The girls were so excited about this trip because tagged onto the end of it was a trip to see 'Big Caleb's' family. The could not wait to finally visit the R family in their home.
Sophia hauled toys, etc. for both her and Bella
we carried two carry-on size suitcases (though we checked them), and our KidCo. tent for Tobin to sleep in. Half of one of these suitcases is formula, bottles, rice cereal, and diapers! To prepare him for sleeping in the tent, we put him in it for naps and at night the week prior. He did fine in it, but in general woke up quite early all week.
enjoying McDonald's ice cream.
Bella says: 'can we go to old McDonald's?'
We were the first people in the door to turn in our paperwork for the passport. The man who helped us was very familiar with the medical evacuation of our friends (since the consulate was so involved), and we updated him on the health of baby and mom (both doing well).
The hotel hosting the U.S. consulate folks was right across from a big lake and park. After our meeting we went to feed the birds. They fly so close like they are going to hit you.
We then hopped in a taxi and went to the airport. We were in the capital for about 30 hours total, now off to visit a family so very dear to us.
We met the R family way back before David and I were married on our first trip here. They opened their home to us for a few hours and talked about life overseas. They were so real then and made such a huge impression on us. Now, ten years later, we have grown even closer and they teach us so much by how they live and do family life.
Needless to say this trip was incredible. The kids played so well together (they have a 12, 7, and 5 yo), their kids are so respectful and kind. Anna, their youngest, and Sophia hit it off and played non-stop. We stayed up until past 1 a.m. almost every night talking, learning, growing, crying some too.
I also got to watch her do her homeschool, this is something I have wanted to do for so long. BR is the one who introduced me to "The Latin-Centered Curriculum" book, and got me filtering through all that was out there on 'classical education'.
It was so helpful to see how she organizes her day, schools multiple kids, and the curriculum choices she has made. This, for me, was far better than going to a conference, at least for now. Of course, her kids are well older and further apart in age, but still I learned SO much! AND she sent us home with so much stuff too.
BR and David picking out our dinner, shaokao (grilled meat and veg).
The crew ready to eat. Joseph gives the 'peace' sign, and Sophia sits in between Big Caleb and Anna.
The girls wear minority dresses.
when we got back home and asked Sophia what her favorite part of the whole trip was she said: 'playing with Anna'. For us it was the late night talks and laughs, and just our families being together. This trip was a huge blessing to us!
