Grandpa

Last night Mom called to tell me that my Grandpa (Dad's dad) was in a car accident and that although he had been airlifted to the hospital, he had not survived. Although I know that he is now with Jesus and in a perfect body without weakness or pain, it still just downright hurts. I never lived near Grandpa and didn't see him often, but instead of that making it easier, it just deepens the regret that there will never, in this lifetime, be another chance to know him a little more or another opportunity to tell him I love him. This was his last picture with Ani.

Ani's New Uniform

Ani's aunt, Dadithe, made her a uniform for when she goes to school. I have been trying to put these pictures up since yesterday when I took them but the internet connection has been terrible.

She decided to pick me a flower :)

Showing off her new uniform for Uncle Petion

Running down the walkway from her grandma's house

With her airplane backpack on... looking like she is getting tired of pictures

Her airplane backpack from Papi

One last big smile

I took her to school and sat with her for a while with the other kids so she could get to know some of the kids in "her class". She then went over and sat on a bench by herself and pulled out the book that I had put in her bag.

While I was taking pictures of the other kids, a little girl she knew came and sat with her so she starting showing her her book.

Showing the book to her friend

Other kids started gathering around

Pretty soon she had a little crowd around her to whom she was explaining the story - partly in Creole, partly in English ;)

Pictures From Last Week

Going to school with Daddy

Helping Daddy pump the well

Me: "Ani can you look at Momma?"

Ani: "No I don't want to."
Me: "Ok, that's ok. Don't look at me, ok?"

Ani: "I'm looking at you."
Me: "No, no! Don't look at me and don't smile!"

Me: "Aw, what a nice smile, can you smile again for Momma?"

Ani: "No, I don't want to."
Me: "Ok, don't smile ok...?"

Ani: "I smiled momma."

Photo Shoot from Today

I wanted to get a picture of Ani today but she was being so difficult it turned into a photo shoot... just trying to get one good picture!!! Anyway, here are the better of the batch...

(Headband by Manner of Design)

Going to School... sort of

Last week I decided to try sending Ani to the preschool just for a little while to see how she liked it. She doesn't really get to play with other kids much so I thought it might be good for her. She really isn't not old enough but the school director and administrator were ok with it so off we went...

After about an hour or so I went to see how she was doing... I wasn't so much worried about her as about the teacher and other students! She has a way of taking over wherever she is so I was worried she might keep the teacher from being able to teach or distract the other kids from learning. When I got there, sure enough, I found the other kids drawing and her playing with the teacher... sigh! I peeked the camera around the corner to follow what was happening. When the teacher tried to get her to sit down she didn't want to so I figured it was time to take her home. If she was school age I would have left her but since she really is not even supposed to be there I didn't want her causing a ruckus.

She went back the next day and stayed until recess! Friday she decided she didn't want to go to school. Tomorrow I am going to send for the uniform material in the market so that she can have a little uniform like the other kids. Even if it is only for a few hours a week I think it will be good for her to learn to play with other kids and to obey the teacher.