For us, the usual build-up to the holiday season was interrupted by political problems in Abidjan. We started out the month of December laying-low because the presidential elections (held November 28th) went awry. This means we spent a lot of time at home, at the Embassy, and at friends' houses, but avoided traveling to public places as much as possible.
One Sunday afternoon, our friend Fred invited us over for a lovely meal and to meet the tortoises that live in his back yard. The tortoises came with the house, they require no maintenance, and they even help with the yard work. James and Simon loved following them around and learned that the "turtles" eat (and poop) lots of grass and they hiss if you get too close. We also learned that tortoises really love left-over fruit salad.
In light of the political/social problems, the DCM (deputy chief of mission) in Abidjan offered us (and other families at the Embassy) the option of taking an early R&R. We jumped at the opportunity to take a break from the tension and spend the holidays with our families. So, we departed Abidjan on December 16th (the day before shots were fired), and were able to avoid a lot of the stress that accompanied the authorized and ordered departures.
Our travel itinerary took us through Detroit, so we took advantage of an opportunity to stop and visit Emily's brother (Mike) and his family. Typical Michigan weather...it had snowed the day before our arrival and everything froze overnight. Unfortunately Emily wasn't prepared for ice skating, and she fell and broke her right arm (compression fracture of the radial head- for all you medical folks out there) within three hours of our arrival. Arrggh! Fortunately, Em has had many kind, helpful family members around for the past 2 weeks. The bone is healing rapidly and she is almost back to 100%.
James with "Grandpa Buddy" (Grandpa Peterson)
We enjoyed a very nice Christmas holiday in Utah with all sorts of family members. We were especially glad that Emily's sister (Ange) and Jay's sisters (Elaine and Heather) decided to travel to Utah for a visit. It was great to see them and James and Simon really enjoyed playing with their aunts, uncles, and cousins.
After arriving in Utah, we had to run around and re-buy Christmas presents for James and Simon. The gifts were a little less populous due to the time crunch (and the fact that they already have gifts at home in Abidjan), but fortunately the boys are too young to notice. Heck, Simon was completely content playing with spent wrapping paper and pushing empty boxes around.
The Aftermath
Simon channeling Schroeder
