Adventures of the Bik Pik

In the weeks leading up to our second trip to Ethiopia last fall, I did a lot of packing. Bereket's suitcase was filled to the brim with dresses, diapers, toys, books, and sippy cups. The collection covered most of what she would need  for our first five days together a family (although I'll admit I did go a bit overboard on the number of frilly dresses! I was so excited to have my pretty girl!)

We ventured out on a number of family walks into the neighborhood of our guesthouse to get the items that were either overlooked or weren't quite right.  We need B's Big Cow powered milk, a smaller size of diapers, teething supplies (is this ever a story for when she is older!), and we neglected a very special item for our long journey home: Bereket's very own carry-on for the airplane.  The diaper bag I had planned to use as a carry-on for both of us would simply not do the job for such a long journey.

The streets near our guesthouse were lined with small shops. Many of the shops had a backpack or two hanging from the ceiling. Many of the bags were dingy from age or the dusty streets, but eventually we found the backpack that was just right for our sweet little girl: a perfect pink backpack featuring Lucy and Snoopy from Peanuts.

Introducing Bereket to her backpack (Oct. 2011, Addis Ababa)

Bereket loved playing with the special purchase in our room at the guesthouse.

When we finally arrived home from Ethiopia, the precious pack was stored high on a shelf in her closet.  Five months later, I retrieved it for our family vacation to Mazatlan, Mexico.  Lucy and Snoopy went with us everywhere on our lovely trip: from the airport to the beach!

Arriving at Mazatlan's Airport in March, waiting impatiently for our bags!

We even had the backpack with us when we met Mexico's famous green frog!

Bereket has her Mommy and Daddy's travel bug. She often opens her closet door and points to the "Bik Pik" as she calls it! After I get it down for her, Bereket carefully looks inside the bag to see what treasures she may find. Then puts it on her back and looks at me expectantly. Her expression says it all, "Time to go on another adventure! Come on, Mom! Let's go to the airport and visit somewhere fun!"
 
We recently returned from an incredible week on Sanibel Island in Florida and the "Bik Pik" went with us everywhere.

Bereket put it on with great enthusiasm for our trip to see Santa!

Sanibel Island, Florida 2012

It was along for a surprise encounter with one of Santa's special reindeer on Captiva Island!

And of course we took the bag with us every day to the beach!

Now we are home and settling into our quiet winter routine. Our Peanuts friends are back in their spot in Bereket's closet.  I am not sure where our next adventure will take us, but I must admit I am as anxious as my daughter is to get out the "Bik Pik" for another journey! My prayer for us as a family is that we will be able to see much of this beautiful world together, and Lucy and Snoopy are welcome to come along for the ride!