Teriya Bugu. Or should I say more pictures of us in a kayak than you probably want to see?

Ok, bear with me. I realize the last post was full of pictures and so is this one. Brett had a kayak sent out on the last container so we decided to head to Teriya Bugu, aka our favorite place in Mali outside of our home, and try it out.

Here are the first two ready to go. Can you see how big Dawson's smile is?

                       They made it across the river and hung out on the other side for awhile.

Meanwhile, the rest of us swam. And by swim I mean eat because that it what these two think swimming is all about. Eating. I'm not totally sure why Silas has his hand on his head like that but it really fits the two of them. They sat in the chair together because they decided they were kings. Each one wanted to be a king but that was the only chair for a king, so they shared it.

This is where we ate all our meals. A little table for our family and Anna. I thought it was quite cute.

So then it was Anna, Kenan and me out for a ride. We got about halfway and we were pretty sure we saw a crocodile swimming ahead of us. So we turned around. Kenan was not pleased and while we were still in the water yelled to Brett that we were too scared and no fun and he wanted to go with him. :)  (As for those wondering about the crocodile, I can't give you a sure answer. It really looked like it. Some people said they are in the river, some said no. Regardless, there hasn't been any attacks that anyone could ever think of.)

So the boys went out. They went across the river again and hung out on the island for at least an hr. They named it Crocodile Island to keep people away in the same way that Iceland is actually green and pretty.

Silas stayed back with the ladies. He loves his Aunt Anna.

That's how Kenan likes to ride.

Anna pretending to come out of the storage room of the pool because she thought the door was cool.

                                      The next few are taken by Anna. Simply beautiful, isn't it?

We were trying to get pictures of the peacocks and the sunset but they fly. And high. I didn't realize this. So here I am calling to them, or trying to make them fly, or something...

                   My boys. And yes, mom, they dressed themselves. I had nothing to do with it.

                                                                That's more like them

The next morning the peacocks came right up to our porch where we were eating breakfast. Kenan gave them Wheat Chex. Surprisingly, they liked them.

Silas ready to go on the kayak.

                                                        And we are off. The whole fam.

We spent several hours again at Crocodile Island. It was simply perfect. There was a barrier about 20 ft out from the island so it was though we had our own little swimming area. It was precious to watch the boys play and swim. They built forts in the sand, played with the millet stalks and mud, and just enjoyed each other. I rested on the kayak and looked up into the sky. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness. I broke out in song. I kid you not the birds started singing with me. It was lovely.

The face of a champion.

We are already planning a trip to go back. The MacLeans love Teriya Bugu! The whole time I'm there, surrounded by the trees and animals, the words that come to mind are inexpressible joy. I can't help but be filled with joy at His creation and His grace for me when I am there! I love it!