Christmas in Kenya

This was Kyalo's first Christmas!  Kind of hard to believe that last year, he came to the festivities like this:

 "Baby Mulandi" December 25, 2010

and now he looks like this:

 barely a baby any more - December 25, 2011

What a difference a year makes!  Even though it was his first Christmas, we didn't make a big deal about it. Like, at all.  He must have been extra naughty this year, because Santa brought him 0 gifts. Or perhaps Santa just got lost?  This is actually one of the things I like most about Christmas in Kenya: no gifts exchanged, which makes for a stress-free (and cheaper!) holiday experience.  We still gathered together with Dexter's whole family and had a big meal, enjoying the time together, but without the pressure of finding the "perfect" thing for each family member.  Next year, when we have Christmas in the US, it will be much, much different.  Grandma is totally dismayed at our lack of parenting in giving no gifts, so will probably feel the need to make up for this serious oversight. I bet she's shopping already! :)

We hosted Christmas here in Kijabe again this year, but we made it a simpler affair than last year.  I tried to bring in a lot of the traditions I started last year.  Christmas eve, we had my vegetable chili with cornbread and cheese.  It was a little spicier than I intended, but it was good!  I made cinnamon rolls on Saturday and popped them in the oven Sunday morning.  They turned out even better than last year!

Sadly, I had to share this ooey-gooey goodness.  Though, maybe that's a good thing!

We weren't intentional about getting group shots like we were last year.  I was too busy actually working in the kitchen, unlike last year when I had the "oh, I'm pregnant" excuse.  I really wish I'd managed to get a family picture of Dexter, Kyalo and me. It may be Kyalo's only Christmas in Kenya for a while!  At least we got these pictures. . .

 Kyalo, Dexter's mom (sho sho), Andrew (10 months)

Victor, Andrew & Kyalo

:cousins:

There were lots of cookies, and decorating sugar cookies again.  Ice cream, and home made chocolate sauce. And this was in addition to the Christmas lamb and three chickens we cooked up. No one went home hungry!

I should probably think about eating a salad or two one of these days.

All in all, (and even though we don't have the pictures to show for it), it was a great day and a success.  I really do love hosting people here, even with all the work involved. I'd do it again in a minute!