teamgaither - Pix - Special Events

Pix > Special Events - Lagos, Nigeria

Fancy Dress - March 2015

So, apparently when British people say "Fancy Dress", they mean "Dress Up" - costumes and such, hence a costume party in June! E was such a hit the year before in a Small World performance as the Native American (YMCA version!), we felt it deserved a comeback. I of course was some version of Pocahantas meets Sacajawea. It doesn't matter since everyone was focused on E!
Kim Fest 2015

Our lovely friend Kim had a birthday recently. We LOVE Kim. I have never seen someone new to Lagos jump into a new community so fast and with so much passion. We hit this fab new restaurant in town called RSVP. We brought our own candles and table deco and everyone wore black, white or pink. It was such a treat!
Fancy Dress - March 2015, 2

So, apparently when British people say "Fancy Dress", they mean "Dress Up" - costumes and such, hence a costume party in June! E was such a hit the year before in a Small World performance as the Native American (YMCA version!), we felt it deserved a comeback. I of course was some version of Pocahantas meets Sacajawea. It doesn't matter since everyone was focused on E!
Second Chance Prom Party! (2015)

I didn't have the heart to tell everyone this was our Farewell Party because it made me too sad but truth be told, this was our last chance to be with the bulk of our Lagos friends. I re-created a party my College friend Kristen McLeod had come up with after we graduated - a "second chance" at prom - one where you are older, hotter, a bit wiser. Hopefully you are also now with the person you wish you had known back in the day. It was a hit - especially for those who went retro 80s!
Doha Baby!

In October 2014 I was lucky enough to go to Doha for a conference for the work I do for the Company. It is a generous perk for "accompanying spouses" who work for the Outpost program. I loved Doha (so clean!) and I loved meeting other partners who are finding ways to do what they love despite moving again and again for the sake of their family.
Kim Fest 2015, 2

Our lovely friend Kim had a birthday recently. We LOVE Kim. I have never seen someone new to Lagos jump into a new community so fast and with so much passion. We hit this fab new restaurant in town called RSVP. We brought our own candles and table deco and everyone wore black, white or pink. It was such a treat!
Halloween 2014 - 1 of 3!

After our Ebola-driven extended summer, people seemed ready to let loose and party! We were invited to 3 different Halloween parties over 3 weekends. Those fishnets stockings got a workout!
Halloween 2014 - 2 of 3!

This party started out as a traditional Halloween theme but turned into a "James Bond Villians & Bad-Asses" party, i.e. - go as your favorite character but you can NOT go as Bond. E went as the Witch Doctor from The Living Daylights and I opted for a nameless, faceless Bond conquest as there were already four Money Pennies in attendance!
Fancourt 2

In early December, 7 of my friends and I went to Fancourt, South Africa on a girl's weekend. We stayed in the most beautiful cottage and did nothing but eat, drink, shop, and lay on the grass. It was lovely and relaxing and a very necessary fresh of breath air for those of us living in Lagos.
Halloween 2014 - 3 of 3!

Unlike a lot of people these days, E and I still watch DVDs (the horror!). For a while we were watching the original Star Trek, which is fab and I just love the late 60s fashions - the Go Go Boots and the Booty-short skirts! We had the outfits made in Lagos (including the Star Trek symbol) by our favorite Nigerian tailor. We even found an "old-fashioned" flip-phone (circa 1990) for E to use. Hilarious and so much fun!
Fancourt, SA

In early December, 7 of my friends and I went to Fancourt, South Africa on a girl's weekend. We stayed in the most beautiful cottage and did nothing but eat, drink, shop, and lay on the grass. It was lovely and relaxing and a very necessary fresh of breath air for those of us living in Lagos.
Fancourt 6

In early December, 7 of my friends and I went to Fancourt, South Africa on a girl's weekend. We stayed in the most beautiful cottage and did nothing but eat, drink, shop, and lay on the grass. It was lovely and relaxing and a very necessary fresh of breath air for those of us living in Lagos.
Fancourt 4

In early December, 7 of my friends and I went to Fancourt, South Africa on a girl's weekend. We stayed in the most beautiful cottage and did nothing but eat, drink, shop, and lay on the grass. It was lovely and relaxing and a very necessary fresh of breath air for those of us living in Lagos.
Music in the Air

Every year the American School High School Band partners with the US Consular General in an effort to raise money for its music program. This year we saw the band perform with an amazing artist from the Ivory Coast named Dobet Gnahore. An amazing show!
Girl Scout Mother/Daughter Tea

In September my brownie troop was group of 12, 8 yr old girls. By March, I had 18 9 year olds! Yes 18! In May, we help the mother/daughter tea and Bridging Ceremony where the girls bridge from Brownies to Juniors. It was a lovely event and the girls were so proud. (So was their troop leader!)
"Big 5" Cocktail Club 2

For our debut at the Big 5 Cocktail Club, 5 of us were trained on 4 drinks each. The kick-off party was Gin - it was black tie with Sinatra and Swing music in the background. We made the traditional Gin Martini, the Jasmine, the Gin Cooler, and an Earl Grey "Mar-TEA-ni" - an amazing drink made with gin-infused tea, lemon juice and simple syrup, and an egg white. There was a lot of shaking!
"Big 5" Cocktail Club

My gal pal had an idea to start a cocktail club where guests learn how to make proper cocktails based on the "Big Five" - Gin, Vodka, Rum, Taquelia, and Whisky. We asked our friend - a Manhattan Barman to train us on the drinks, then we schooled the guests. The party was a hit! I came up with the name - a fun play on the Big Five Safari animals we are all determined to see before leaving Africa!
Tropical 70s Party

A friend of ours was born in Northern Nigeria in 1974 - his stories of growing up here are incredible so for his birthday his wife threw him a Tropical 70s Theme party. Thankfully I was not the only one wearing heaps of blue eye shadow!
Diwali 2013

This year the Company held its first Annual Diwali party - the Hindu festival of lights. I borrowed this beautiful sari from my friend and learned so much about the culture!
Diwali 2013 - 2

I borrowed this beautiful Sari from my friend Richa. She said it was her mother's and was planning on wearing it to her brother's wedding in a few weeks time - eek! It was so gorgeous, I couldn't bear to give it up! Another friend of mine came to my house to help wrap it which took a lot of time - it is one long piece of material, 6 meters long.
Diwali 2013 - 3

These are some of the volunteers I work with to help newcomers adjust to life in Lagos, and also who help me plan some community events and parties. They wanted to host a Diwali party so I was excited to let them run with it since I didn't know much about it. It was a great family-friendly event!
Halloween 2013 - Lagos

Our gal pal Susan hosted the Halloween party again this year. We looked high and low for an old fashioned violin case (to hold a Tommy Gun) and finally borrowed one from my friend's daughter. You can find almost anything in Lagos!
Halloween 2013 - 3

Our nanny is terrific about taking our picture before we leave. She helped me do my hair and sewed the white ribbon on E's hat. So much fun!
Halloeen 2013

The kids were excited for the Company's Annual Halloween party - especially since my team and I are the ones who plan it! They are also really into Star Wars right now which I just love!
Nigerian Cultural Day 2013 - 3

The American School hosts an annual party to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day (Oct 1). Teachers, students, and families wear traditional dress - a wonderful show of support for our city!
Nigerian Cultural Day 2013 - 5

The kids were pretty excited to wear their traditional Nigerian outfits, especially since all their friends wore them too.
Nigerian Cultural Day 2013 - 6

Kerrigan and I had matching dresses made - not uncommon for families. It made the day!
Sail Around The World

One of the biggest parties is hosted by The Lagos Yacht Club - you don't have to member to go and it is a gorgeous night full of food and dancing. I have never seen so many people from so many different cultures hit the dance floor so fiercely! Great Party!
Casino Night

Our friends threw a black tie event at their flat with little details. It was an awesome casino night theme with chips and prizes, black jack, pony races, a roulette wheel - a huge effort for lagos!
Beach Hut 2012

We went back to our friend's beach hut in August with some new families that have moved to Lagos - it was lovely! This is the beach hut next door.
Beach Hut 2012 (2)

