Lusaka Family Fun!

So I might have mentioned last week that this Lusaka trip would be the first time as just a family of 5 in about a year...well, I was wrong! How could I have forgotten our camping nightmare (ahem, trip) last August??!!! Regardless, we had an awesome time in Lusaka together!

We do love some family time together and do family devotions almost every night of the week, with the kids (and us) taking turns leading! Caedmon was VERY prepared for this devotion about how what you say causes a chain reaction!

We play a LOT of games in our family... I did NOT enjoy playing the Game of Life! #ilost #dumbgame #everyonemakesmoremoneythanme

Poor Cambree worked on her research paper while we played!

So, in no particular order, here at the pics from our 3 day trip to Lusaka! (roughly 5 hours away by truck).

Nutella pancakes at The Cake Bar? Yes please.

And a Nutella Latte for Mama!

Panini...I love food.

The main 2 purposes for our trip was to go to the dentist for our annual teeth cleanings and to buy a ping pong table for our family room! Both were successes! (even though we got to the dentist an hour early due to NO traffic - the boys played football and climbed trees!)

That afternoon, we decided to swing by Dream Valley and see if the waterpark was crowded. We were the ONLY ones there!!!

The kids had a blast for 2 1/2 hours!

We went on Saturday as well for about 2 hours...we had to share the park with 6 other people...#lifeishard

A Saturday morning family game of Nerts - Mama wins again!

Mugg & Bean for Saturday breakfast - potato and leek skillet!

And some Mexican food at Mochachos!

Love laughing with our kids!

We stayed at the Baptist Mission - our neat freak Caedmon always keeps his face very organized!!

The kids spent tons of time climbing trees and stealing guavas! (in her dress shoes and dress...)

We saw a Saturday morning movie - Robinson Crusoe!

This boy needs some culture - when he saw this trailer he said, "Wow! Look at that oxcart!!"

On Friday night we went to Spur to eat with Debbie, who was also in town!

The best meal so far...steak with wild rice and onion rings... :)

We passed this sign several times - 'Merica!

On Sunday morning we went BACK to The Cake Bar for breakfast and some groceries before heading back home! (Another yummy egg and veggie skillet!)

Unfortunately, we came home to a 24 hour power outage, so it was a little crazy trying to get things unpacked, organized, not lose meat we just bought, and get laundry done! But we are well into our Monday now and the power is back on! Headed to ladies' prayer time, a yummy supper in the works, and a night of teaching the kids how to play Ping Pong! Have a great week!

Wednesday = 7 years!

First of all, if you struggle with JOY *insert mirror here*, you need to go check out Laurie's blog today here! Seriously. Go.

Well, today is 7 years. 7 years since we stepped off a plane in Lusaka, Zambia with a 4 year old, 3 year old, and 1 year old, ready to conquer the task God had set before us of beginning New Day Orphanage.

That first international airplane ride.. (Well, Caedmon & Cason's second!)

Traveling with a 1 year old for 26 hours...

A few days later, we stepped foot onto the New Day land for the first time...and saw this. All around us. It looked like this. (My eyes were SO big! #whathavewedone)

Today marks 7 years at New Day and 9 years in Zambia. I never imagined that we would be in Africa this long and that our lives would look like this! Some (many) days are hard, many days are joyful, and God has been with us every step of the way! HE gets all the glory for New Day Orphanage! If you have been here, you know that what has happened in the last seven years is impossible by man's hands alone! The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!

Ben helping to clean the dining hall after Kids Club

Blu brought me "just because" roses from Choma yesterday! (He said they were only $2. And they died the next day. It's the thought that counts!)

Have I mentioned it's the rainy season??

After being stuck on the other side of the river for an extra day, I think Dad was excited to be home!

Cason loves his Sunday afternoon Discipleship class with Mama Lala!

Machila & Emma

We had the opportunity to stream the Inauguration and watch it with the kids!

Standing for the National Anthem

Mama Lala & Luyando

Getting so big!

Malilwe showing off some new hair accessories!

Nurse Carol has been doing some nursing and a LOT of Pre-K helping!

Love our little Emmanuel! He is VERY smart and is doing great in Pre-K even though he's still about the size of a 2-3 year old!

Justin hanging out in Mama Lala's classroom!

Poor Raston has 16 sisters and inevitably got his nails painted!

Papa Wes back in his element, getting to know Raston!

Our family is SO excited tomorrow to head to Lusaka for our annual family trip to the dentist + our favorite restaurants + swimming + a movie! (Remember this trip??!!) We realized it had been almost ONE YEAR since our family has gone on ANY trip together, just the 5 of us! We spend a lot of quality time together (playing outside or games almost every night of the week), but we haven't been AWAY together in a very long time, and we're so excited! See you Monday!