Happy Thanksgiving!

We are thankful for many things this year:

our fun family,

our dear family and friends in the U.S.,

the warm weather here,

fried chicken (which we are eating in lieu of turkey),

and God's continued care, provision and direction for our family.

We are very blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

up, Up, UP, and AWAY!!!!

This is one of Anna's most recent (but not the latest) creations.

She was VERY into making paper airplanes earlier this week. So after two days of tripping over lots of smaller paper aircrafts, she brilliantly created a giant version of her dream airplane.

To be honest, it has had trouble in its flight tests, but the design is truly remarkable.

She is so proud.
And so are we.

Here is another important piece of information that is indirectly linked to this picture.

We have decided to not sign another two year contract with International School Moshi.

So, when we get on the plane at Kilimanjaro International Airport in June, we will be saying goodbye to Tanzania.

We aren't sure where we will be next but we look forward to whatever it might be.

We would appreciate your prayers for us as we look ahead. :)

Tagged.

Here it is. Meredith tagged me and here is the fourth picture in the fourth album on our computer. This is Ben last November and he is trying to look like his daddy here with a rather orange goatee.

I would like to tag Kiley, Liana, Bec, Sarah T, Sarah L, Johanna, and Susanna. Have fun!

Here's Looking At You!

Here it is!

The very first picture taken of Ben where he is looking directly at the camera and smiling.

What a cutie.

Not sure about the open collar look, but definitely a cutie.

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

We have a lot to blog these days, but our internet connection has not been reliable enough to upload pictures for the last week and a half. But, JEFF'S BIRTHDAY was just here, and we must TRY to get on a couple of pictures, so hopefully it will work. But if not, then just imagine a handsome 31 year old man, with the excitement of a ten year old boy, in Africa, and you will be close to accurate.

Jeff received a package from his mom and dad in time for the big day!

Cinnamon rolls ready and waiting, prepared by Sarah and Jenn.
A great way to start off a Birthday morning, especially when it is followed by a workday.

Cake and candles.

Jeff was glad that we only had 19 candles. :)
The girls were a bit distraught that we didn't have nice wrapping paper this year. But we did have some nice brown paper that we wrapped gifts in.

We sang the song from the Sound of Music:

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, snowflakes that stay on your nose and eyelashes, BROWN PAPER PACKAGES TIED UP WITH STRING, these are a few of my favorite things!!"

They went from disappointed to excited in less than 30 seconds!

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

We love you!

Insight from Annalise

Jeff and Anna were walking hand in hand down the sidewalk to the car after school this afternoon. A boy in her class, Cosi, ran past at a very high speed. She was recounting a story to Jeff about Cosi and another boy. This triggered her observation:

"Boys are like dogs. Even though they are best friends they play fight each other."

How true it is. :)

Rainy Day

We are at the beginning of the short rains that come this time each year. September and October became progressively warmer and drier. The dust is inches thick on the roads, and splashes up around your shoes or tires like puddles of water would.

Needless to say, we welcome the rain!

Here is Ben pondering how he can possibly play with his favorite John Deere Tractor in these elements.... hmmm.....

Wow! This is wet! And cold!

Look at this wet stuff, mom!

Nevermind my mud mustache!


Boy meets world.


Enough of this...let's get dry!