Video of the Day #31

Photo of the Day #30

Been waiting months for an open sunroof!!!

Shopping and Gathering

I recently learned that gift-giving is a BIG part of the culture in Ethiopia. We have been collecting clothes to take to our kiddos orphanage, but I've slightly overlooked the gift-giving to the nannies, caregivers, caseworkers, translators, and all the other people that have helped or will help us along the way. I love to buy gifts, so this is right up my alley. But when it comes to buying things for people you've never met and don't know anything about, gift giving is a little more of a challenge. Then trying to pack gifts for these 40+ people??? My sis-in-law is helping me out with a few fabulous goodies from her online shop and a few other super sweet friends have given some special treats for the nannies. The nannies are the ones who have had the hands-on time with our boys, so we'll give a little extra to them. For the rest of the workers, I'm gathering American goodies such as Ghirardelli chocolates and Starbucks, and a few "orange" items as well. :)

We leave in less than 2 weeks. It sounds so strange to even say it! So much to do between now and then. More on that soon...

Photo of the Day #29

Tamales! But I'm starting to see a pattern with my pictures. We did play at the park and play basketball all afternoon. We don't just eat and then take pictures of our food. Yikes. I'll do better.

Photo of the Day #28

Dinner with great friends and a giant piece of Tiramisu.

Photo of the Day #27

Little man defense at basketball practice.

Photo of the Day #26

Bliss. :)

Photo of the Day

About mid-January, a friend of my sister started a small photo-sharing group on facebook. All you do is take a picture a day. Seems easy. But guess who hasn't taken a picture every day? Hmmm... So, maybe if I post the picture on the blog as well, it will keep me a little more accountable. I'll post the pictures that I've shared so far. So check back. Maybe I'll stick with it. ;)

Day #14

A gift from a sweet, sweet friend of mine. It's a paper chain to help Jack count down the days until we'll be back from Africa. :) One of my most favorite gifts ever.

Day #15

Relaxing Saturday afternoon reading.

Day #17

Sorting through mounds of little boy clothes.

Day #18

After-school snack.

Day #21

Brave boy...just got 4 shots for the trip.

Day #22

Star Wars Pancakes, the breakfast of champions. I mean jedis.

Day #25

Little man enjoying leftover apple fritters from the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge.

Theme Dinner: Winter Wonderland

The four main food groups in a Winter Wonderland:

candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.

Dessert

On the menu:

Biscuit & Gravy Snowmen

Yellow Snow (scrambled eggs)

Firewood & Scarves (bacon and sausage)

Snow Tubes (donuts)

Smores for Dessert