Shanty Life

Yes, we are back. Back from vacations and weeks away from the computer (sweet relief). Someday I will not return to this landlocked county of farmland...I will simply strut from the ocean back to my shoddy cottage, shake off my flip flops and de-sand my bag of magazines and seltzer. I'll steam the crabs I caught earlier that morning and lay out some newspaper for picking those suckers on the deck overlooking the bay. One can dream.

So this is one of those posts where I realize that recounting the enormous list of details from the last few weeks, though exciting for us, may present as a snoozer to you. And so, I'll present you with a photo montage of the whirlwind known as July/August, 2010. Noemi did great with all of the fanfair. We had some setbacks along the way, which were to be expected, frankly. Not really setbacks, I suppose, just reminders that she still is quite vulnerable. The last few weeks entailed the most stimulation and upset of routine since she has been home, so we knew that it would really be stretching her. And she did great overall. Thank goodness for the buffer days of nothingness between events. And for the nauseating cheer of "Barney" when the going gets tough.

Exhibit A: Mekonen Oren

Need I say more? This handsome little guy captured Sosi's heart back in Ethiopia and continues to woo her with his charm to this day. So great to sneak in a visit with them while they were on the East Coast. We are forever bonded with this family after being in ET with them...we joke that it was like them being in the labor and delivery room with us--they have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Let the wedding plans commence!


Exhibit B: A visit from my Messiah College roommate and sista, Donna

Talk about food for the soul--oh, how I miss her. She's the friend who will just always be. Constancy in friendship is a gift, and I am blessed to have her in my life. I live on the East Coast, she lives on the West Coast. sigh. It was the first time she met Noemi face-to-face and I think the smitten feelings were mutual. Noemi has affectionately mentioned Don-Don everyday since she left.


Exhibit C: Ocean City, New Jersey with The Witmer side of the family for our annual week at the shore

Cotton candy eaters, wave rompers, jellyfish catchers, moat diggers and campy boardwalk ride riders, unite! Noemi couldn't get enough of the non-stop action of living with her fantastico cousins for the week--built in playmates--and her doting aunties, uncles and grandma. I wouldn't say that the Thomas the Tank Engine ride became an official obsession, but "Pama" was certainly a favorite. She woke up more than one morning saying "beeeee" (beach) while her eyes were still half closed. See? She, too, is dreaming of before-mentioned shanty on the sand.










We heart summer here in the Witmer household. Keep it coming. We're (ok, I am) mighty stubborn about letting it go.