Holiday E-Card

Every year I try to come up with some excuse on why I am not putting out a proper holiday card. Excuses have ranged from: too busy with graduate school, too busy with wedding planning, too sick with pregnancy, etc... This year, our excuse is that we're in Kenya and therefore it's not administratively sensible. Thus, here you have our lame e-card version this year. I couldn't even manage a decent photo of the girls and opted for this one because it made me laugh.

It's not all the "Christmassy" over here except at the malls and I kinda like it. I don't get into the Christmas spirit until mid-December so we are just now putting up my homemade stockings, experimenting with green and red popcorn, and singing carols. I'm starting to feel the spirit now, though so Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all the rest....

Update

So, I've been a negligent blogger, and just as our life gets a bit interesting.

We're doing well here in Nairobi. I have been distracted by having to relearn simple things in life -- how to use a parking meter, how to use the clothes dryer, etc.... A quick update, we have hired two women -- one to help with the kids and housekeeping and one as a driver. So far, all is going reasonably well. We are also gradually acquiring furniture, wall hangings, curtains, etc.. so our place is feeling more and more like a real home and less like an abandoned warehouse. On the weekends, we've taken little excursions... seeing an elephant orphanage, a ride through the Nairobi National Park, a walk in the Ngong hills, and lots and lots of malls. I guess it's a mall culture here and I'll learn to adapt.

In the meantime, the kids keep growing, changing, and making me laugh. Ani is starting out at a preschool on Monday, which is a relief because we are running out of activities to keep that mind busy. Like most kids her age, it's one activity after another and thank heavens I stocked a good art box and extra toys for our first couple of months here. Leena has started solids and sitting up for short periods of time. She's a sweet baby with her own unique characteristics. The girl loves toes, -- hers, mine, Ani's, you name it. Here's an amusing video:

Around the compound

We have made it to Nairobi without much incident. The flight was very long with two kids -- about 15 hours in the air and another 5-7 in layovers, waiting on the plane, customs, etc... We are gradually settling into busy Nairobi and enjoying the beautiful and spacious apartment that Ben got ready for us. The best part is the lovely green space on the highly secure compound. Here are a couple of photos.

Summer/Fall Recap

We've had a great time here in Michigan before our next adventure to Kenya. Here are a few recent photos:

Ani and Leena wearing dresses that were previously worn by Jean and Niki -- about 30 years ago.

Grandpa and the two babies...

trendiest of accessories...babies!

How do you like them apples?

We went apple picking this weekend. The kids had a great time sampling the goods. I think we forgot to tell Ani that we actually paid for the apples in advance. She looks like she's trying to sneak one here.

Ani turns 3!

Ani turned 3 this weekend! We went fishing in Gallup Park with cousins, grandparents, and other family and friends. It was a great time. Besides this calendar milestone, Ani has also mostly potty-trained and now has a "big girl" haircut. I feel like she's transformed from a toddler to a little girl. Pretty cool.

Summertime

We've been having a great time here in Michigan. As usual, I have not been taking as many photos as I'd like to. Here's a classic shot of summer, though: