Summer 09... Getting Home

I promise I will update the rest of the summer and do a picture over load in the next few days but here is a recap of my LONG journey home! 

I flew a lot of these (and a lot this summer)

Got upgraded to Business for the 13 hour flight from Dubai to JFK

It took over 20 hours to get from South Africa to Dubai to New York then a day and a half in New York then 4 plus hours and I am HOME to AZ! 

7 weeks, 7 countries, 2 states, one summer, chance of a life time, 1 birthday, many game drives, lots of the same clothes, eating way to much good food, changed forever... Summer 2009 

All the countries I went to in Africa (They have a little blue star on them!)

Victoria Falls and a Rainbow!

Day 39 (Tuesday August 18, 2009)

Bight and early is the name of the game! Another early one and not much sleep there were animals outside our room ALL NIGHT… we were in the jeep by 6AM off looking for lions and leopards. We drove and drove looking for a cat and nothing we were out for a little over 4 hours without sighting a cat (we did see lots of elephants, giraffes, zebras, etc.) then back to the lodge for showers  and play time then an amazing lunch and movie and quiet time 5:30 is very early to wake up at…  then tea and cake time and back to the jeep for the night game drive! To get into the park we took a boat very fun! We were again looking for lions and leopards we drove all around and nothing… we had sundowners, looked in the dark for the leopards that is when they do their kill but nothing then back to the lodge for dinner and bedtime! 

Day 38 (Monday August 17, 2009)

Spencer’s Birthday!

 

We were up at out of the hotel by about 7am that is with breakfast also ( I am not going to miss these early days lol) we loaded up and drove the 2 hours back to the city and to the airport once there we had to weigh us and all our bags for the plane. So all 13 of us walked out onto the runway and we saw 3 very small plans when we were getting into our the pilot asked if I wanted to sit shot gun well heck yes I did! But I learned very quick that I am NOT a fan of little planes oh boy it could have been bad. Then we landed in Zambia, got in jeeps and drove through Mufwe town. I felt so special because everyone stops to wave at you! Its like a parade. When we got to Kapani Lodge we checked in and had an AMAZING lunch! Then went swimming in a COLD pool with bamboos and frogs around the frog actually jumped in the pool (Ethan saved us from it) Then a little rest time and off on the first game drive! After we entered the park we saw lion cubs and their mom right away! Then we saw a bunch of animals we have seen then we stopped and had sundowners (drinks and snacks!) as we watched the sun set! And then we drove to find leopards… nothing… after a wonderful dinner it was bedtime.  

Day 37 (Sunday August 16, 2009)

Travel day and lake day! We got up and ready, ate breakfast, went for a walk where we got to feed the fish (Ethan loved it). Then loaded into the car to drive to Lake Malawi. We got to the hotel and after lunch Ethan went for a quick swim in a small gross pool. Then we went down to the beach and played in the sand for a while. Then we had a movie night and bed early. Tomorrow morning is going to be early! The lake was pretty and big but we didn’t swim because it can make you get very sick so we thought we should play it safe and not LOL!

Day 36 (Saturday August 16, 2009)

We spent another day playing at the lodge. We spent a lot of time running in the grass outside our room and playing on the deck. We had a nice lunch outside on the patio. Then we went for a long walk in which we saw the cows and Ethan had a talk with one of them and then as we were going to leave the cow broke out of the pen and started to follow us… so we walked a little quicker and eventually lost her. It was very funny when it happened. Then we had the normal bath, dinner. Movie, bed time, that is one thing that has basically stayed the same in each place we have been! And I worked on packing we had to send our big bag back to the states with Brent so everything had to fit in the little bags and under 30 pounds… then I went to bed pretty early which was super nice! 

Day 35 (Friday August 14, 2009)

That was the best night sleep I have had this whole trip I slept from like 8pm- 6:30am straight through AMAZING! When we got up we went to breakfast then for a long walk around the farm and we saw lots of baby goats so cute! Then we found an area that had grasshoppers and butterflies it was Ethan heaven! So we spent lots of time playing there. Then we sat on a nice deck where we had an amazing view and ate a nice lunch! Then a little reading, walk, playing, bug catching then inside for playing, movie, dinner, bedtime, it was a very nice, quiet, relaxing day which I know we both NEEDED after 2 big travel days! 

So there is this boy who kinda has my heart...

Here are some of the reasons why!

