Happy Halloween! Courtesy of SUPER MERRILLS

So, I'm learning that it isn't really Halloween unless you make a last minute run to the store for a new costume. For our family, it was a necessity for the boys as I had bought much to large costumes earlier and for the girls, well, if the boys were getting new costumes than they needed them too :) Of course, that meant that I had a family full of super heroes. Here are some pics of our fun evening:

Iron Man and Wonder Woman

(G actually agreed to wear a costume this year and enjoyed it with lots of fun, leading the way much of the night! Major accomplishment in our house!!!)

Maximus Prime, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, and Spider Girl

My strong girls

Powerful Heroes

Spider Girls -- Partners in crime ... I mean, crime fighting ;)

Beautiful Girl up a Tree

Crazy Boy up a Tree

Iron Man falling off a Tree

Ninja neighbor

We're not doing nothing -- sitting in front of the candy bowl :)

L flying high with Daddy home

Beautiful Girl, no longer baby girl neighbor

New neighbors, same fun in the 'hood!

Leading the way getting the treats -- NO FEAR! Love it!!!

Might have been E's first Halloween, but I think he quickly got the hang of getting free treats

One cute chick

There are still some men in our 'hood -- like this one "supervising", helping with glow sticks, and still enjoying life :)

Happy times with friends

Not so sure about this house

Just a little scary

Miss Kim saving the day and ringing the bell

Time to head home after a fun night

One last thought -- E and L both were content and ready to head home after about 5 houses. They couldn't believe the amount of loot they got for saying "trick or treat!" Yet, the rest of the rascals wanted more and more treats. Think the lesson Mommy learned is to find more ways to help little people be thankful for what they do have versus always wanting "MORE". Things kiddos teach big peoples :)

A Day in the Life

Slideshow of a "typical" day for the Fabulous Four. For family that can't be with us every day, hope you enjoy!

Family Fun at the Beach

Evidently, I've been negligent in posting photos of the Fab Four. So, yesterday we hit the beach for an extended photo session with a pro (aka Momma), and got some much needed photographic attention for the quartet. Here's a sneak peek of the photos for family -- but be warned: There will be special presents in the mail! Enjoy!!!

First Night of "Summer"

After Elena's birthday party and sleepover the crew has been chomping at the bit to have another sleepover party. Specifically, to have K and H sleepover. So, I promised them that the last day of school they could have their first sleepover of the summer.

The kids had fun with dinner at Chick Fil A and playing outside. Once we went in for the night I got them set up in their "special" sleeping spot on the air mattress and pull out couch. We watched "Surf's Up" and laughed at penguins hanging ten. I thought for sure that the six of them would sack out during the movie, but no go. All were awake until 9:30-10, with K and El my last hold outs.

However, by 10:15 this was the situation in the house:

Lydia had to sleep in her own bed, but the rest slept soundly in the living room for the night.

I think everyone had a good time. I know that my kids are excited for a repeat. H, however, thinks our house is "too crowded" and prefers to sleep in his own bed :) Pretty cute all around the compound!

Mommy's first try at Friday Hair Day

The first, and last, time that I had the girls' hair done it cost me an arm and a leg. Literally. So wanting to save some money, but also wanting to save some time (and my sanity) on getting the girls ready every day, I decided to try my hand at doing their hair myself.

After researching the internet on different options (specifically www.happygirlhair.com and the adoption hair and skincare group on Yahoo!) we got down to it. I gathered the elastics, combs, and creams, and sat the the kids down in front of a movie. It wasn't all fun. There were tears, and not just mine. But I'm pretty happy with the finished product for our first go:

I think the girls' faces show what they think of their new 'dos. Now what to do with their hair next Friday ...

Ghana v USA football

Yesterday was the first game in the knockout stage of the World Cup and the USA faced off against Ghana Black Stars. Our house was divided with my Ghanaian angels rooting for "their" team, Elena fiercely loyal to the red, white, and blue, Garrett indifferent, and I was torn yet wearing Essien's Black Stars jersey.

Here is a photo journal of our day:

"Gooo Ghanaaaahhh!" cheers Eddie at the start of the game.

Elena: "I don't think that's very funny, Eddie."

Pregame hug while the captains shake hands.

Garrett: "Hey, let me get in on that hug!"

"Laina, quick. I'll hold him. You keep him from cheering."

Eddie: "GGGOOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!"

"Shhhhh!!!"

And three silly nuggets prepare to watch the game from a new viewpoint.

Wonder what they'll do for the quarterfinal game versus Uraguay? Stay tuned to find out!

Videos

Eddie washing his hair in snow -- the boy talked about nothing else once he learned about snow in Ghana. Crazy kid!

Eddie and Lydia during our day of fun at Labadi Pleasure Beach in Accra. Here the kids are building their first sand castles.

At Labadi we learned that people do all kinds of things at the beach -- mend fishing nets, wash their goats (yes, I also have that on video), and ride horseback near the surf. Here is Eddie enjoying his first ride on a horse (Lydia and I went riding after)

Two of my favorite kiddos getting their groove on during the Boxing Day Children's Fete:

Football Follies

While in Ghana I thought signed Eddie up for a rec soccer team would help him make friends and find common ground with others his age. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way. The team coach had the team doing drills from day one, and Eddie didn't understand what he needed to do. Practices became a challenge to get him to participate and the first game he sat on the field refusing to engage. Asked if he wanted to wait until the fall to play the answer was a resounding "Yes!" So here are some photos of my eldest's brief foray into playing football. It was cute while it lasted :)