Eastward Down & Homeward Bound...

We're here, and have been for some time now!
Had a most fabulous trip up, stopping in D.C. first, then Portsmouth, NH. GREAT times with great cousins!!
Not doing much--beach...nap...read...beach...nap...just repeat several times each day!
Mimi has discovered her inner animal whisperer and is one with the cows. She greets them every morning and says g'nite every evening.
Everyone swam in the chilly ocean the other day--and had tons of fun finding hermit crabs and sea shells.
Waiting for Sally to get here this Saturday for a very quick visit--will have to cram all sorts of stuff in! LOBSTER!!!!!!
Enjoying a cup of Tim's--it's a bit of a trek, but completely worth it! Hitting the first of many provincial parks today.
Going to Birchtown next week to see the Black Loyalist settlement there--anyone who has read "The Book of Negroes" will know what this means. Also going to see the Bluenose II, time permitting. Lots to do, but main thing: RELAXING!!!!!!
Lots of photos to post when we get home.

sad hearts...

Selam may have a new heart valve and be feeling better, but there were many heavy hearts tonight at dinner. We had our last meal with him before we had to say good bye. He and I and one or more of the kids at any given time have spent the last five days together, hanging out. We have had so much fun and when I looked at him, saw tears running down his cheeks, I just kind of fell apart. Then Mimi started, and then Jason...it was pretty bleak! We will get to see him one more time at a farewell party in July, and then, when we finally get to ET for the new baby, we can visit him in Addis.

But...tonight was hard. I love meeting new people and extending our family in this way but it sure hurts to say so long...

We love and miss you, Selam...peace, man.

13!

13 years ago today, Jason I eloped at the Cobb County Courthouse!

We met in February, got engaged three weeks later, and then got married in June!

What a journey!

Dance Fever!

We love the Dance Academy!

Peace!

That is what "Selam" means...and it fits! We have had a great week getting to know Selam while he recovers. He is a trouper! Really--who else would sit and watch a dance rehearsal for two hours and keep smiling?! He has made himself at home and we couldn't be happier. Tomorrow is his last day here, so we are ending with pizza night--a favorite!

Some pics from the week, including dance rehearsal:

Learning how to drive!!

Astronomers!

Magicians/George & his Girls!

My Kids!

And I mean all five! Vinny has a new best friend, George has not stopped asking random questions, Natan is in full show off mode, and Mimi is enjoying showing off Stanely! We love Selam! He's watching a movie now and having some peace and quiet! We are all exhausted and supposed to be sleeping, but I hear footsteps overhead!

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Off-topic shout out to my girls, S and C for this morning--you were AWESOME!!! I am so proud!!! I can say, "I knew you when..." Thanks for stepping up and being great leaders!

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T-Minus 6 days until "The Trip". 'Nuff said!

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Another shout out to...Moye's Pharmacy--they were VERY generous today in helping with Selam's meds...and I mean GENEROUS!!

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Time to go to bed and not sleep...again! But, life is good.

Good times!

We love our Ingrams!!

Updates

Passed the USCIS Interview. Waiting for my Oath Swearing appointment--could have done it on the 18th, but will be in Canada!!!

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Spent yesterday with the Ingrams in B'Ham--had a great time and feel refreshed!! Did you know it was National Donut Day? We found that out at the Krispy Kreme where we all devoured "Fresh Hot Now" donuts and milk!!

The kids had such a super time with heir buddies yesterday--George cried when we left, and Mimi said as wee were leaving the donut massacre, "I am in love with Mary KK." Ahh...

We miss our friends.

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We have someone interested in buying on of our grand pianos--yes "one of". We are having a few epiphanies around here. One of them is that we do not need so much stuff. We have said this for such a long time, but still hold tight to the whole "must own a house...must have stuff...must reach the American dream." Maybe the American dream should be re-visualized. Well, that and we could use the money to help pay some of our medical debt. Yes, folks--medical debt.

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Saw Salem yesterday--he looked fantastic! I had George and Mimi with me...they were loaded with brownies and a picture. Can't wait for him to be out of there!

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Shout out to my sister Sara, and friend Stephen: my sister has completed her first book and is ready to edit and then send! Yay!! I know she is relieved...this has been a long time coming and I will actually pay full price for a hard cover copy--I NEVER do that!

Stephen has finished his "first fifty pages"--the important section that gets sent off as query to perspective publishers. Yay!

Nice to be surrounded (even if long distance) by ambitious people!

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A bigger shout out to my Mum. I will not go into details, but sometimes I forget how cool she is. Thanks, Mum.

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Good day...

This is it! Tomorrow is Interview Day at Immigration! I am ready! Woo Hoo!

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Selam has come out of surgery and is doing OK in the CICU. We will stop and see him tomorrow after our appointment.

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Mimi and I shopped just a little on the Square today for little gifties...we never get to do this, so it was quite fun!

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All in all, I'd say today was quite productive! I'm feeling all sorts of good things...

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Natan

Had our meeting at Natan's new school! He is eligible for the PreK program starting this fall--I even met with his teacher! I saw their list of goals and objectives and I am so excited to watch it all unfold!

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