Wrapping Up! Christmas 2009

Upon returning home from Mexico we had a lot to get accomplished. A tree, decorating, presents, wrapping and the big event itself. Here is how it all unrolled.

It begins with teaching Maima how to select the appropriate tree.

It's all in the flavor! The one that tastes the best!

The best one sitting out there all by herself.

Felling the tree is a labor of love, grimmaces, hard work and

victory!

We continue by celebrating to holiday tunes...

and ta da, beautiful!

Next a tour of the lights at the Rhema College

Look Mommy-O it says Eman!

Then the introduction of our own holiday tradition. Christmas Eve - Talent Contest!

Akins talent looks like it hurts

Grandma's on the other hand looks cozy as she demonstrates the talent of proper reclining!

Maima's looks a bit painful too!

We awoke to a very white Christmas, with over six inches of snow.

Santa was good to the kids, though I question the accuracy of his naughty or nice list.

Dolly loves Christmas morning and is right in the action. Come on Lorea, let me open it!

The unwrapping frenzy in full swing and in a flash it is over, the house is a mess, and there is more to play with then two kids can focus on.

Funny quotes:

We were eating at the Spaghetti Warehouse and in walk some Po-Po (police).
Akins: Hey, they are supposed to eat donuts!

Mommy: Okay Maima, off to bed you go, you have to get your beauty sleep.
Akins: Yeah and I have to get my boy sleep!

Akins fails to listen more often than not. Maima had said she was going to ask Santa for "bigger ears for her brother". We had told her we could buy pigs ears at the pet store, that they were really big. On Christmas morning...

Maima: Mommy I got everything I wanted, except the pigs ears.

Hola, Si, Bien

We stepped off the plane in Puerto Vallarta and the first thing out of Maima's mouth was "this feels like home". The kids soaked into this culture and climate as if they were not African's but Mexican's. The weather was 85 and mostly sunny the whole time. Our resort had a kids water park with attendants to watch the kids play all day while offering on the hour activities. The adult area also had on the hour activities so there was a lot of pool games including polo, basketball, volleyball and aerobics to help ward off the calories of the numerous pina coladas ingested.

The staff was awesome and a total part of the experience as they led the pool and kids games then entertained us at night at the hotel club with extravagant shows each evening.

Maima playing water volleyball

Akins would rather be on the beach in the sand than just about anywhere

Chunk me!

Maima and Akins taking a ride through the rain slide

Every time she comes up she is looking for Mommy-o

The kids playing beach soccer

Mexican hair braids (much needed)!

Maima had a girl crush on this resort worker

The lazy river at the water park

Big slides! We had the whole park to ourselves

The kids got to be part of the dolphin show

The sea lion was just two rows below us and there were only 6 other people there! A real close encounter.

Maima enjoying the sand

Maima is not too sure about the giant iguana

Akins on the other hand is loving it

Our new friend! At the cost of $100 Pesos

Deep water piggy back rides

Maima doing the "sexy dance"

Piggy back aerobics

Akins coming up for air


Akins and I ready to jump in and see the fish!

The reaction Maima gave when she thought they sawed her favorite girl in half during the magic show

Adios

Funniest comments:

At the airport
Akins: (Whispering) Mommy-O that lady has black legs and white hands and face.
Mommy: Yes honey she is wearing nylons they are like big socks that make her legs look black.
Akins: Oh. Why?

First School Play

Akins Pre-K class had a thanksgiving play on Friday. His first play ever. He was a proud pilgrim and his line was "bang bang". They sang several songs and there was a very cute story. All was followed by a reception in his class room.

Boo Ha Ha

Halloween day was action packed and fun filled. We got up and took off for the Boo Ha Ha festival, trick or treating and parade in Tulsa. Had some lunch came home and got ready for trick or treating in town. This year we took the kids to the Nursing Home as well as Grandma's block. Being soccer mom's has its advantages we are learning from all the other mom's that we frequent games and birthday's with the hot spots.

Maima a beautiful princess bride. She does NOT like anything scary so wanted only to be pretty.

Akins the exact opposite - Ninja man!!

Lovin' up on Grandma

Waiting to get their fortunes told.

How's this for the dynamic duo?

Maima: Mommy-O I am going to ask Santa Claus for a brother who listens.
Mommy: Excellent I hope he grants your wish.

Soccer Star in the Making

Like most of our Liberian boys, Akins is very athletic and generally out plays the other kids on the field. He scored all three of the goals the team got during Saturdays game. Here is some of the action.


Setting it up...

Look at that form.

Blocking the goal.

Aim for the pocket

and that's how it's done!