The kids

Just some random things about the kids that I don't want to forget:

Thomas has drawn out “blue-prints” for the next car he’s “going to build with Brother Nielsen” when we go back to Utah for vacation.  He had me look up “engineering classes for kids” that he can attend while we’re in the states.   He misses tinkering with things here.  Back in the states he liked to take things apart, like computers, old phones, radios, etc. and play with the motors or other gadgets to build things.  We don’t have much for him to take apart here like we did back home.  So we want him to have some opportunities to take some engineering/robotics classes.  We’ll also see if his old piano teacher can give him lessons while we’re visiting.  He’s really improved in his piano playing and is totally motivated to learn on his own.  In fact, many times we have to drag him away from the piano because the rest of us need a break from it.  Luckily we have an electric keyboard so he can use earphones as well. :) He also loves the Irish whistle.  He’s also getting more and more interested in swimming technique and is looking forward to his afterschool swimming class that starts after the break.  He’s also expressed interest in joining the swim team.  We just watched video clips of Michael Phelps winning some of his gold medals from the 2012 Olympics. :)  

Savannah has given me some big hugs over the last few days since I converted the storage room to a bedroom for her.  She moved into the storage room with the understanding that she was just going to sleep there, because she kept complaining that Rhea was waking her up in the mornings.  It didn’t take long for her “area” to be covered in toys, coloring and cutting projects, etc.  So with the help of our wonderful, hardworking housecleaner, we cleared most everything out of the storage room to make it Savvy’s room.  This was not easy of course to find room for bins of winter clothes and boots, Christmas decorations, a Christmas tree, suitcases, camping equipment, beach chairs and umbrellas, coolers, etc.  I finally decided to attempt putting the Christmas tree on one of our porches, completely wrapped to protect it from the rain and humidity.  We’ll see if it works!  We’ve tucked everything else into closets and a small bathroom off of the kitchen.  After moving everything to different places around the house, it might take us a while to find everything when we need something, but we don’t have to worry as long as we have “Mr. Incredible” in the home (Briant--side note:  After the kids and I have failed to find something after turning the house upside down looking for it, Bri comes along, (known for about a year now as “Mr. Incredible,” a self-dubbed name) and finds it within just a few minutes of looking.  It’s frustrating to the rest of us who don’t feel so lucky, but grateful that he always seems to find everything!)  :)  Before Zita got on the elevator to leave after helping with Savvy's room, Savvy ran out to her to give her a big hug and say “Obrigada!”  The next morning, to thank her again for her help on her room, she created a paper candy holder that she colored with the names of Zita’s boys on it so she could give them the candy.  Sadly, the two older boys live out in the provinces because “Luanda is crazy” (her own words).   She wants them to go to school there.  She and her husband see them once every three months!  Anyway, we’re grateful for Zita's help here, especially Savvy right now.  And I'm grateful for Savvy's thoughtfulness toward Zita and that she wants to show her gratitude without it being suggested to her.  She really is a thoughtful girl with a big heart.  She's a wonderful hugger too.  

 
 Rhea continues to be the yellow personality that she is, literally laughing over everything and ready to play or be tickled at all times.  She’s quite the little teacher, getting into my teaching supplies all the time to use as she teaches her dolls.  She especially loves using a whiteboard and pens to teach.  She has started imitating activities that her older siblings participate in--knitting, reading chapter books, and racing laps in the pool with us without the fear of coming in last, etc.  She has a healthy dose of confidence without the fear or worry of failure.  She makes us laugh with the outfits she chooses for herself, especially the ones that would make anyone sweat in the middle of summer here in Angola, but don’t seem to bother her.  I think she suffers in the name of fashion.  :)  One funny idiosyncrasy that she has right now is that she can’t handle people throwing up or people even talking about throw up.  She literally freaks out and starts crying hysterically when the subject comes up.  She somehow came up with the code word “overboard” that we’re supposed to use instead of “throw up.”  “I need to overboard.”  We don’t have any more hysterics now about the issue.  :)