Eighteen...

Not quite 2 years ago, Ly came into our lives. She arrived a quiet, shy, barely 16 year old who spoke no English. Since then so very much has changed. She is now a fun, effervescent, happy go lucky 18 year old, ready to embrace life in the UK. Her English is now pretty good and she has a real spirit of adventure about her. It really can’t have been a very easy 2 years – so many new and strange things to learn – not least navigating school, college, work and now learning to drive. What’s amazed me is her spirit and bravery. And I'm really proud of her of for that. She has risen to all the challenges thrown at her and we love having her live with us as part of the family.

And as she turned 18 we celebrated with a party for all her friends – and honestly, what a lovely, lovely bunch of young people. So polite, well mannered, helpful and up for a good time. They were all a pleasure to host. We had a lot of fun. All the guests wore black (with the odd exception) and the birthday girl wore white. Lots of gorgeous food cooked by Ly and her friend, then a photo booth, games, karaoke and an amazing cake made by T. We all had a total blast! 

And then was her actual birthday with presents galore, a japanese meal and yes, more cake!

Happy 18th Birthday Ly!!

The birthday girl

The cooks

Gorgeous girls

The old timers

17 for dinner

Photo booth fun

Let the games begin...

Girl power!

Cake!!

Videoclip: 18th Birthday...

Or you can watch the video here