Kerlandy's birthday - something worth celebrating

On Christmas Day 2011 my oldest brother and his wife brought home Kerby and Kerlandy - a brother & sister duo from Haiti - to join our family in a permanent way. Christmas 2011

Their mom died in a tap tap accident (Haiti taxi bus) and their dad struggled to balance work and raising the kids. So they ended up in an orphanage. Their older brother is still in Haiti. They actually still talk to him regularly on the phone. Haitians are pretty big on cell phones. Odd, I know. Seeing as how it's the poorest country in the world. But anywho. 

A couple weeks ago Kerlandy celebrated her 9th birthday here in the good ole U S of A. It was her first birthday with our family. And her first birthday party EVER. 
She had a blast. 

Kerlandy 

9 year old diva

hot dog roasting over an open campfire - oh yeah!

The kiddos painted pumpkins

it was a boys vs girls thing

 serious competition here

As it turned out, the impartial judge chose Kerlandy's pumpkin as the winner for the girls. It really wasn't rigged. She jumped for joy... literally

We laughed when Kerlandy was tying the balloon around her waist and told her she looked like she had grown a tail 

My dad (to the gkids "Pa Pa") was in revival in Georgia so he didn't get to be there for the party. Actually, Michelle's parents were also out of town. :-( 
But we partied on. 

Be careful Phil - 

my twin greatsomethings/your kids are inside your wife's tummy! 

The birthday girl had a banner and a sorta stage for her gift opening up on the porch

When Kerlandy opened this Barbie, Kerby yelled out That's Tiana (the Barbie's name). And we all laughed.  

Caleb participated via Face Time... since he's away doing his Army thang

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Kerlandy...

Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's to many many more birthday celebrations with this sweet little girl! xoxo