BFF

It's awesome to watch the boys relationship grow, while there is lots of fighting, there are more and more times when they are playing together sweetly, or when Kai hops out of bed to get Foster's toothbrush because he heard Foster asking mom and dad to go get it, or Foster sees Kai crying and runs to get Waa-Waa.  And no one can make Kai laugh like his big brother, his idol who and Foster's mini-me.

Monkey See-Monkey Do!

Paw Patrol Celebration for Kai and Foster

When we got back to Banja Luka we had a joint birthday party with Kai at a local play area with kids from school. Foster had insisted on a "big" Paw Patrol  party with all his friends, just exactly what he got. Despite the 100 degree weather, everyone had a good time with a Paw Patrol pinata and cake! The pinata was homemade and took a lot beatings before it finally broke open, luckily the kids were patient and no one got hurt (although a few close calls) especially for the pinata holder.

There was a little drama for the birthday boy, when he watched his new airplane balloon float into the sky, wasn't able to hoard enough candy from the pinata and got too close to the firework candles, but this was likely a product off too much sugar and fun!! Kai was just happy that Vera and her family came so he had someone to hang out with.

Yep--these firework candles are standard at birthday parties here, something you'd likely never see in the U.S.

Five Parties for a 5 year old

With parties in Des Moines, Kansas City, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and school--Foster had a total of five birthdays.  Quite an accomplishment for  five year old.

Then the next week we went to school and he did the official walk around the sun, as they do in Montessori, we shared stories about him, and he made a wish.  We also made slime, a favorite of Foster's and something Bosnian kids hadn't seen before.  Then another Paw Patrol cake for this five-year old's grand finale.

Weekend Trip to Mostar

While we were in Sarajevo we took a quick weekend trip to the beautiful Sarajevo with some of our friends.  Most of the time we stayed at our apartment near the river where the boys did lots of playing. We also had the most lovely airbnb hosts, who insisted that we come back and sent us home with rakija and lots of chocolate for the boys.

 We also visited the Blagaj area which is the source of the Buna river. John and I had been here 15 years ago and wow has it changed. Still gorgeous, but lots more restaurants and wow, lots of tourists.  On Sunday we ventured into the famous city, which was also packed with tourists from everywhere.