Birthday Fun and Art Attack!

So aside from this week's earthquake event, it was a big week for the Neilson family because our one and only princess turned 9 YEARS OLD on Friday (the 13th)!!  Brenna was on school holiday still and did not want a big party this year.  Instead, she was thrilled to have her friend Lara come over for the day.  Lara and Brenna played all day and looked forward to Rox coming home to bake a cake and take Brenna to ger her ears pierced.  Unfortunately, the day went by too fast and by the time Rox arrived home and threw the cake in the oven, it was time to meet Lara's family for dinner.  We had a good 'ole American dinner at TGI Friday's - it was fun to hang out with some friends.

So Saturday rolled around and, after some morning commitments (more below), Rox and Brenna went over to the mall to do the infamous ear piercing.  It went off okay, though Brenna was a little more anxious this time after having done this once before.  In the end, she was thrilled.  Next it was over to 'Nails by Hansen' to get our nails painted, but they were too busy to fit us in.  We scheduled appointments for Sunday instead.  After that, we returned home to ice the cake and decorate it "Moshi style" at Brenna's request.  So Brenna's birthday was a little drawn out, but in the end she got everything she wanted (and more)!  Thanks to everyone for the gifts you sent.  We are still watching the mail for a few more packages we have been told are coming, so will let each of you know when they arrive!

Sunday afternoon we returned to the mall to get our nails done - a little "mommy/ daughter" pampering:-)  Brenna chose cute little bunnies...adorable and so inexpensive (RM67 or ~$22 US)

Earlier in the week, Brenna attended a batik painting workshop arranged by our friend Michelle.  Brenna had a great time at the studio and not only made a great piece, she also found a great place to hang out and buy exquisite original designs by the owner and other artists.  Can't wait to go check it out ourselves!  Here is Brenna's depiction of "Iggy" from Moshi Monsters (he's the character you see on the website who tries to swallow your mouse cursor).

Rox also got in on the art fun on Saturday morning by attending a class on paper quilling (or curling).  Our instructor had some really nice pieces to show and patiently guided a group of about 6 through the process of creating a beautiful butterfly.  The group was made up of 2 Americans (1 of whom has lived in Japan for over 20 years and just retired in Malaysia 1 year ago), a Malaysian lady who has lived abroad for many years, a Japanese couple with their 9 year old son (who also attends St. Christopher's School) and Michelle's 10-year old daughter Lois.  It was a fun group and lots of banter and chatter, especially when Becky (the American retiree) started speaking Japanese to the Japanese couple.  So amazing to hear it flowing freely, with no hesitation so unexpectedly!  Most of the group were able to complete not only the first piece, but also come up with their own designs.  It took me nearly 2 hours to do the first one (long nails are a hindrance!).  It was a lot of fun and I will definitely do this again.  Here's my work:

Not bad for a rookie and definitely something I will do again!

So that's it for now...will post about our trip to Borneo later this week so we can catch up!