 

v I was the first person to ever hold him

v His name

v The fact t hat people first thought he was mine and still do!

v His eyes

v That I am his one and only Giggie

v He runs down the hall screaming my name with his arms wide open whenever I come over!

v He loves bagels as much as me (but can eat more then me)

v He will drink anything with a straw especially Passion tea lemonades and smoothies!

v He loves clothes and shoes and has good taste at 2

v His hair is just the most amazing thing ever

v He smiles and poses for cameras

v He has EVERYONE wrapped around his little fingers

v He can put a smile on your face whenever you need it or whenever you don’t

v He loves doggies

v He loves to swim and is getting really good at it

v He wants to play any game we are playing and walks around carrying cards

v He loves to sit on the couch and watch tv with me!

v He loves to workout to the wii

v He has names for his favorite people Jackjack, giggie, and The Mama!

v He is a good help when baking he wears his apron and sits on the counter and helps me!

v He loves to get communion at church and holds his hands out and then says “thannnnk you mama” or sometimes “thannnnnk you Jesus

v He loves Auntie Annie pretzles and will throw a fit if you don’t get them for him right away.

v He is getting to be a big boy who walks places instead of riding in the stroller

v He loves hats

v He loves his binkie

v He wants to be with all the big kids

v Loves sports of any kind but his favorite is baskkketballll and he says “nice shotttt” after every shot even if he misses

v He is going to be taller then me one of these days soon…

v He loves to sing and dance and gets mad when you change the songs in the car

v He loves to talk on the phone, hold the phone, play with the phone but he knows not to touch Giggies phone and brings it to me whenever I leave it somewhere!

v He is the love of my life and I can’t wait to see him in 10 days!

v Happy Birthday Baby Boy I love you with all my heart!

 

 

I love you baby boy and I can’t wait to see you in 10 days! And we will celebrate with lots of Coookies, hugs, kisses, and lots of passion tea lemonades and smoothies!

 

Love your one and only most favorite

Giggie!

Day 34 Thursday August 13th, 2009

Another travel day, we were up at 5AM after not really any sleep the night before but we got all ready and checked out by 6AM then back to the airport not much traffic this morning thank goodness. As we were checking in Ethan started to not feel well so we spent LOTS of time in the bathroom today. On the airplane for the first part I had 3 seats to myself so I lay down and slept the whole way, which was nice. We finally arrived in Malawi went through passport control (I am going to have my passport number memorized soon along with J’lein and Ethan’s…) then we waited and waited for our bags I got a little nervous. Then we dropped the group off at their meeting and Ethan and I headed to the Lodge and spent the rest of the day in the room watching movies, and getting organized. He was asleep by about 7:40 and I was out on the couch by 8 I think we were both a little tired…

Day 33 Wednesday August 12th, 2009

Today I woke up bright and early after very little sleep we got all packed and we headed to breakfast then loaded the cars and begin the drive down the mountain it was hot, slow, and smelly I was not doing so hot LOL. Then to the airport where we said goodbye to Wayne, Lucia, Dax, and Nico and we all got checked in and waited to fly back to Kenya for the night, it was one bumpy plane ride then we got another stamp, our bags, and it took us over a hour to get to the hotel traffic was terrible (I am excited when I can just get home and not have to get in the car for long distances)  then we played a little Ethan had dinner and a shower and bed and I did the same soon after it was a busy long travel day. 

Day 32 Tuesday August 11th, 2009

My 20^th BIRTHDAY

 

Never in my life have I been up at 5:30 am or would have thought I would on my birthday but I did and it was so worth it! I got ready, had a nice breakfast, and then went to the lodge to get our guides for our Gorilla Trek. Today we had not such a bad drive like last time and then we were told it would be not a super long trek but not short either. So we walked through the village and farms to the stonewall climbed it and it was this beautiful bamboo jungle and we all thought it was so great and pretty. Then they said we are going down. Well we went down a side of the mountain, it was slippery, wet dirt and rocks we held on to vines and slipped a lot. Then when we got down and we were told a little more a little more well we were not walking for most of it on solid ground we were on vines, roots, rocks, logs, going over hills, staying to sides, not falling in holes, it was an adventure to say the least.  Then 3 hours later we were finally close to them and it was a great gorilla family. One silver back, 5 moms, 5 babies. And they just sat and posed and so we took lots of pictures with them behind us! (Grammy and Papa I think I got your Christmas card picture!) Then after one hour with them it was time to leave. So we went a little ways, had a snack and began the trek back and 2 hours later we were at the van. We went back to the hotel had lunch, tried to take a shower but the water pressure was not good at all so I got most of the dirt off! Then Wayne and I played more cards and we tied 5/5 and he got mad and stopped playing (he is not use to losing) then I spend some time with Ethan and we skyped with mom, Manny, and the baby boy! Jackjack was at school L. Then we had dinner and after they turned the lights off and the whole staff came in carry a torch and banging pans, trays, and bottles, and going around the room singing then I blew out my candles and they sang Happy Birthday in their native language for me. And the cake was really good I guess African cakes normally are not very good! Then the adults went to bed and Dax (for a little bit) Nico, Robbie, and Perry and I played cards till 1 AM it was a really good and fun birthday!

