A Love Letter Under The red Bud Tree written by Katie Carmack

Chapter 12: The Twins's birthdays

Ethan and Lily's birthdays were always special occasions filled with joy, love, and a blend of Amish and Japanese traditions. Living in the beautiful countryside of Hiroshima, Jacob and Emily made sure each birthday was memorable and unique.

Ethan's Birthday:

Ethan's adventurous spirit inspired his birthday celebrations. One year, they organized a treasure hunt around their farmhouse and the surrounding fields. Jacob created a map with clues leading to hidden treasures, such as small toys, books, and treats. Ethan and his friends, along with Lily, eagerly followed the clues, their laughter echoing through the countryside.

After the treasure hunt, they gathered for a picnic under the cherry blossom trees. Emily had prepared a delicious spread of Ethan's favorite foods, including homemade sandwiches, fresh fruit, and, of course, her famous cinnamon rolls. The highlight of the picnic was a cake shaped like a barn, decorated with little farm animals, reflecting Ethan's love for the farm.

As the sun set, they lit a bonfire and roasted marshmallows, sharing stories and singing songs. The day ended with a quiet moment of gratitude, as they thanked God for the blessings of family and the joy of celebrating another year of Ethan's life.

Lily's Birthday:

Lily's gentle and creative nature inspired her birthday celebrations. One year, they transformed their farmhouse into an art studio for the day. Emily and Jacob set up easels, paints, and drawing supplies, inviting Lily's friends to join in a day of artistic expression. The children painted and drew to their hearts' content, creating beautiful pieces of art that they proudly displayed around the farmhouse.

For lunch, they enjoyed a tea party in the garden, complete with delicate sandwiches, pastries, and a variety of teas. Emily had baked a cake decorated with cherry blossoms, reflecting Lily's love for the beautiful flowers that surrounded their home.

In the afternoon, they took a trip to a nearby library, where Lily and her friends participated in a storytelling session. The librarian read from some of Lily's favorite books, and the children listened with rapt attention, their imaginations soaring.

As the day came to an end, they returned home to find the farmhouse decorated with lanterns and fairy lights. They gathered in the living room, where Jacob played the guitar, and everyone sang Lily's favorite songs. The evening ended with a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for the gift of Lily and the joy she brought to their lives.

Each birthday celebration was a reflection of Ethan and Lily's unique personalities and interests, filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family and friends. Living in Hiroshima allowed them to create beautiful memories that blended their Amish heritage with the rich culture of Japan, making each birthday a truly special occasion.

Ethan and Lily's childhood was filled with countless moments of joy and adventure. Here are some of their favorite memories that they often reminisced about as they grew older.

The Great Treehouse Adventure

One summer, Jacob decided to build a treehouse for Ethan and Lily in the large oak tree near the farmhouse. It was a project that brought the whole family together. Ethan, with his love for building, was thrilled to help his father with the construction. He eagerly handed Jacob tools and learned how to hammer nails and measure wood.

Lily, with her artistic flair, took charge of decorating the treehouse. She painted the walls with colorful murals of animals and flowers, turning the treehouse into a magical hideaway. Emily contributed by sewing cushions and curtains, making the space cozy and inviting.