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The Motherland

We had dinner tonight with our friend Jenny at an Ethiopian restaurant.

We took this picture after most of the food was gone.  It looked much more appetizing before we devoured it.

We don't eat Ethiopian food as often as we should, but when we do...Seth jumps right in as if he's eaten it a thousand times (there is kind of an art to it).  Colin, who hasn't had it since he was a baby, wasn't a fan.  To his credit, he was feeling a bit under the weather.


*My informal restaurant review for those who care - The food was very good.  I don't usually care for injera, which is the spongy flat bread you put between your fingers to pick up the food, but I liked it here.  If trying different foods and cultures is on your list of things to do, then Elsa's is a good place for it.  It's not too big or intimidating and the owners seemed willing to help people figure out what to order.  (And we'd go with you too!)  The service is SLOW.  Which is part of the experience.  John kept reminding us that we were on Ethiopian time and to relax.  He then told the boys the story of a dinner we had in Ethiopia when we were there to meet the boys.  We had been traveling all day to get to the countryside to see the part of Ethiopia where the boys were born.  We had dinner at the hotel restaurant late that night.  There weren't a lot of options for those of us whose digestive capabilities don't match our desire for adventurous travel (if you catch my drift!) so  I ordered french fries.  Most restaurants we had been to had them and this restaurant had it on their menu.  It was three hours before my french fries arrived.  THREE HOURS.  So tonight when it took 25 minutes for someone to take our order, another 15 minutes for our drinks to arrive, we took it in stride.  It's a family run restaurant with hard working people.  Just don't expect the quick in-and-out dining experience that we're used to. 

Basketball

Seth started basketball this week.  I'm posting this for grandparents but you can watch it too.


Seth BBall 1-10-15 from Kim Lovitt on Vimeo.

This made me smile.  Seth sat patiently while the coaches son bounced a ball on his head over and over.  So cute!  

Honesty

Colin was chosen by his teacher for an award on Friday.  All the students memorize and recite a character pledge before school each day.  A reminder to them to be honest, hard working, and kind.  Colin's teacher wanted to honor him as an honest student. 

So Friday morning we were all at the school to see him get his certificate.  He stood up with students from the other kindergarten classes. 


We are very proud of him.  When I asked him to tell me some ways he's shown honesty in his class he told me that whenever they are lined up to go somewhere, his teacher wants everyone to be quiet.  If the class gets loud then the teacher says, "Whoever is talking will need to go to the back of the line."  Colin said, "I always go to the back of the line." 

So...he's not following directions but at least he's honest about it.  We're still proud. 

Christmas Card Outtakes - 2014

So here's how getting a family picture for the Christmas card played out this year.  I prepped my family (all three men in this house) ahead of time that I was going to make it as painless as possible.  They all despise wearing "picture clothes" and posing in various places and taking several shots for one useable picture. So I tried not to over think it.  I used the timer on my phone camera and we stayed in our own yard at locations I scoped out ahead of time (Bailey was my stand in model).




Then it was time to get the family in the picture.  John had the brilliant idea of bringing out a prop box.  So we'd take a couple "serious" pictures than take a couple goofy ones with well-chosen props.

Take #1:  As soon as I set the timer for the first picture we heard horse hooves quickly coming our way.  Pete made it to the fence in time to get in the shot.  So...we went with it.  He hung around long enough for a few more takes that included Carhartt.  Bailey (who is still very precocious and without boundaries watched from his kennel.   You can feel badly for Bailey but only if you haven't met him...otherwise you would understand completely).

Take #2:  Okay but a little awkward.  Pete still looks like he's photo-bombing our Christmas picture.  
Take #3:  It was at this point that we decided we needed Carhartt in the picture.  But you see, Carhartt is an old dog and not as spry as he used to be.  So we called him to come to us and he did...just not in time to get there before the timer went off.

So on to Take #4:  Carhartt made it and miraculously Pete is still hanging out too.  But now Carhartt looks awkward.  This is when I say, "One more, I think we can get it with one more shot".  And my family lets out a collected grunt.  I am not swayed however.

And that is how we got our Country Christmas Card.

And now for the goofy prop picture.  Pete and Carhartt ran off as soon as these antics began.  And yes...for those with a sharp eye...John is holding a chicken. 
Thank you to all the boys (equine and canine included) for their cooperation and support.