Day 31 Monday August 10th, 2009

1 Day till my BIRTHDAY

 

We got up this morning chilled for a while, had a nice breakfast then J’lein and Ethan went for a walk and I played around with the suitcases (we have to get everything we need for the last 2 weeks into our 3 carry-on bags) then I sat on the deck and read, we looked at pictures from all the game drives then a nice lunch and back to the cards. Ethan played outside in the grass and scared the birds… then dinner and after I played Wayne in 500 again and I brought my score up lots! He was not happy with that. Then bedtime tomorrow was going to be a busy, long, early, fun day! 

Day 30 Sunday August 9th, 2009

2 Day’s till my BIRTHDAY

 

Today we had the morning to sleep and of course Ethan and I were up at 6. We even went to bed late so after some movies and playing we had breakfast, walked around the hotel, packed up and left. We went to the Genocide Memorial again this time Ethan and I stayed outside and played. Then to a cute little restaurant for Sunday brunch. Then on the road again to The Gorilla’s Nest. On the way I watched The Hangover with Nico good movie very funny. When we got there we watched the dancers, played cards, ate dinner and bedtime another long day but a good one!

Day 29 Saturday August 8th, 2009

3 Day’s till my BIRTHDAY

 

This morning I decided to skip the game drive and have some Sam time and I sat on the pretty deck and read my book without anyone talking to me or asking me things. It was wonderful! The only bummer was that on the game drive I missed a leopard eating a zebra. Then we packed up and headed to the field airport… took an awful plane ride. I thought I was going to be sick the whole time it was small, hot, full, bumpy, just awful, then we arrived in Nairobi and went to “The Carnivore” for lunch and we including me at a TON of meat. Then to the big airport to fly to Rwanda. This plane ride was a little nicer but still not great. Then to the hotel for dinner, and bed it was a long and busy day.

Day 28 Friday August 7th, 2009

4 days till my BIRTHDAY

 

Oy Vey we spent some time oh game drives today. We were up early by 6:30 we were off to find some animals and what did we see first off but lions! And then we saw lions with a kill! (We didn’t see the killing tho). Then we saw lots of other animals that we had already seen! LOL. Then back to camp for breakfast and then a hour later we were back in the car off to see the crossing again and have a picnic lunch well we got to the crossing at the end but then saw a group of crocs with a dead wildebeest. And then we went to a nice area had a wonderful lunch and Wayne and I played 500 he is now up one game… so not working for me! Then we went to see if we could catch another crossing and see leopards. Well we didn’t see any but we got out and took some nice pictures. Today we were on the game drive for over 9 hours but it was so fun and exciting and one of the best days so far. Then back to camp for showers, playing, dinner, movie, packing and bedtime.

 

Side note: I have never had this much dirt on me in my life of ever so dirty. It is in my ears, under my nails: everywhere it is so gross. I am a clean person. That is driving me a little crazy. 

Day 27 Thursday August 6th, 2009

5 Days till my BIRTHDAY

 

At 5:30 this morning a man saying Jombo with tea and hot coco was at the tent door saying time to get up you have 1 hour till you leave… Well we stayed in bed till 6 then got up and ready to go on the drive and today we wanted LIONS! And the first thing we saw was 2 lions! A male and female and they had a very quick mating action (in one day they can do it 80 times and each time is no more then 15 seconds). Oh I was excited to see some up close lions. Then we drove away and saw 2 moms and 3 babies! I only took 130 pictures of lions today! Then we saw some more lions (nothing compared to the lions!) then back to camp for breakfast which was so good and some playing then Brent and I went to see the wildebeest cross the river. While we waited for that we saw some huge crocs and hippos and took some pictures then drove to the spot and got there just in time. The first one went out then they all started going. They guessed it was about 500 total plus some zebras. But the best part was when a croc got hold of a wildebeest and killed it right then and there oh how it was exciting! Then back to camp for lunch (because that is all I do happy Megan?!?!?!) then Ethan and I went for a walk and played just when the next game drive started we went to Dax and Nico’s tent and hung out with them for 3 hours it was very fun for both of us! Then dinner, and I showed then bedtime!

