Well last year was supposed to be the first birthday away from home, but given COVID, Zandra was home for her birthday last year.

So this is the first year she is away for her birthday and it is the year she steps out of her teen years and into young adulthood! Woo hoo! 20!

Crazy, crazy.

Crazy is probably the best way to describe this past year! Lots of changes with COVID and the upheaval it caused for all!

Zandra rolled with all the punches. Not fun to have to return home from Hawaii to live back at here and just do school online, but she did.

She worked in the summer, and then ventured off to Kingston, Ontario to continue online school while living with her friends who were attending university in Kingston. (I’m giving all the background as this blog has been sadly neglected, and there were lots of changes!).

She had a great semester living in Kingston and feeling more like a student! She was home for a quick Christmas break and then made the decision to head back to Hawaii to continue online school there! Who wouldn’t want the beach and the sun, and of course the real lure… a boy! Shortly after her return to Hawaii she had some exciting news – that she had gotten engaged and they are excited to plan their lives together! We are looking forward to meeting Illyah once the COVID mess is cleared up a bit:)

So in celebration of all things Zandra on her special day, here are some top things we love about her:

• She rolls with the punches. It has been a tough year – but she has come out of it stronger and more resilient.

• Her beautiful smile. It radiates warmth and love and beauty .

• Her contagious laugh – she can get all silly and giggly and light up a room.

• Her commitment to working hard. Despite all the ups and downs, she has managed to balance her school work, getting awesome grades and collecting a scholarship each semester! Yay Zandra! Leaves her more money for that yummy Hawaiin food (vegan, of course).

• Her writing skills – she is a full journalist now as she writes for the school paper and has had published some great articles! I know writing has always been a passion for her, so it’s so fun to have a job that focuses on your passion!

• She loves her doggy and all animals in general (although I’ve seen her freak out over some bugs, lol).

• Her hugs – boy, do we miss them around here!

• Her creativity in general – she has had the opportunity to take some art classes at school so has been able to wow and impress with drawings and her usually painting are always amazing (she is taking painting this semester too). Dancing and singing too, she is an artist at heart!

• Her knowledge of all things makeup and self care. She is always in the know of the newest products. She gives the best tips!

• Her huge, loving, sweet, giving heart. She wears it on her sleeve. She is sensitive, caring and kind. Such a beautiful soul.

These are just a few of the amazing things about this incredible girl! We miss her around here and hope that we get to see her this summer! But we know that she is having fun, creating adventures and collecting memories along the way – we couldn’t be more proud or love her more than we do!

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea, Zandra B!

xo