Texas Summer

We had the opportunity to come to Texas for the summer and we jumped on it. Nathan has some business to handle so the kids and I tagged along and turned it into our vacation. Nathan could only stay for a week so we teied to stay busy. We spent some fun time at the park together with the kids. Owen's imagination had us running from crocodiles and sailing pirates ships. Riley loves the swings.

We had a incident with a ladybug. Everything was fine until the ladybug went to fly away. It opened its wings and Riley lost it. She freaked out swatting it off her and said it bit her. We thought nothing of the bite and assumed it just scared her. After a little research, the Asian lady beetles DO bite. So I believe the ladybugs look-alike the Asian lady beetle is what we found and what pinched Riley.

Our next activity was checking out the new paleontology exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The kids LOVED it and we handsome much fun experiencing it with them. Riley pointed at the first fossils we came too and said, "bones!" so cute! She and Owen looked tiny next the the fossils. Owen went 100% the whole time asking us if we had even seen this and showing us around the exhibit. It was precious! If you're in Houston, check it out! Awesome summer activity out of the heat.

More later. Ciao!

 

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Our new family addition!

My big brother and his wife welcomed their 2nd child into the world July 1st, Aimee Christine! Ashley and Aimee are both doing great. Lee says Kara wants to hold her and touch her nonstop. So sweet! I've been able to FaceTime with my parents and Cody and been e-mailing with Lee. It's hard being away from the family. The first time I meet Aimee, she'll be 4 months old! Congratulations Fithians! She's precious!











Ciao!

Imaginations

My sweet children's imaginations were running wild yesterday with the help of some fun costumes. First thing this morning Owen wanted to be Thor. He kept saying "I'm Thor, the Norse God of Thunder" and carried his hammer everywhere. He wore it to his friends house, to the park... All day until about 4pm when we had a wardrobe change to Spiderman. He was Spiderman last Halloween. The costume is getting a bit small but still wearable. He wore the mask for a long time! He was so excited and kept making web-shooting sounds. So cute!

Riley began the day as Belle, a dress given to us by friend see met here. She kept twirling, saying the flowers were pretty, and pointing to herself saying "princess". After her nap, I thought for sure she'd like to dress up as Cinderella but I was wrong. She went for the monkey costume Owen wore his 2nd Halloween. She flipped out, ran everywhere, jumped on the bed and kept squealing in delight! She loved it! It was really fun for me to see her in the same costume Owen wore. Next she was on to Cinderella which lasted he rest of the day.

Both de-robed for dinner surprising Nathan when he got by being just in their undies. They had loads of fun!


Ciao!

Location:Talatona, Angola

Angolan Grocery Adventure

Going to the grocery here in Angola is usually an adventure. You see crazy outfits, exorbitantly overpriced products and never get everything on your list (not to mention the sometimes frightening drive to the store). A typical shopping list can be fulfilled with trips to Kero, Casa dos Frescos, and Shop Rite. Sometimes Maxi too if needed. So to my Dad when you took me to the Super Walmart in May... yes, my eyes were huge because it's a 1-stop shop! Veggies, craft glue, new swimsuit, and a movie... all in one place! I know we haven't lived in Angola THAT long... but weekly trips to the market add up and slowly replace the memories of the conveniences HEB, Walmart and Target offer.

All of these pictures are at Kero. I converted the Kwanzas to US Dollars on the pictures. I forgot to use the $10 El Paso brand salsa picture! A small jar too...

$30 for a Winnie the Pooh doll, $19 for a 6-pack of yogurt similar to Activia, $54 for a Moxie doll

$40 for Barbie doll (no accessories or additional outfits), $60 for Cars Walkie Talkies, 

$18 for ONE Barbie dress, $150 for a Hot Wheels set

We have come to accept the prices here for what they are. I still have a hard time buying $20 yogurt so we are getting the local brand which is pennies compared to the imported stuff. The emergency bread we buy mid-week is typically $15 for a loaf (that's when we can't get to Kero and have to shop at the place down the street.) Sliced lunch meat is between $15-$19 bucks. Nathan found some gorgeous large strawberries in a 6-pack... $12! The end of the month is the worst time to hit the big markets. Everyone gets paid at the end of the month so EVERYONE is at the store... 

with multiple carts and kids in tow.

Ciao!

Growing our little tribe

I mentioned in a previous post that we had other things to celebrate (and other reasons why I was feeling wretched). This is because (drumroll please) we're pregnant!!! Baby Mery number 3 is on the way!

Baby is the size of a kumquat this week.



Baby's due date is January 4, 2013. The kids and I will be heading back to Texas in November and will stay until the bambino arrives plus some time afterwards. Schlumberger does not allow employees or spouses to deliver in Angola so we are required to leave. Besides, having our family close during this special time is incredibly important to me! And they get some extra special time with Owen and Riley too.

We are all very excited to grow to a family of five! Riley pats my tummy and says 'baby'. She wanted to hold the baby this morning so that was tricky to explain to a 23-month old. I've been asking Owen if he wants another sister or a brother. It changes daily. The names he's coming up with are great!

Magic
Peaches
Titan
Chipper
Zylen (this is one of his buddies from Katy)
Lions
Dragon
Ferger
Princess Leia

Ciao!

Location:Angola

So in love!

I am so in love with my kids! They are amazing, so full of life, innocent, loving, strong-willed, creative, and funny. They are proof, in my eyes, that God loves Nathan and me. God, please continue to bless my life with healthy children and grant me the abilities to teach and raise them to know You and love You.

Look at these sweet faces!!!








Ciao!

Location:Angola

Staying active

This weekend we went to the Schlumberger Wellness Day. They rented the soccer stadium which was really cool! Loads of races, fun for the kids, and information on wellness. Plus a huge soccer tournament amongst all the Schlumberger segments. The M-I SWACO team made it all the way to the Championship game, but lost. The only loss of the day. Way to go guys!!

Here are some pictures. Nathan ran all over the place with the kids. They were worn out and parked it on the grass. The green team is the M-I SWACO team getting ready for their second match. The man in the red jersey is Nathan's boss.


That evening we spent it with our good friends the Brown's. Yummy dinner, good company and the kids playing.

Sunday we assembled the bike and scooter we bought in Texas for the kids. They were so excited! The scooter we got for Riley isn't great but she loves riding as we push her around. We are going to try out a friend's micro scooter. It has 2-wheels in the front and 1 in the back (reverse of what we bought). I think the stability is great for her at this age. Oh and she also loved "riding" Owen's bike!

Owen had a hard time with the bike. Initially we had the pedals and training wheels on. But as his frustration grew, we knew we weren't doing something right. Nathan did some research and found a video suggesting a different approach. Balance is key so we removed the training wheels and the pedals and dropped the saddle all the way down. Now Owen can sit on the bike with his feet flat on the ground. We'll build from walking on it to moving faster. Then progress from there. We've already ridden 3 times this way and he is much more enthusiastic and willing to try! Between 3-6 years old is the common age to start riding. You can do it buddy! And then there'll be no slowing you down!!


Ciao!

Location:Angola