 

Day 26 Wednesday August 6th, 2009

6 Days till my BIRTHDAY

 

Another early day and I didn’t sleep well the night before… but it was so worth getting up early today because we went to the Masai Mara! Which I have heard sooo much about and was so excited! We got up, had breakfast, and checked out before 6:30 AM then to a small airport and we rode on a big/little plane. I call it that because it was much bigger then I thought it would be but still a small one. Then we landed in the first field and let the people going to that camp off then we had a long flight of 4 minutes and we landed in the next grass field, got out and into jeeps to head to camp where we ate our 2^nd breakfast which was really good. Then went on a quick game drive (about a hour long) Then lunch (because all we do here is eat) Then we had a little down time and I played 500 with Wayne and killed him, then a quick nap! Now it was time for game drive number 2 for the day! This time we saw giraffes, birds, elephants, some other animals, and cheetahs! Or rather 3 of them and we were so close there were 3 brothers. We sat with them for a while then they started to move and we thought they were going for a kill (which all I wanted was to see lions and kills!) so we sat and waited for a long time and ate a whole can of Pringles! Then it was time to head back and we saw the most beautiful sunset ever it was like the cabin! Then back to the tent (which is a very nice tent and my way of camping!) had dinner, shower, and bed ready for an early morning game drive.

 

So the tent has hot water and a better shower then the one in Gulu. How does that even seem possible?

 

Quote of the day: “you need patcients to see a kill” said to a 4 year old by his mother.

 

MY 20TH BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to ME,

Happy Birthday to ME,

Happy Birthday to ME,

Happy Birthday to ME

In case you can't tell I love Birthdays 

especially my Birthday! 

I made this cake for Jeanna but its a birthday cake and I like it! 

Plus I have had 2 barbie cakes! 

My 18th Birthday cake from my AMAZING friends!

1 DAY TILL MY BIRTHDAY

MY BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW!

2 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

2 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

A quick update!

We are back in Rwanda the Masai Mara was amazing I saw lots of LIONS and many other animals! We are off to the Gorilla's Nest today! Lots of updates to come on Wednesday! And then I will be 20!!!!

3 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

3 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

4 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

4 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

The First Year Of NO Cabin :(

Its official it is my FIRST summer EVER not being at the cabin for even a night or two... It is weird and I am not a fan of it... It just makes summer not feel real. Don't get me wrong I LOVE being in Africa and I LOVE this job its just weird to not be there and I'm a huge fan of change but not this one... Oh how I wish I could be sitting on the beach with Tayler and Paige, going extreme tubing, movies and popcorn, hiding from the kids, Mine and Hannah's princess birthday party, going into town, eating lots of good food, the water, not sleeping cause you can hear everything and everyone, taking the Christmas card picture, sunsets, eating s'mores, and everything else that goes with being at the cabin. I hope everyone else had a wonderful time and I can't wait to see lots of pictures! Love you all

Here are some of my favorite pictures from last summer

Amy, Me, Katherine, & Tayler 

Paige, Theodore (my boyfriend), Me, Tayler, Joey, Jackjack

The Birthday Girls Hannah and Me!

Baby's first time in the lake! 

My favorite girls and the sunset! Me, Tayler, Paige!

Summer 2010 to the cabin I will be!

5 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

5 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

Where will I be!

I will be here for the next few days!

And hopefully seeing lots of these! Pictures will be here soon and lots of stories to share I sure hope!

6 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

Day 25 (August 4, 2009)

7 DAYS or 1 WEEK TILL MY BIRTHDAY!

This morning was rainy which was good/bad. It meant we could not be outside which sucks but it was good because we leave for safari tomorrow morning so there was lots to be done for that.  When it stopped rainy we went outside for a bit, had lunch, more playing inside and out, dinner, and lots of packing. We brought with us 3 carry-on suitcases, 1 big one, 2 backpacks, & 1 dvd/toy bag that attaches onto a carry-on (we have a lot of bags) But I got all that we will need for the next few days (clothes, snacks, bathroom things, first aid kit, etc) into 2 carry-on suitcases! (Mom you would be proud BUT I still need you to help me when I am home) We still have our backpacks and the toy bag tho :) So it was a busy day just doing that alone! 

