Day 3 in Ethiopia (Sunday)

We all got a pretty good night’s sleep and woke up to the room service delivery at 7:15. It was a beautiful, sunny morning so we opened the doors and spent some time on the balcony. After breakfast we walked around the hotel, admiring the beautiful grounds and fountains, and taking some family pictures. There really is a pride of ownership that shows at this place – every detail is tended to.

We were going to do the Sunday brunch, but once the kids saw the pool area on our walk it was over and we headed upstairs to get our suits. We had a nice lunch at the poolside restaurant and then lounged around the pool for a couple of hours. It was actually pretty cold and sometimes rainy so I sat in a lounge chair and covered up in towels while Isaiah slept in the stroller, and the three “big kids” (including Brian) swam the whole time.

After our daily nap we headed over to Layla where Mesfin and Legesse’s parents were hosting a pizza party for groups 4/5 yellow/red. The kids all had a great time, and we got lots of pictures of each of them. Once she gets used to the commotion, Emma really enjoys being with the older kids. She sat right down at the table next to Biniam and enjoyed her meal while Brian and I looked on. She is really enjoying her independence here, including riding in the car with no seat belt.

Dawit took us back to the hotel a little early as I wasn’t feeling well, and Biniam stayed behind with Mesfin and Legesse’s family. A few minutes ago we could hear a commotion in the hallway followed by our doorbell ringing nonstop, and we knew the kids were back. This is Mesfin and Legesse’s last night here before they go to America, so we are letting Biniam spend the night in their room. We are all going to meet up for breakfast in the morning.