Friday, August 8, 2008

Celebrating "Gotchya" Day!

Today marks the one year anniversary (can you believe it) from when I first held Akins in my arms. Mom and I had arrived in Monrovia and then were driven out to the AFAA house to meet this little boy for which I had so far only seen pictures or video. I worried the whole trip about what if he did not like me. As we were driving I inquired and learned that he had told Jessie (the agency rep at the time) that he was going to "sit on his American Mommy's lap" and he had told the other kids to "stay away"! Well, that should have been a clue to the clinging behavior I get these days. He would sit on my lap 24/7 if allowed! We celebrated what we will forever more refer to as "Gotchya Day" by going out to a nice restaurant with Grandma, (compliments of some friends :)) Sorry those photos did not come out it was too dark.

The moment he climbed into my arms.



So, how far have we come? Well take a look, pictures are worth a million words.


That was then ..... Looks pretty sad doesn't he?

This is now ..... Hammin' it up with Kuker at the reunion.


Akins say "Gotchya"!

Frequently referred to a "goofy boy"! Look at that smile!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

2008 MUAA REUNION "VIDEOS"

Okay there are lots of photos I can post of the reunion because there are so many GREAT ones, but nothing shows the essence (noise & fun level) of the time like a video. Here are a few...



The diving contests went all weekend. Eman giving Dora a lift.

Kuker and Eman both take the plunge and everyone is staying cool


Everyone in the pool!


Not even out of the drive and the hayride turns to song. In English and then in Liberian.

Then an African tune. I think the kids would have stayed on this ride all night!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Day # 3 A little more fun and time to say Goodbye...For Now

The kids walked in and went straight out to play! Everyone had different departures so one by one we watched the families head on their way. The Simons were the first to depart and Diamond would not give Akins a hug but he did hug the jeep - missed the kodak moment though. Next the Richardsons depated and the Nodler-Kreke clan, then the Stewarts and then off to the airport to drop off the Monsons.

The Richardson family from MN

Sue getting her final Big Sloppy Kiss from Akins

Time to say goodbye to Eman

...and Ben

...and the toughest one Kuker

Gormah was sad but managed to pull it together to say her goodbyes

The last supper (lunch) with the remaining kids

Sending Sharon and the girls off

Until next time!

Day Two - 2008 MUAA Reunion

Day # 2 seemed to go by very quickly. We got some relief in the tent from the 105 degree heat and enjoyed a lot of conversation. The kids swam, had water wars and continued right where they left off day #1. The only difference, about noon the Simons family showed up to complete the attendees. Hey what's 9 more people anyway!

Right back at it!

Sharon, Jemama and Princess from WY

The Chow Hall

Kuker finally gets his turn to drive!

Akins "Let me show you how it works".

"Hey Ben don't you want to swim...Ben? Ben?" Okay, Ben is in toy heaven.

This looks like a public pool. I think I could make some money with this thing.

Gelly - "What's next"?

Florence has hit Barbie pay dirt

Sue being a Mom - hey wait that's not her kid

The dump was a big hit. Get in toss you out, get in toss you out, get in....

There were a lot of dive contests

Grandma Joyce trying to find a safe place in the pool

Diamond hits barbie paydirt

Let the water war begin!

Eman blasts the table and imagine his surprise when the water hit Grandma Joyce instead of Daddy!

The girls plotting against the boys

Sharon giving the little guys a hand

Florence is gonna get her turn on the jeep - oh darn the battery is dead

Sue and Florence getting some lovin'

The MUAA Sisters - Top Row Left to Right - Jessica UT, Sue MN, Shelby KY, Karen UT, Bottom Row Left to Right - Sharon WY, Lorea OK, Valerie OK, Lori KY (not present - Jackie, Pat, Debbie, Tammie, Lisa, Stacy)

The girls attack

Victory

After the homemade ice cream we loaded up the hayride and off we went

Let the songs begin bouncing from American to African and back again

Waving to the neighbors. Wonder what they are thinking?

But all good things must come to and end! It was time to call it a day and head off to rest up for tomorrow.

The 2008 MUAA Reunion is in Full Swing!

Okay, we are two days in and having a blast. So Day #1 looks a bit like this!


Ishmael Chillin'

Akins handing off the goggles to Kuker

Eman found the bubbles

Sharon and Princess coolin' off together

Jemama, Gormah and Abegail girl talk

Princess and Ben playing a mean game of Minnesota Skinny

Break out the quads and let the chaos begin!

Does Shelby look worried? Little Ben ridin' the quad... Nah!

The girls scocoter race

Sue, Karen and Sharon having a mini MUAA meeting

Karen the unexpected rebel

Sharon most fearful yet unexpected rebel

More girl talk

Scott finally got Sue on board - look at the big grin!

Karen - got room for one more?

Lori and the kids playing foosball

Then day one had to come to a close and it was goodbye until tomorrow