Here are all of the other happening in December besides the parties that I have already posted about!!
On December 13th, I went for my weekly visit to the orphanage. Sadly, Femi was getting adopted but got one last haircut by "Uncle", the multi-talented driver for the orphanage. It was so cute to see the little boys looking all grown up getting their "heads barbered" (what the kids call the haircuts).
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| doing a good job staying still |
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| Femi looking so handsome! |
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| Esther giving me her best toothy smile |
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| Oluchi, Oluoma, and Blessing checking out the barbering |
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| Martha giving me a cheese |
On December 15th, we had a going away party for Rob and Ilsa at their beach hut. They have been in Lagos for 4.5 years and they are going back to Houston to live for now. They were gracious enough to invite us out to the beach many weekends with them and we had such great times. This event was a shrimp boil and there were about 25 of us that went to the beach on Sunday! We had an absolute blast!
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| beachtime selfie |
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| shrimp boil in action |
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| the fence was decorated with all of the tablecloths the vendors try to sell us |
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| the beachside pool |
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| the group action shots |
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| the happy couple celebrating all the way home |
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| the party continued on the boat ride |
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| boat shots |
On December 17th, we had a zumba party for all the regulars in the morning and night classes. We danced to some of our favorite songs then enjoyed champagne and sushi afterwards.
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| our amazing teacher Marianna leading the way |
On the 20th of December, we had a get together at Amy and Stephen's to say goodbye to Rob and Isla as they left for the airport and Lagos for good. We ate octopus that the Martin's brought back from Spain and it was delicious! It was the first time for me to eat it, but Jason said it was the best he had ever had! We also cooked a sirloin and made many cocktails. 10:30pm quickly turned into 3:00am after a fun dance party!
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| dancing in action |
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| two-stepping the night away |
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| out on the balcony to watch some late night fireworks |
On December 22nd, we went to the beach for the second week in a row with the new owner, Nolan. It was a lot more relaxing than the previous trip, but still a fun day in the pool looking out at the amazing ocean views. We even did some shopping this trip from the many vendors along the fence.
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| panorama of the party |
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| Kristiann helping Nolan negotiate a great deal on the ostrich |
On Christmas Eve, we went over to Kristiann and Graham's to eat a lamb roast that was gifted to them. Everything was delicious and it turned into a mini dance party afterwards!
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| pic in front of our tree before heading to dinner |
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| beautiful table setting |
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| Jason and I's place settings |
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| all of the yummy desserts that Kristiann made |
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| the professional looking cookies made by our host |
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| Friday cuddling up to Jason |
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| Friday was dressed up with a fur collar |
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| Friday dancing with his dad |
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| Friday partying in his lei |
On Christmas Day, we went over to Nolan's house after opening a few gifts at home. He was an amazing host and had some yummy mimosas to start off the morning, then turkey and dressing for a gourmet Christmas lunch. We did a white elephant gift exchange after lunch that was exciting. Additionally, he had such wonderful decorations set out by the pool for all of us to take our Christmas photos and send back home.
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| decorated African ostrich |
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| our full plates of yummy food |
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| the decorated swan in action |
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| our photo op with hula santa |
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| Christmas penguins |
On Boxing Day (day after Christmas) I hosted a brunch for 5 other people. I got to use my new placemats and napkins from my wedding gifts! I also saved up some breakfast food for this occasion so I went all out for our meal: piggies in a blanket, sausage bread,
ham and egg cups,
French toast bake, apple cinnamon bacon,
pumpkin and cranberry bread,
pancake stacks, and mimosas.
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| strawberry and whipped cream and banana nut pancake stacks |
