from the candy store near the school. She loved it! The next morning for breakfast, Preston and I made a traditional American breakfast complete with pancakes, bacon and eggs. Thanks to Shelia, we had pancake mix and syrup from the states! Shelia comes to France every quarter for business and always brings us treats The most requested items have been honeybuns, wheat thins, pancake mix, syrup, lotion, hair products and most importantly, magazines!!!

Now one of my good friends called me crazy for having the sleepover, but honestly it was the easiest one yet. I was a little nervous because we live in an apartment on the 3rd floor. I made arrangements for John and Lauren to stay with friends, so I had 2 less to worry about. I am not sure if it is the age of the girls or what, but these girls played quietly! I guess they are used to living in close quarters and know how to play quietly. However, I have noticed that people in France are generally more quiet than people in the US. In the movie theaters, restaurants, even outside, we are the loudest every where we go! So I guess American sleepovers are louder too, because our 1st French one was not!

Maya is really maturing into a beautiful preteen. She has made some really good friends with very different backgrounds. Maya is doing a lot better with her french and is still a top student in school. We are working on getting her more outlets for her singing, but she always has a song in her heart and she continues to sing all the time. I am very excited about what God is doing in her life as I watch her grow.