Christmas pre-celebration at home (since we were going to be away on Christmas day)

Joey Muhy helping baba decorate the Christmas tree... he did great and was very careful!

Baba stayed up late the night before the "pre-celebration" wrapping remaining gifts Muhy was going to open... and staging of course:-) ...it was a beautiful surprise to muhy AND mama (who also went to bed early) the following morning... thanks daddy (asante baba)!

Opening presents in PJs... aaah, this is the life! It must be Christmas:-)

Some of these gifts definitely help our entire family burn the calories:-)

Holiday breakfast party at Our Beginning (Dec 22, 2010), Muhy's daycare

With Rowyn, Joey's new school BFF, and his family... Yummy food by chef Maya!

With Teacher Dina, also Joey's babysitter (she used to be Muhy's teacher in the infant room since Cascade's) ~ met Joey when he was just 3 months. We love you Dina!

Piano time, with the teacher (actual pianist) who gives lessons at OB every Wed...

With Paula, the founder and owner of Our Beginning! Teacher Shannon and Adam ...with teacher Swatika (the kids react when they realize mom and/or dad aren't sticking around for the rest of the day, after the party was over:-( oops...)

Teacher Jennifer with Rowyn

Auntie and Godmother Karen and uncle Eddie's visit with Christmas gifts

Quiet moment with mama

Swanson's nursery ~ live reindeer for the holidays!

Joey and Zach LOVED the fish!!!

The Locks ~ Playdate with Zach

New trike ~ early Christmas gift from bibi and babu!

Playdate with Zach at Seward Park's new playground ~ early December, 2010

Playdate at Cafe Vita with Zach ~ Muhy's BFF!

At coffee shop, in matching vests:-)

Playing with uncle Ziad's i-phone

North Carolina in November 2010

Thank you to all the aunties, uncles, dadas, and kakas in North Carolina and those who came from afar for such a great Thanksgiving, wedding, and wonderful quality time with family, kin, and friends. We had an unforgettable time - fabulous hosting, great food, drinks, and best of all, great company!

A special thanks to dada Malaika, Naila, and Amina for playing with Muhy and being true sisters... and mama kubwa kubwa Nnali/uncle Alex/Salima and Henry for hosting us!

We can't wait to see you again, hopefully sooner than later!
All our love,
Muhy, mama and baba Mhelema

Final days in NC...

Our final day, hanging out at the mall!

I loved the slide at mama kubwa kubwa's!

At uncle Henry's house, where we stayed the first 3 days before moving to mama mkubwa mkubwa Nnali's house...

Hanging out with uncle Idris!

Shangilieni harusi, hongereni auntie Salima and uncle Mohammed! auntie Sally's and uncle Mo's wedding!!!

Heading to the wedding, dressed to impress:-)

Too cute boys (baby Justin, Gregori, and Rogers), mmependeza!

Naila singing, wow, American idol here we come!!!!!

Did we mention Muhy sleeps anywhere? Here, passed out in his stroller at the wedding... let the party begin for mama and baba!:-)

Malaika dancing with her Godfather (Justin)

Absolutely gorgeous girls!!!

With kaka Liban "mjomba", aise nae we!!!