Soccer with friends

The boys made friends in our neighbors' kids shortly after our arrival here in Segou. These boys are sweet and calm, not pushy at all. We are used to kids yelling at us, trying to touch us, and following us around so it's nice to be with more passive people. Without a doubt that's why the boys took to these kids. They are a family of 7 kids, all boys except the youngest who is a girl (with a twin brother).

Their mom is so incredibly sweet and laughs all the time. I loved going and sitting with her and we could just chat about babies (the twins are 5 months younger than Haven), the weather, or whatever. Because our lives are so drastically different, it is quite hard to find Malian women that I can connect with, especially outside of the hospital/clinic workers. For some reason, she and I really could and it was special. She is probably the best mom I have ever seen here- she doesn't let her kids wander the streets; they cannot leave the house if she goes out and no one can come in; she really watches them and is aware of what they are doing. These seem like obvious things but this is not the norm in Mali.

Unfortunately, accidents happen despite vigilance and her 2 year old fell backwards into boiling water while the kids were playing one evening. He was being treated at the hospital and doing well but apparently became septic because he quickly died. The mom couldn't handle being at their house and they moved literally the next day.

It was obviously devastating for the family. I selfishly was quite sad because their move meant the loss of friendship, for me and the boys, which has been quite slim to begin with. They "only" moved across town but it is not as easy to get the kids to go play when there is a lot more effort involved. We do go from time to time and enjoy it (at least D and I do). K and S always would quit the game earlier than D and just go inside when it was outside our door but when they are over there they have to sit around. 

Here they are playing in the field. The boys are so sweet to mine, they are patient and play gently as they are head and shoulders better than my boys. Dawson has steadily improved though.

Silas was even able to score a goal. His very first. You can tell he is a bit excited.

After playing for awhile, the kids move to shoot outs which all the kids enjoy. Ousmane and D love to do this little dance with each other before kicking, bouncing back and forth to show they are alert and ready. It's really fun to watch.

Me and my dear friend, Djenebou

Haven is into everything when we are there. Puts everything in her mouth. She is a royal mess, that girl. We distracted her one afternoon by a riding in a push cart.

Haven's 1st birthday

This girl melts my heart. She is an amazing gift. I cannot imagine life without her. I can't believe two years ago I thought our family was complete. Little did we know we had a huge gaping hole that a beautiful, precious, spunky little girl needed to fill. I stand in awe of God's greatness when I look at her. I had no idea what was best for me. But He did. And I'm so overwhelmingly thankful. I love this girl to pieces. 

Her smile gets me every single time. And her laugh- be still my heart. She is so much fun.

Her actual birthday was while we were still in Senegal. We did a little celebration there.

She got to eat one of her favorites- spaghetti. We got the orange cheeks free of charge!

She also got some ice cream since we didn't have a stove where we were to make a cake. 

She enjoyed her share and some of her brothers. They were so sweet feeding her.

My mom came for two weeks and met us in Bamako on our return from Senegal so we had her "real" party at home. Not that we did much, just presents and cake. (I'm hoping I can get this girl to go many years without parties that include games and a lot of work).

 She opened presents just like Kenan. One at a time and then really looked at and loved on each item. She didn't want to move on to the next gift.

She also wanted to share everything, like Kenan at his first birthday.

Her brothers were just as excited about her gifts (and helping her open them) as they are with their own birthdays. They made sure she didn't linger too long on one gift. :)

Sunglasses from Mémère and toys from Grandma.

She was not into the cake but I made her eat some. I mean, it's her first birthday, I'm supposed to have cake pictures!

Dancing with her daddy. She loves him so much. And he is pretty smitten on her as well.

She started walking at 11 months, just a few steps at a time, but right after her birthday she really took off. She became a WALKER...going everywhere! 

We love our dear Havie so very much and are so thankful for the precious girl she is. 

Acrobranch- Senegal

There is a ropes course in Baobab trees near the place we stayed in Senegal. So, of course, we had to go. :)

Kenan isn't overly thrilled about heights. I am always amazed at what he pushes through to do. He works hard and conquers his fears. Each time. Something his momma can't say she can do. I am always so proud to see what the boys accomplish.

The course for Dawson and Brett was HIGH. I mean, really high. Again, I was so amazed at what my kids can do.

They got to sail in the sky. :) Pretty cool part of the course.

Silas lost a tooth (from his mouth) and then lost it (somewhere on the ground) while D and Brett were on their course so I missed a lot of what happened. But they had fun nonetheless.

 And these are for appeasing their mother. :) There is not much that makes me happier than a decent picture of my kids all together.