Yesterday we celebrated Crystal’s birthday in full lockdown. We’d been planning to go visit an elephant refuge in distant Mondulkiri province for her birthday but as the COVID-19 situation in country has worsened we had to abandon those plans.
Then, when Phnom Penh went into full lockdown, it became clear that we’d need to celebrate entirely at home. Amazingly, two elephants appeared at our house to celebrate Crystal’s birthday! They had heard that she couldn’t come to see them so they came to see her!
The girls and I made a simple chocolate cake. We used the secret ingredient that I discovered last year; using coffee instead of water! It really brings out the taste of the coco powder.
Sifting the ingredients. 
Fresh out of the oven. 
Yum.
We had fun playing Carcassonne together. Of course Crystal won! The girls decided they were okay with it because it was her birthday but each promised that they’d be the one to win next time!
For her birthday present, we gave mom several series of ebooks so that she could get away without leaving the house. Then the girls and I gave her some space to read. All in all, it was a good birthday and we had fun. But we’re definitely going to try to visit those elephants in another year or two!
A very Happy Birthday Crystal! Looks like it was a wonderful day, in spite of the covid19 lockdown! You guys are missed…
Happy belated birthday crystal! Those are some pretty adorable elephants that you got to see! 😂😂😂♥️♥️♥️
Looks like you had a fun time planning and celebrating Crystals birthday.
Happy birthday, Crystal! Sounds like a fun and creative day in the midst of ongoing restrictions, loved the pictures! Thanks so much for sharing and for letting us celebrate with you from afar! God bless you and your good ministry for another year and more!
Sounds like a wonderful birthday and family time! So nice the elephants came to visit. 🙂
Happy Birthday Crystal! Your daughters are growing beautifully! And…what a good mom and dad they have!!
Happy Birthday Crystal. Miss you at UP
Love you all so much! Glad the day was special!
Happy Birthday Crystal. Miss you at UP
Aww I miss you all, too! I can’t imagine how you are managing during the pandemic. Hope you are doing well!
Mmmmmm…chocolate cake.