Visiting the crèche

Yesterday our family (including Naomi) made the trip to visit Nico's crèche. We got to see a few of the kids he lived with, as well as his teacher and a few of the staff members we knew "back then." And then, of course, my favorite thing about visiting was meeting "THE" Vivian. Vivian has been my friend for nearly 4 years. She was also our social worker who helped bring Nico home. As she was visiting the crèche, it was the perfect time for us to return. It was great.

The only hiccup was that the staff wouldn't actually let us ENTER the orphanage. Seriously. They made us sit the whole time out on the steps. I don't know if they were afraid we would steal some kids or something? They let Nico in, but only not with us. It was kind of weird. I am not sure what the reasoning behind the whole thing was-- but whatever, we had fun getting some sun sitting out on the front steps. :) And the kids we met (through the door) were absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS!

I am so glad we went. Nico was a bit hesitant at first, but he warmed up after a few hours. We returned today to kidnap Vivian and bring her out to Croix des Bouquet for a little shopping, and Nico was super happy to be there-- and yelled out the window to greet his ex-teacher, Jean.

All in all it was a great trip. Very worth our drive. (About 4 hours.)

Also stayed at a great "up and coming place." I hope to let you know more about it soon...

The sunrise on our ride through the mountains yesterday.

Nico (Josuè) and "Teacher Jean." At one point Nico and Jean were talking and Nico said to Jean, "Yeah, my name is Josuè." (Which is Nico's Haitian name... I was like, "what the heck?" but I also smiled inside.)

Nico "sitting" all Haitian-like. Haitian kids don't sit Indian style... ehm, sorry, "Criss Cross Applesauce" instead they crouch like this (for like hours at a time...) it's just something inherently "Haitian" about Nico that I have always lovesd. (My other kids are starting to do it too... )

Me and "V" (or "Viv" as Nick and I call her, but only behind her back because she doesn't like to be called that.)

Vivian, one little kid (I AM SO SORRY I CAN'T REMEMBER HIS NAME-- maybe Kenderson?), and sweet Nia. (breaking the rules and actually sleeping on the cool tile floor right in the entryway out of the sun. She's suck a rebel.)

Love this pic...

Nico and his old pal, Witchy (aka JR)

One of the artisans we saw working in Croix de Bouquet on our field trip.

Another one...

A good time was had by all, and when it came to haggling over prices, we were EXTRA GLAD we we had Nahomi with us to "advocate" for our side of the negotiation. :)