It's been awhile...

And although I am not sure anyone actually reads the blog, when I don't blog for awhile I do get a complaint here and there, so I guess someone is checking it out.

Life had been busy, and my iPhone is very distracting. I am hardly ever on the computer anymore, except for work. But, I found this app to Blog easily from the phone, so perhaps that will motivate some more blogging.

A couple pictures for now, from this afternoon. I was very skeptical about this. I had to watch them go up and down the sidewalk before I could approve this happening. Daniel got lectured, while I scowled at him seriously: stay on the sidewalks, go slow, don't go fast down hill, don't hit any bumps, GO SLOW.

The boy could not have been more excited. He loved it! They made it to the park and back without any problems.

Hmmm...

I was in the kitchen this morning doing dishes, while Melkamu was in the other room eating some yogurt. When I went to check on him this is what I found....

Ringing in the New Year

The first pictures of 2012. Melkamu helping his grandma make greens for our little celebration...greens for prosperity and black eyed peas for good luck. A tradition in our house on New Year's day for the past 4 years or so.






Hoping for a year of full of prosperity and good luck!

Last Pictures of 2011

Melkamu occasionally gets a special outfit handed down to him from Daniel's mom. An outfit that was worn for a special occasion or a picture 45 years ago, 40 years ago, 35 years ago...by uncles, aunts, cousins of his daddy's, and/or his daddy. The lasted was a sailor suit...

Saluting 12/31/2011

My latest thought on this whole phenomenon is that Daniel's mom must be exceptionally organized to track all these special outfits and who worn them when and to get them to us from Montana at the right times when they actually fit Melke...good work Judy!

Christmas at the Coast

We had a wonderful holiday at the coast this year with Daniel's parents and our niece Leslie. The rented house was great, the weather for the first half of the week was beautiful, sunshine and gentle winds. After Christmas the weather got more typical, rain and wind, but we were prepared for that too. Perfect weather, great company, good food, games, movies, holiday goodies, and warm spiced wine...

Sunset

Melke looks at this picture and says "Melkamu and Mama" -
He's right, but we're so small how can he tell.

Daniel and I got to take a nice hike to Cape Lookout, without the boy.

A beautiful Christmas Eve Day with beautiful boys.

The boy in action.

Taking a walk with my boy.

A new truck for Christmas...thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

So tickled to get his toe nails painted by Leslie.

Us on Christmas Day

A new train from Santa!

An adventure to seal rock.

Farewell October

Time is moving by so fast these days. I can't believe October has come and gone.

His famous smile

Following instructions to go give Mama a hug for the picture


My pumpkin and three jack-o'-lanterns


Melke as "Rio" our cat
(pre-whiskers, which were very traumatizing to apply)


First house for trick or treating


Having fun pulling his wagon

I wasn't sure how my boy would do with trick or treating, as he is afraid of people wearing masks and dressed up oddly. We went out early, about 6:15pm, before there were many other trick or treaters out and about. Melkamu loves to go to peoples houses and knock on their doors, so he had no problems there. We worked hard to get him to say trick or treat, and he did a little between houses or before people opened their doors, but never at the right time. We did get him to "meow" a few times for his treats. He quickly learned he was supposed to take candy out of the bowls that were presented and put them in his bucket. He usually kept going back for more until someone had to intervene. He did get pretty wide eyed and scared a few times as it got later and there were more kiddos and adults dressed up and wearing scary masks. Overall, it was a fun and successful Halloween adventure.

Pumpkins...

...the kids (cute little pumpkins) and the squash variety too.