Winking on command!
Category: Other Page 177 of 181
Last night was special. There has only been one other baby adopted from Grace’s orphanage–a little girl named Tumaini (“Hope” in Swahili), who now happens to live in the Bay Area with her mom. I had met Sammye and Tumi a year ago, just as Tumi’s adoption was complete and they were leaving Tanzania–right about the time we were starting Grace’s long process. Sammye had been staying at the orphanage during the time Grace was brought in–so she has a special bond with her and had hoped and prayed for a long time that Grace would be adopted.
So it was with great joy last night that we got together and Grace and Tumi were reunited. It almost feels like they are blood sisters…or about as close to it as we’ll probably ever find. Tumi and Sammye gave Grace a little bracelet like the one Tumi always wears, which is such a special way to connect the two of them. The girls certainly had fun together! It will be fun to keep in touch over the years while the little girls grow up.
Sammye and Tumi
Filoli Gardens
The hair is still the trickiest part of having an African daughter…I have no idea what I am doing!
Grace and her Babu (Grandpa)
Four Generations!
No wonder Daddy’s been pulling muscles…
At the pool, her favorite part was the shower head.
Daddy let me feed myself breakfast…the pictures say it all!
My first Fourth of July Parade–and I’m not even American yet!
at the Aquarium of the Pacific with my family
My crazy Daddy! And I have no fear…
Lovin’ Grandma’s trampoline!
Sasha and me
Whew! My breath is taken away by the speed at which these pictures downloaded! Just another evidence that I am now in the United States.
Anyway, we are safe and sound in California. Nine hours to London, 10 hours to California. Multiply by 5 when adding an 18 month old to the mix…. Actually, Grace did well, all things considering. She didn’t sleep much, and she did rip up all the in-flight magazines, but we managed to stay sane! She made friends with half the people on the planes and all the flight attendants–and they gave her first class food–her first taste of strawberries!
We are now happily basking in the warmth of friends and family. Oh yeah, and enjoying Walmart!
