I'm terribly late in posting about the arrival back in the USA of Jason and his family! They had told us in late September of their decision to come back to the states for the upcoming birth of daughter number two in December, so we anxiously awaited their return! They arrived back in Chicago on October 16, and then ventured out to Cedar Rapids on October 27 to spend a month with us here. Our house has been alive and bustling as cousins and aunts and uncles love to come to spend time with our "Africa" family.
Jason, Roxanne, and Annikah are back! Anni loved dressing up as Tinkerbell on Halloween!
The five cousins had a blast on Halloween, dressing up in their costumes, and trick-or-treating together in our neighborhood. Though the temperature was COLD, they weren't phased as they saw their candy bags filling up. Everyone gathered back at our house to enjoy sandwiches from Jimmy John's and to just hang out and enjoy being together.
Bibi and Babu with Butterfly Claire, Scarecrow Joel, Tinman Silas, Tinkerbell Annikah, and Lion Joshua.
Yesterday Bibi and Babu (Swahili for Grandma and Grandpa) decided to take advantage of the warmer weather and take the three oldest grandkids out to Indian Creek Nature Center. The cousins had a blast running across the suspension bridge and trying all of the "challenges" along the nature path. Silas and Annikah are best buddies and really look out for each other. Silas helped guide Anni through the maze since she didn't like the feel of the scratchy weeds on her face. She comforted him when bumped his chin later in the day. They are so sweet together. All of the kids loved playing with the "nature" toys - pinecones, real log blocks, bones, and stone tic tac toe board.
On the suspension bridge.
Ready for the maze?
Silas guides Anni through the maze.
Hiding in the maze.
Examining the bones.
Playing in the pinecone box.
Buiding with REAL log blocks.
Higher and faster, Bibi!
Just enjoying cousin time on a warm fall day!