The beach huts are located on an island near the lagoon. The chief in the village owns the land and many of the locals work for the property owners. I caught some little kids walking between the huts helping their parents carry supplies back and forth.
Beach Hut 2012 (3)

Lots of vendors come by the beach huts selling their wares - jewelry, linens, toys and sometimes furniture.
Beach Hut 2012 (4)

When we visit the beach huts, we bring all the food and drink we need for the day. I am always amazed at how easily the locals carry our heavy coolers on their heads - as if it weighed nothing!
Beach Hut 2012 (5)

This is the usual activity at the beach hut - sitting around talking and enjoying the view. If you're not chatting then you are waterskiing. It is such a joy!
Back to School

After 3 months of summer, K's hair was in dire need of some TLC so I took her to my salon for her back to school haircut. Between that and her new toothless grin, I was literally shocked at how grown up she has become!
1st Day of School - 2012/2013

Today was our "second" 1st day of school at AIS. Last March when we arrived we were the new kids so it felt like starting over. It feels good to start in Aug/Sept like everyone else this time around!
1st Day of School - 2012/2013 (2)

I love the courtyard at our school and all the flags representing the children's nationalities. This is where the All School assembly takes place every Monday morning.
Kindi Kid

Clayton is finally in Kindergarten and has full-time school. He takes the bus with the "big kids" and with his sister which made his first day ridiculously smooth!
1st Grade Graduation

Even though K was only part of the class for 3 months, she has made some great friends and loves her teacher Ms. Davis!
Globe Trotters

K's friends are from all over the world and have lived in some amazing places. Everyone at AIS has an American passport but it's not uncommon to meet a child who has never lived in the US.
Photo Op

K hamming it up for me - a group shot would have been nice but I dont know most of the kids' names!
Chieftain's Ball - Caledonian Society

Some friends of ours roped us into going to the Chieftain's Ball despite the fact that we didn't have kilts or tartans or black tie attire. But as it was also our 12th wedding anniversary, we figured a night of dancing was worth it!
Scottish Dancing

I had heard the Chieftain's Ball called for Scottish dancing but I had no idea how choreographed it was! E and I were totally lost but thankfully the dances were in groups of 4 or 6 couples so we just tried to follow along.
Music Show - 1

C's pre-K Music Class performed a show for the parents. The kids were told they could wear their "sunday best" which at age 5 is soo cute!
Music Show - 2

C hamming it up for Mom before the show.
Music Show - 3

Waiting patiently for the show to begin. They sang 16 songs, some simple like BINGO and a few harder songs including one in Japanese.
Music Show - 4

Two seconds before this shot, the little girl next to him lifted her dress up ;)
Music Show - 5

Standing at attention.
Music Show - 7

By the 15th song, C was ready to go. They did sing a sweet little tune called "Kindergarten Here We Come". Awww.
Music Show - 6

I think we have an actor on our hands!
Music Show - 9

C looks pretty excited about the post-show spread! Donuts and muffins catered from Chocolate Royal.
Flower Power

C turns on the charm at a friend's birthday party
Flower Power 2

The kids love going to birthday parties - and I love taking them, after 8+ weeks of living in transition it is a joy to play with someone else's toys!
Music Show - 8

C and his little girlfriend Aminah. She lives in our building and is one of the few pre-K aged kids in the compound.
Life House

This is The Life House - a funky multi-media space that my friend rented for her book launch. They have live music, art openings, film viewings and designers showcasing their jewelry and clothes.
Student Driver

K got to drive the motor boat on our way to a friend's beach hut - she didn't want to give anyone else a turn!
Barry Gaither would be proud

This is E at my friend Diane's book launch - he ended up networking with the artist that is featured on the cover of the book. Not too surprising considering E's namesake Edmund "Barry" Gaither is Director and Curator of the National Centre for Afro-American Artists!
Launch Smart!

This is Diane - my good friend and author of Culture Smart Nigeria! Check it out on Amazon.com!
Makeshift Marina

When my friend picked us up for a beach outing, I asked her if we would park at the Marina. She laughed heartily and said I should seriously re-adjust my expectations and my use of the term "marina".
Sea Worthy

The kids were ecstatic to get out of the hotel after a week of jet lag and room service!