Melkam Fasika!

Happy Easter! This past Sunday, we celebrated Ethiopian Easter, Fasika.

Since we weren't home for Easter, we decided to give the kids baskets this week and have an Ethiopian feast!

The kids got new pj's, goggles, a bpa-free water bottle, clearance Easter candy, and Kinz Clips. Benaiah got pj's and a "2 in 1 Harness Buddy" a.k.a. a leash that looks like a monkey on his back! He also got his Longaberger Easter basket.

We tried two new dishes: fasolia (green beans) and the beef tibs (in the center). Of course, it was delicious, and of course, we ate too much! Jeremy also made brownies for dessert. YUM!

Oh, Happy Day!

As we finished unloading the car Monday night after our 13 hours on the road, Annika told me that she wanted to ask Jesus to wash her heart clean! We all gathered in the living room, and William asked her if she had sinned and if she wanted to ask Jesus her heart. She prayed with her daddy, and afterward, we all shared our experiences of when we gave our hearts to God.

We are so happy for our little sister!

Happy Day! Tim Hughes

The greatest day in history,
Death is beaten You have rescued me
Sing it out Jesus is alive
The empty cross,
The empty grave
Life eternal You have won the day
Shout it out Jesus is alive
He's alive

Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed

When I stand, in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He's alive

Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name

Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed

Easter in Ohio

We got to see lots of family and friends when were in Ohio for Easter! Mom went with us and got to catch up with some of her old friends also!

On Thursday, we needed to take it easy. We had just come off of our beach trip, one day of work, a solid day of packing, and a solid day of traveling. We walked to a local park and had fun there with Cousin Lia. She is a hoot!

On Friday, we had Cassano's pizza with Susan's Uncle John and Aunt Jane followed by a trip to IKEA!

There was an egg hunt, Easter dinner, and an open house to meet Benaiah on Saturday. Thanks to all who came to see us! We had fun visiting with everybody!




On Sunday, we were able to go back to the chuch in which Susan grew up to see lots of old friends who are now also Facebook friends! We also had a nice visit with William's Aunt Jan and Uncle Dale.









On the way home, we finally got to introduce Benaiah to his Great-grandma Jo. We all adore her!

Birthday Beach Trip!

Saturday, April 4th was my birthday - my 40th birthday.




Marissa had a soccer game.








Annika had her first day of instructional soccer.







We grabbed lunch at Bojangle's and headed for Carolina Beach. It was about a 2 hour, 45 minute trip.






Finally around 4 pm, we hit the beach!









Benaiah was on a mission! He took his bucket and shovel and attempted to shovel into the bucket! Mema had fun chasing him. We got some really priceless looks. We could tell that some people were looking for Benaiah's brown-skinned family.


Annika liked to hold me hand and let the waves hit us. The water was very cold. At first, it hurt, but after you go numb, it is fine!

Marissa ventured in a little deeper.... and Jeremy ended up totally in the water. He also enjoyed flying his kite.


















On Sunday, we woke to watch the sun rise. After we got up again, we enjoyed the beach and went to the Fort Fisher Aquarium. It is very nice. We went to a presentation about snakes, and the kids all got to pet some snakes.



















We all had a really nice time and wished that it would have lasted longer!

Birthday Party!

The day before my birthday, my mom treated the whole family to dinner at Red Robin. It was a lot of fun, and of course, the food was great!










































After dinner, we went back to Mom's for cake...















I don't drink alcohol, but I did have a little too much Coke at dinner. I saw this cake and just died laughing until I cried. I almost barfed, I laughed so much!








It was a fun birthday party. I don't think I'll forget this one!





















Thank-you!!