Long time, No hear....

Well it has been awhile since we posted due to the holidays, traveling, not so good internet and looming deadlines.

My parents came and visited us from Dec 19-Jan. 11 and we had a great time. We managed to celebrate Christmas at our place, drive to Livingstone, fly to South Luangwe National Park for a safari, and visit Lake Kariba in Siavonga during that time. The trip really was a big success (except for a bit too much rain) and it was wonderful to show our family where we have lived for the past 3.5 years. Here are some highlights.

Their first Jack-in the box i.e. Curious George (from Grandma Nancy). It is so much fun to see their faces when he pops up, but they have no patience. They try to get him out before the song finishes!We visited my nanny, Scholastica (in the middle) on Christmas to buy chickens from her to give to the guards working at school that day. Here her brother is tying the legs of the chickens. Afterwards we put them in car and delivered them!

Gotta love the kids' table during holiday dinners! Here we are celebrating with Simon (left) Max (middle) and Sadie. Simon and Sadie are our neighbors and Max is their cousin visiting from California.

Another noisy present from Grandma and Grandpa. Hey.. they loved it!

All dress up on Christmas day playing in the back yard. Luckily the rain had stopped in afternoon.

Family portrait on Christmas day

Coloring

Checking out a millipede. These are new rain jackets they got for Christmas. They came just in time because the rains have started with a vengeance.

Grampa made tunnel out of card boards boxes. Who needs toys?

In the Land Rover at South Luangwe National Park.

Giraffe. It is like they all lined up for us. They had heard something in the distance. By the way, because of this safari, giraffe is on the list of Jacob and Mia's first ten words!

Zebra.
Lions. It is really interesting because if you read information about traveling to Zambia, they say the best time to go on safari is May-November because it is easier to see the animals due to the dry season. Well, we saw tons of animals and often they were walking on the open road or lying just next to it like these lions were! It was so beautiful too because it was so lush and emerald green!

Riding in the safari vehicle. Jacob and Mia LOVED seeing the animals. We actually didn't think they would enjoy being in the jeep so long, but since they were not in car seats, they loved the freedom and looking around at all the animals. They were very verbal (although most of it nonsense!)

Jacob swimming at the Zambezi Sun hotel. It has a great pool for toddlers. Jacob and Mia have definitely developed a lot of water confidence.
Victoria Falls.

I love these shots of people around Zambia. It reminds me how easy my life is.