We leave early tomorrow (Wednesday) morning but I have scheduled post while I am gone so check back :)

Have a great week! 

And Happy Half Birthday MEGAN! I am going to find me some LIONS for you!

Day 24 (August 3, 2009)

8 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY

I'm thinking i will sleep when I get home or at least I hope I will. At breakfast we ran into some of the people from the next delegation, they are a family who came to Africa last summer with them and the mom came to Nepal with us in November. So after breakfast they invited Ethan to play in their room for a little bit (the youngest in going to be a senior in High School). Then after a little playing outside we went with them to the National Museum of Kenya (which was really cool and I now really want to go to the here!) Then we had a little lunch, inside playing time, swimming or rather drive Sam crazy and splash her time... Bath, dinner, movie, books and bed for both of us!

Day 23 (August 2, 2009)

9 Day's till my BIRTHDAY!

Today I slept till about 5:30 it was a very big deal! When Ethan got up we went down to breakfast, played with Niko (Dax's brother) then went back to our room where Ethan watched a movie and played and I talked to some of my most favorite people on Facebook chat and showered! Then we went outside and Ethan spent some time playing in the grass and running. Then we had a nice lunch Ethan is going to turn into a crabby patty (a hamburger but that is what Spongebob calls them)! Then back outside when the sun came out Ethan went swimming (its far to cold even with the sun for me to be in there with him) But today there were 4 kids swimming who he played with and they were all American which surprised me! Then bath, dinner, books, and bed! 

The Place I have stayed this far!

Here are all the links to the hotels I have stayed in or the Safari Lodges this far I will make another one Later on in the trip!

This post is really for Katherine she is always asking all the questions about where I am and all that so here is a list! If you just click on the city it will take you to the hotel website!

• Dubi
• Kampala  (Uganda)
• Murchison Falls (Uganda)
• Kiagli- Rwanda (can't find this one yet but when I do I will put it up!
• Gorilla's Nest (Rwanda)
• Nairobi (Kenya)

Day 22 (August 1, 2009)

10 DAYS TILL I AM 20! 

I was up early today... I now wake up everyday at like 4ish and can normally go back to sleep but today I never really could... But Ethan slept till like 8 which was nice. We went down to breakfast met the whole new group, then we got all ready to see the baby elephants

. Oh some of them were so little and sick looking it was very sad :(. We also saw warthogs, and baby rhinos. It is amazing how little these animals are and they grow so big! Then we went to the cute outside restaurant had lunch then did a little shopping (I am almost done yey!) and played outside for a while. Then back to the hotel for swimming, bath, dinner, movie, bed! It was a very busy but fun day!

Day 21 (July 31, 2009)

Today we slept in and had a lazy morning, had a nice breakfast, played outside, watched movies, (Ethan wanted to swim but I said no because the pool and air were cold and we are not getting sick on this trip!), dinner and bed. It was just Ethan and I most of the day which was nice we needed a chill day of nothing. It was just a very nice lazy day. I got us unpacked so for a few days we don't have to have toys and clothes in suit cases and bags everything is in drawers and the closet so nice!

Day 20 (July 30, 2009)

Guess what? Another early day... BUt we had to get the car's all loaded so we could leave the Gorilla's Nest and head back to Kigali. It was back down the mountain and it was a very slow drive. When we got down we went to the Genocide Memorial. It was so sad word's can't even describe it, but it was also very well done, between the pictures, writings, and movies. Then lunch in the car as on the way to the airport. After standing in a long hot line to check in and, passport control we got to the gate and they had internet there it was kinda amazing. Then it was time to board the plane and at this airport you have to go outside and then walk up stairs to the plane so I ran ahead with one bag and J'lein and Ethan followed behind and I made sure we had enough over head space LOL. After a hour long flight we were back in Kenya. We said goodbye to the first group had our passport checked (We already had our visa's check day 5), got our bags and to the hotel. After Ethan went swimming, had a shower, and dinner it was bed time and even tho I was so tired I had internet again so I stayed up late on that! 

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