Looking out our front window

 

This is the view out of our front window. This will almost certainly become Cheerio’s favorite spot in the house. You can see Nicholas riding his bike, chasing after some other kids on their bikes and scooters. Carrie is chatting with one of the neighbors. They have welcomed us warmly. Almost everyone on our street has just recently arrived, and most have little kids.

Angolan dog

We made it safely. All went about as smoothly as we could have expected. The boys were good on the plane, and all 31 bags arrived. I was worried about managing the bags once we got here and passing through customs, but it didn't take long before we had many airport workers offering to help. There were no big carts, so we ended up with 4 guys each with 2 carts in tow. It was quite a caravan passing through customs. I made sure the 4 guys knew they were the ones getting paid, so there wouldn't be others jumping in trying to help with a bag or two to get a part of the tip. To my surprise no issues with customs, until a lady came up and wheeled Cheerio off and asked for his paperwork. About an hour later, we got him back for a whopping $35. They joked with us that he is now considered an Angolan dog...I guess he's got dual citizenship! Our driver's name is Filipe. The house is great. We already met some of the neighbors. There's a 3 yr old boy next store that Nicholas has already been running around with. A guy came by last night and said hi. He took me with him to the shopping center to get internet access set up. Another lady stopped by this morning to say hi and took Carrie with her to do some grocery shopping. Then one of the maids from another house came by and left her name and number in case we're looking for some household help. The welcome has been tremendous! Also, we accepted an offer on the house in California. More later.

Luanda House

Well, this post is mostly for my mom who loves pictures, but if anyone else is interested in where we'll be for the next three years, here's our house. I uploaded the images out of order and am too tired to rearrange them so here's what you get.


Backyard

New rec center that opens on Sept 6th...behind our across-the-street neighbors'. NICE!!!!

Front of house

Our house is first one on the right.

Ryan - 7 mos

Catching Up Is Great

We met up with the Berryhill’s and Metheny’s (who went to Duke with us) for one last catch up before we move.  We had so much fun seeing the new babies…Victoria, Luke, and Ryan, and the older kids couldn’t get enough of the pool.  We love you all and will miss you while we’re gone. But great friends always see each other again!!!   

 

 

 

Bubbles, Grass, and Grammie

 

When our treadmill arrived, it was covered in bubble wrap so you can imagine the fun the boys had with it.  Yes, I let my baby touch plastic…oh no : )  He didn’t eat it and he didn’t die. 

  

Here’s Ryan enjoying the grass.  We kept trying to keep him on a blanket, but he’s mobile now.  So I got tired of putting him back on it and just let him be.  It’s amazing how babies are fascinated by the simple things in life. 

Kisses from Nicholas and Grammie.  Life doesn’t get much better!

Happy 6 Months!!!

Happy 1/2 Birthday to our sweet angel!!!  We can’t believe how fast time has flown.  Ryan is such a happy little guy and is now rolling, reaching, and eating.  He’s such a joy to have in our family…we love you baby Ryan!!!