Halloween 2011

 Once the candles were lit Bini burst into song "Happy Birthday to you..."

 See the wink, it's something new, we explained winking to Mekdes one day and then she had about a week when she would do this exaggerated wink whenever possible.  And the black on black outfit, I suggested she wear her pink pants with that top and she told me "no mom, this (top) and this (pants), it's very cool" how does she get that? She picks up so much!

 not so scary that night, but now that they've been on the steps for a few weeks, oh they are scary!

 Mekdes had her first field trip and she was so excited.  Ella had a teacher work day so we were all able to join Mekdes' class at the farm for some soggy fun.

 Ella's school does a "Historic Halloween" which is a pretty big deal.  The kids chose a person in history, write a speech in the first person, practice a lot, and then present their speeches in front of a room full of parents.  Ella chose to be Catherine Hamlin, a fistula surgeon who has worked in Ethiopia for the past 52 years (Greg and I were able to meet her on our trip to pick up Biniyam) There is a wonderful documentary called A Walk to Beautiful about Dr Hamlin and the fistula patients in Ethiopia. Ella's speech was only 3 sentences but she did great and didn't seem nervous at all.

 Happy Halloween! from Princess Tiana, the mermaid, and the puppy dog (Bini wanted to be Bob the tomato, I made him a costume, he refused to put it on, so hence the to small doggy costume) We joined the crowds for after school trick or treating around the stores in the old part of town, it's fun because we get to see so many costumes and run into friends.  How did Mekdes like her first Halloween experience? silly question right? She loved it, and after 2 hrs told me she was tired and ready to go home.

 I love this picture of Mekdes, because it so so her, see the position of her hands on her hips as she's eye to eye with the scary head.  She's so strong, and her stance is letting this head know she is not going to let him scare her!

After dinner we went trick or treating around our neighborhood.  At one of the houses Mekdes was handed candy, turned to me and said (loudly) "Wow mom, she is SO old!.. I hope she doesn't die!" I was able to hold it together until reaching the sidewalk and then just burst into laughter.  Got to love it, she is just so honest.  And Biniyam was Biniyam, pure entertainment and a lot of energy!