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 :)

G and E introduce E and L to the SD Zoo

Not even a week after Eddie and Lydia arrived in the States we attempted our first family outing to the zoo. Eddie and Lydia had seen many animals in the wild, but never so many and so close without being in danger. The kids' joy was so wonderful to share! A great family memory to treasure!

My four crazies!

Off on our adventure with Auntie Meghan and Nathan

Amazed to be so close -- and those eyes just slay me!

Meeting Clyde

Watching the gorillas -- happiest in the safety of Daddy's lap

Mommy and her girls

I think Daddy's in trouble with these two :)

Not so sure about all that he sees

My handsome fellas!

G could stare at the "tar pit" for hours if I and the rest of the family let him

Exploring a statue of an American lion through hands-on interaction

A lion, a lion!!!

The cause of the excitement

Needless to say, I believe our zoo membership is well worth its cost -- we've already been back 6 times and summer break hasn't even begun!

Snow Fun

President's Day weekend we headed up to the San Bernadino Mountains after our day at the beach. Gotta love living in the land where we can beach it one day and romp in the snow the next. Lydia and Eddie fell in love with the snow. First interactions with the frozen white stuff for my Ghanaian angels and they have been asking for it ever since!