To Do List

The time is now to-

1. Paint the new quarter rounds.
2. Paint the old base boards (with a bonus of making one husband extremely happy).
3. Organize photos from 2008/09 on.

4. Order "recent" photos.
5. Put those pics in albums!
6. Find more books that I am inspired to read.
7. Appreciate the rate that Abera moves now... so soon he will be running!
8. Read 2 books to Handi when I am tired at night and just want to read one.

9. Take more videos of my incredible and lovable boys.
10. Give thanks for all that I am able to do and all that others do for me.

Now I just have to go and change one stinky diaper!  But feel free to ask me how I am doing on my list.

It's time to...

Make more donuts!  When isnt't it time for that though, really?

Have to teach them to make the fruit filled variety soon ;)

Party Time!

We packed our car, put on our party clothes and joined in the week of festivities - between Christmas and New Years.  If my memory serves me right there were 8 events to enjoy during that week!  And enjoy we did.

On Christmas Eve - Michael, the boys and I drove to Michael's "home town" McDonald's for a visit with long time friends, Erica, Liz and her son Eric.  Love utilizing the Play Land to help keep the adult conversation flowing!  After a wonderful 2 hour lunch/play date with we headed to the first of the family parties.  Thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Diane for hosting all the siblings, cousins and little ones!

Check out who also got on the invite list!

While Abera warmed up quickly and easily to this jolly old fellow, Mehandis had the "Galaxy" more on his mind. Santa asked him what his favorite Christmas movie was and Mehandis answered, "Star Wars".  A quick thinking Santa made the connection between how the Millennium Falcon and Santa's sleigh do both fly the same routes.

We woke up Christmas morning at my parents' home.  We are now have doubled the number of stockings compared with the three I grew up with. 

Grandpa helps out with getting the Toy Story characters out of their packaging... an eager Mehandis waits patiently.  Abera is not so patient!

Looking good in the Panama hat and styling new shirt from Grandma and Grandpa.

The last present of the morning was a sled from the "sleigh store" as Mehandis refers to our local hardware store.

A good play pen for little Bear!

A few layers later, we head out to test it out.  Mehandis is around the corner pulling his little brother down the halls of my parents' home.

Plenty of snow for all of us to get a turn riding or pulling.

Funny story... between all the present giving, getting and wrapping.  Mehandis took on a daily activity of gift wrapping.  He would find his own toys, wrap each one in tissue paper, put them in gift bags and "tie" a ribbon around the handles.  Then he would ask if he could open them.  On this particular day I told him that he needed to wait until his dad came home... which he anxiously did.  All the gifts under the tree (pictured above) were wrapped by Handi.

Following a fun New Year's Eve celebration with friends, which only Abera didn't last till midnight, we headed to the cabin for celebrating with Michael's immediate family.  Mehandis picked out his traditional Ethiopian outfit to wear.  A freezing cold day but our busy boy stayed warm playing soccer and cuddling up to watch his first Star Wars movie (thanks Snyders!!!).

A nice relaxing weekend together, with plenty of opportunities to lounge around :)

The boys watching the train go round with Bompa.

Happy together in 2011!

Baptism Day

 On November 14th family and friends joined us in celebrating Abera's baptism.   Although it is almost two months it was too great of an event to pass on posting.  It was a wonderful day! 

Abera waited so patiently for our time to be called to the front of the church... good thing he "behaved" too since we were all sitting in the front row.

Our longtime friends Maira and Peter were designated as Abera's godparents.  Their boys did so well watching on from the pew during the event (happily eating their snacks and keeping a close eye on the happenings).

A rare photo without fingers in his mouth!  Happy as can be.

And a much more typical "pose"... hard to smile when a hand is jammed in there.

Looks like Abera needed a rest after his big role... and Mehandis just needed a big hug.

Thumbs up to both of our families as we all managed to get 4 kids, all aged 3 and under, out of the house and in church looking not only presentable but quite handsome - all before 8:00 AM.  Good work!

And our families are looking quite dapper too!

Not sure if the boys were sharing "peace" here or hugging it out.  But cute nonetheless.

After the service we quickly stopped home before heading out for a traditional Ethiopian lunch at Ethiopian Cottage.



Our niece Elisa hanging out in her new sweater



Abera wearing his traditional ET outfit

We snuggled and played with the kids while enjoying some delicious breads that Michael's mom made.  Love the "bear" loaves in honor our Bear.

The owner of the restaurant opened up early for us to have a private party.  The food was delicious, the host gracious and the kids entertained (via a last minute purchase of a Thomas DVD)!  Thanks to all who joined us and helped make the day so special.