Little Man

In mid-March, for part of Eva's spring break, we went to Ohio to visit
my sister and her family. While we were very excited to see all of
them, the main purpose was to meet Samuel their (almost 4-year old) son
who they had brought home from Ethiopia three weeks earlier. He matches
Eva in spunk, which was wonderful. While the first few weeks home were
challenging for everyone, Samuel was doing so well by the time we got
there. He was a little shy with Eva and me the first evening and
following morning, but after that, it was as if he'd known us a long
time. His language skills were incredible, and all reports are they
grow daily. It was very clear he understood most of what was being said
to and around him, even if he didn't always have the words to respond.
He and Eva worked out a deal to share his bike, and all was well with
them. Samuel has learned the family ethic of teasing and delighted in
teasing and tricking everyone, but especially his dad with whom he had
then bonded most intensely.

Last weekend my brother, Sean, and his family were near Stacey's and
stopped to meet Samuel. Sean's oldest son taught Samuel how to put ice
down someone's shirt, and I heard that Samuel's dad is the target of
that oh-so-fun activity!

While we were in Ohio, Stacey and I had the chance to get out to a
lovely open-air mall and have a wonderful dinner at the Melting Pot. We
had more one-on-one conversation in that one afternoon and evening than
we have had in several years put together. It was delightful.

Another highlight of our time there was a trip to the Columbus Science
Institute (COSI), which was great fun for Samuel and Eva. We spent most
of our time in an interactive area. If you're ever in Columbus with
kids in tow, check it out!