A lesson in linguistics

June 27, 2009

We left Niagara Falls today, and I was grateful that we were able to get in and out of Canada with no problem.  I was a little worried about the new regulations for border crossings considering we have Ethiopian passports, green cards, one expired US passport and we don't exactly look like we're related.  Fortunately, I had the right documentation and we are now back in the USA.

We made our way to my brother John's house in Pittsburgh.  On the way, we found a great little farmer's marked in Williamsville, NY, just outside Buffalo.  One of our goals on this trip is to find as many farmers markets as we can, and this one was perfect.  We filled our bag with fruit, veggies and some prepared food for lunch.  The kids did a craft while we listened to music, then we continued on our way.  

Lesson in linguistics #1: We stopped in a park for lunch to eat our goodies from the market.  As I went to turn around in a tight area, a tree crashed into the back right corner of the car.  James was asleep at the time and said he woke up when he felt a big bump.  We got out to inspect the damage and as we looked at the big dent, I said, "That's why they call it a bumper." 

So, we've had our first accident.  I hope it was our first, our worst and our LAST accident.

Lesson in linguistics #2:  After the bump, we had our lunch and played tag.  I took off my shoes to run, stepped on a bee and got stung.  I had to pull the stinger out of my toe.  I was reminded, "that's why they call it a sting."  All is well.

We made it to Pittsburgh with no further mishaps.  We've had a great visit with Simona and the girls this afternoon while John is out of town at a soccer tournament with the boys.  My kids are so happy to be with their cousins and can't wait to see Liam and Ronan tomorrow.