David's Diary: Tuesday, December 4, 2001

Karalee's Birthday

Today we celebrate our fifth birthday away from Vancouver. First it was Jocelyn, who turned twelve. Then it was Kevin who turned ten. Next it was David, who turned forty four. Allen celebrated his sixth. And now Karalee is the last of our family to have a birthday in Europe, but you'll just have to guess her age.

Like most people, Karalee doesn't get the day off. School is still in and Allen has some work that needs to be completed. Jocelyn and Kevin do work too, but by 11:00 we send Karalee off so that a Birthday Card marathon can take place. In Arles and Port St. Louis, we had found presents for Karalee's birthday, but to make the day special we express our heartfelt feelings with a homemade Birthday card.

Karalee and Allen Examine An Orange Tree

We have a break after lunch, and then Karalee, Allen, and I take a walk through Port Vendres. We wander the streets and look for pathways to lookouts and enjoy the gardens in front of houses. Karalee and Allen stop to admire a beautiful orange tree, before we turn back to the center of town.

We shop on the main street, finding those special treats for Karalee's birthday. When we get back to the boat, we have another surprise. Kevin finally finished his Math for the day and he even went on to his Social Studies.

Birthday Dinner on Dragonsinger

We start dinner with marinated shrimp and follow it with roast veal hot from the oven. Since we are still in France, fresh bread, still warm, adds to the flavors. For dessert, we have an ice cream cake surrounded by lady fingers and topped with the freshest of fruit. Together as a family we celebrate Karalee's birthday and appreciate how special this time together really is.