Africa Amini Life Maasai Lodge

Our first outing with the Goyles was to Amini Life Maasai Lodge about two hours away tucked between Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

We thought it might be fun for the girls to see Mama Jackie’s house, so we dropped her off on the way. 

Then it was off on our driving adventure to find the lodge.  We decided to go the ‘back way’ to avoid going through town.  It was beautiful although a bit dusty.  I love Tanzanian directions.

The lodge was individual Maasai style bomas that were made comfortable for foreign visitors.  They were really cool. Perfect for packing cousins in together. And probably the only maasai bomas with a pool. 

There was maasai dancing for sundowners with stunning views of Kilimanjaro.

There were spear throwing contests

And brand new (slimy) baby goats to be found

They were so great with the kids

We love Africa Amini Life!

We got a bit of rain overnight, and I got to work on my driving skills on the way home. 

It was a great night away, and I’m so grateful that I was able to spend Mike’s 40th birthday will all of his precious Goyles.  I’m sure we’ll be going back again. 

Tierney’s 11th Birthday

In Tierney’s class when it’s your birthday you get to sit in the “hot seat” where the other kids in class ask you anything that they want (you are allowed two “I don’t knows”). 

This is what Ms. Chelsea said about it:

While in the Hot Seat, Tierney not only shared delicious cupcakes with blue frosting, she told us:
"Everyone is my best friend."
"Maybe if I move from America again, I'll move back here."
"One of my goals is to continue having lots of friends like I do now."
"My two favorite movies are Harry Potter and Pitch Perfect."
"If I were to go by a different name for a day, I would be called Liliana." 

And, of course, the best present of all was being able to go to the airport with Lucas to pick up the Goyles. Cousins reunited!

A midnight bedtime did make for a harder 6:30am wake-up on Friday morning for school, but it true Tierney fashion she had no complaints.  After all, it was ‘twin day’ at school and she had detailed plans (down to the shoes, earrings, and hairstyle). 

Tierney with Ellesmere and Ashlyn with Avalon

In other news, this is how I found Anderson when I came home the other day.  This boy.  My heart cannot handle this.