The Girls

MISS THAILIE

Thai is still the likable, outgoing, talkative and girly little smarty that you remember—only older with a larger vocabulary including two new languages! Her love for Jesus and His word is continually growing. It is such a blessing to be a part of and facilitate.

Well, another thing about Thailie is, despite my best efforts, this girl is a diva! If it has sparkles, glitter or twirls she's gonna love it! Along with that goes her pursuit of fashions and styles. So, one day she saw our neighbor cutting her baby's hair with scissors. What do you suppose happened later that same day — Yep! She decided she needed a hair cut too.

Future hair stylist?? Please note the bald spot in the middle!

Well, I decided I would try my best to give her a pixie cut. If I wasn't successful the only other option I could think of was going local — shaving it all off! Just a side note, up until this point her hair was only slightly trimmed meaning that it has taken her 4 years just to grow it as long as it was and now we get to start all over!

The final product! I was able to keep the top a little longer creating a sort of "comb over" to cover the main bald spot.

There were a few choppy pieces left but overall I think I managed to conceal most of it!

Well, she definitely learned her lesson, but did get a lot of compliments on her cute pixie cut!

Thai is definitely getting over her fear of every living creature. Daddy gives her exposure to all sorts of things! Here she is holding our chameleon, Pascal.

Lately Thai has really been getting comfortable playing with some of the neighbor kids. There have also been a few girls that have come over which is a nice change from constant flow of the rowdy boy crowd.

Thailie and Aziza made goofy glasses from a toy egg container.

One of Thailie's favorite things is school. We are currently on a bit of an "extended break" because she has blown through the materials I brought out for her. I have ordered an actual curriculum and we are both really looking forward to getting back into the swing of school.

Mat built her a little desk and stool to sit on. It was a huge hit!

Thai's desk was so popular, Nia wanted one too! We put together a Rangi stool to sit on and another stool to work on. Not only was this a great solution to keep Nia busy while helping Thai, but it made Nia feel like a big girl doing her own school work!

Nia works on puzzles while Thai does school work. 

Well, speaking of Nia...

This little girl is only just a little different from her sister! She is changing and growing so fast it is a blast to watch; yet sad to know everyone in The States doesn't get to experience the amusement she brings to us on a daily basis.
She has mastered the African art of greeting even to the point of being offended when she is overlooked because of her age. She lacks quite a bit of elegance and even simple coordination. She is not graceful but she is very gracious. She notices and is considerate when someone needs help. She is quick to offer a rub on your back and an empathetic word to bring comfort to anyone with an "owie". At every meal she monitors us to make sure everyone has been served and that no one takes a bite before we pray.

Showing off one of her birthday dresses

She loves playing with babies!

We are having a lot of fun seeing her personality blossom and as her vocabulary expands we are beginning to see how her little mind works.

Nia and Amina going for a ride down the hall in a box.

Testing out her new bed daddy made just for her!

When we first got here none of us really got any sleep. Nia was sick which led to frequent trips under the mosquito net, out my room, into her room, under her mosquito net, unzipping her tented bed to finally. beginning the process of comforting her to get her to sleep. It was a ridiculous process to continue every night. Many nights I fell asleep in the plastic chair in her room exposing myself to scorpions, spiders and malaria carrying Mosquitos. Something had to change! Finally, we decided just to take the local route and pull her into bed with us. Well, as time passed her room became a storage room all the while she was growing bigger taking up more space in our room. So, silly as it may be, this is the solution we came up with. Bunk beds! Well, kind of. Our bed goes one way and then her bed is perpendicular suspended above our feet. Crazy as it may seem, it has worked out great for everyone and become a new favorite play spot for the girls.

Having her "quiet time" in their play house.

THE DUO

These two are great buddies and playmates. I prayed for kids who would love each other and play well together. Sure, they fight and are selfish at times picking fights just to cause trouble, but overall they are best friends looking out for one another.

Thanks Castillos for the matching clothes! The girls LOVE to match!

Thai fixed her hair, got her purse and then wanted her picture taken. This led to Nia wanting her's taken....

I think she missed the fixing hair/looking nice part! :)

Thailie loves to read so many times if I am too busy, she will let Nia pick out a story and read it to her.

Enjoying their matching Tinker Bell headlamps and other goodies in a care package sent to us. Thanks Adams!

The girls decided to hold their own Bible study.

Two Monkeys swinging on the hallway swing!