Day 1-The Arabian Oasis

I was awake early, eager to plan an exciting day for us all.  I got online and researched hotels near the Grand Canyon for my birthday weekend.......all the while waiting for noise from the lioness den.

Naysia woke up about 9am.  She said that she and So-Yun talked just briefly and then she drifted back to sleep.

We waited.  And waited.  And waited for her to wake up.  Every time we checked on her she was sleeping hard.  Covers on, covers off, one foot out, on the pillow, then off.  Sensibly we know the time difference is rough~~but we wanted her awake so we could play!!!!! 

Finally about 3:30 pm she woke up.  We tossed some ideas around about what we could do with 2 hours of daylight with no luck.

The night before Badria, one of the Top 3, had invited us to her Sweet 16.  Naturally Naysia wanted to go to see her friend.  So-Yun also wanted to go because she would know someone there. 

Fun at Walgreens

About 6:30pm we left and went to Walgreens to get a birthday card and gift card for the birthday girl.  As we entered the store So-Yun's eyes were bright and she even cracked a smile.  She pulled her phone out and begin to take pictures.  Later I'll ask exactly what the excitement was about.  It's funny how our assumption is that Walgreens are on every corner here, they must be everywhere. 

We stayed there longer than usual just because she enjoyed it so.

Naysia had talked to Badria's mom to get the address to the party.  2121 East Broaway.  I knew exactly where that was....this will be easy, right?

We arrived at 2121.  Beautiful apartments that require a key for entrance.  We had no apartment number so I assumed it would be in the clubhouse--but couldn't get into the building.  We tried for at least 20 minutes to figure out where to go, as well as call Badria to ask where we needed to be.  It was cold out.  No entry.  No answer.  Just as I was about to come up with plan B for the night, Badria answered the phone.

The Arabian Oasis

We had been given the wrong address, but we were close, the party was right across the street. 

Badria and her family are Jordanian.  I love that Naysia's circle of friends are so diverse.  Because of that we are experiencing traditions from all over the world!

Fake Smilin'

There were plenty of elders there.  A strong male presence.  They sat on couches.  The younger generations were seated on floor cushions.  Music played, a pool game, and ping pong were going on.  I introduced myself to a few people and eventually made my way to the corner where the giggling teenagers were.  They were with their peers and very happy to be.

Badria and a family friend got the crowd going on the dance floor.  There was music of all types.  Naysia and So-Yun even danced a little.

It was something new for us all.  The traditional dance, the food, and even the birthday song. 

We left at 915 and headed to Fry's for some TV snacks.  They chose Flaming Hot Lays and Mountain Dew.  Lord have mercy.....there gonna be up all night long!

I stayed up until about midnight and they were still going.  We were snuggled up on the couch, sharing my purple blanket.  I shared my sunflower seeds and blackberries.  They had their chips and soda.  Thank God for Netflix with subtitles.  We watched the Korean Drama 'Boys over Flowers' which they both love and I even found it a little entertaining.

Tomorrow we praise the Lord, and shop!  So far it's all good.