Marren's first movie!

Marren went to the movies for the first time 3-22-11! I never got a perfect picture but this one is the best! We went to the Crossroad's Dollar movies! I haven't been her in ages! Notice the antique seats and dirty cup holders! :)

She was great! We saw Tangled! It was really good. Marren liked all the songs and would shout out words like, "Sad Girl", "Horse", and "Popcorn". There were only like 8-10 people in the audience so I wasn't too worried about her outbursts. It was a great afternoon!

Zoo video

Small world

Marren and I visisted the Queen again. I do my best to take her. She loves the food, as do I, and I feel it's important that I keep as much of her beginning with her. I also thought it was time I made use of the address in Ethiopia I was given. It was hard to paint a picture with words about Marren and her life this past year. I think I did an okay job of it and my mom has a friend through work that speaks Amharic and was willing to translate my letter. I also put together an 8x8 scrapbook for her family that I spent 25-30 hours to complete. I asked Mimi, the owner of the Queen of Sheba, if anyone could translate the captions in my book. She said of course and asked some questions about her family and where she was from. SMALL WORLD! Our server is from Asela and may know Marren's family. Mimi said that they could hand deliver my letter and package to ensure it got to where it needed to go. I will be going back to the Queen in a week or so and will give them the address and a picture! My fears and doubts over writing my letter are now replaced with fears that I will never get a response. I hope that I am wrong.

Zoo Pics!

The Elephants were too far away, Marren called them hippos. After I told her what they were she, of course, said, "Scared, Elephant!"

The two females returned this week. I couldn't really tell which one is pregnant. Whomever it is, she is due in about 8 weeks.

This rhino kept spraying urine on the gate. (The white stuff you see in the pic) Marren laughed so I imagine she saw it.

"Rhino, Rhino, Ryan!"
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Marren loved the petting zoo. This lucky goat got a kiss! Bletch!

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She was very happy to see bunnies

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Oink Oink!

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Baaaaa! Sheep!

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She couldn't touch the sheep so the nasty gate got a kiss.

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Marren was a little leary of the chickens. I had to convince her to go closer

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In the end she stuck her finger through the chain link.

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According to Marren, flamingos are geese. I corrected her and she said, "No, geese."
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Marren loves the zoo! She, herself, attracts attention too! This time only two people took her picture. I can't really stop them without causing a scene but she's pretty entertaining with her running commentary. I like to think it's because she says please, thank you, your welcome, and bless you with frequent regularity in tones no on would mistake as quiet. I bought a zoo pass today so we can continue coming all year. It was a great deal! 5 more visits and it pays for itself and I image we will be frequent flyers. Next time I hope to take her to the seal and/or dolphin show.

Random Hair Pics

LUCILLE BALL INSPIRED PIGS WITH CURLY BANGS AND HEADBAND

MULTIPLE PONIES WITH TWISTS

FUNKY KNOTS WITH UP-ENDED BRAIDS

I JUST LOVE THIS PIC.... I CALL IT AU NATUREL


FRENCHY TWISTS

ZIGZAG KNOTS

I do my best styling Marren's hair. Let's face it, anyone who knows me could easily assume that I am hopeless in the hair department due to my fondness of a slick back ponytail. I am proud to say that I am tackling the challenge of Marren's hair with the preparedness I would employ if I were practicing for Nationals or for World! I agonize over her hair and I am certain my family thinks I am crazy with all the hair talk, but it's important that I don't make my baby bald, which aparently can happen with ease when you are dealing with ethnic hair. I had no clue on how to take care of Ethiopian hair and now I think I have a handle on it! I wash her hair every 7-8 days and try out new styles every week. It was difficult finding 100% organic product containing no alcohol or drying agents but I have succeeded! http://www.justnaturalskincare.com/ is my life saver. Anyway, I wanted to show some of the different do's I have tried out! Marren being the perfect child will sit for me calmly for about an hour. I think for an 18 month old it is an accomplishment!

At the Park

Marren loves the park. We visit the park by Aunt Jessica's house. Unfortunately Marren isn't very coordinated. I think she gets in a hurry due to excitement. This visit to the park landed her a fat lip. On a funnier note, while we were eating our lunch, picnic style, Marren pointed away from us and said, 'Cow, Moooo". I turned around and it was a woman walking her Great Dane dog that was black. So funny! I can't wait for her to see a real cow in person......