Jan Weekend

A couple of weeks ago one of my closest friends and ex-roommates Jan came to visit me here in Oregon. It was so fun having her here. We lived together only one semester at BYU-I about 3 years ago, but have stayed so close since. She's is such a wonderful friend, and I'm so lucky she came so far to see me!!

This is for Mr. Smith. Apparently the beach brings out the lovey dovey side of me.

I'm officially a mom now - wearing my child as a backpack. (or frontpack...?)

4 Months Old

Recent stats:

Weight: 17 lbs. 10 oz. (95th percentile)
Height: 25 1/2 Inches (75th percentile)

When the nurse was weighing him, and the doctor was examining him, Jack was laughing spontaneously so much. All the nurses wanted a peek at the cheerful little boy. It was so funny! The doctor was so fantastic. If only we could bring her back to Provo with us.

And have I shown you pictures of Jack in his new Bumbo? Or as his Aunt Lindsay calls him, Jabba the Hutt.

Egypt

Finally! Some pictures from Harrison's adventures in Egypt.

Cairo Mosques

The Nile How many of us see this picture when we think of the Middle East?

Pyramids

This man told Harrison, "Take a picture of me!" Then put his scarf around Harrison's head and took a picture of him, then asked for a tip. And asked for more money after Harrison gave him a little. Harrison said that is how most people earn a living there - just from tips.

Harrison is doing well, staying very busy with school. They are required to speak 2 hours of Arabic a day so he and his roommates have met some Arabs and hang out with them pretty often. He was also chosen to attend a branch about an hour away in Irbid with a few other BYU students. It is an all Arabic speaking branch and on Friday (they have church on Fridays) he will be given a calling to participate there. He is really looking forward to the opportunity. Also, the stache is gone. Yes, gone. haha his choice, not mine. But I don't object :)

A day with Jack

These videos are too large to email to Harrison, so I've put them on the blog for him. Although they may be a little boring for you to watch, feel free :)

Laughing:

Playing in his Bumbo...although he looks a little uncomfortable.

Nap Time...Excuse the messy room :)

Breathing Again

Do you know what it's like to hold your breath for six days?? Harrison didn't have internet access for nearly a week, and I was expecting to hear from him after day two, so needless to say, I was a little nervous. But finally yesterday I got an email from him in the morning, and I got to talk to him on Skype later that day. Phew!! He is doing well. He finished up his travels in Egypt by climbing Mt. Sinai (Moses...Ten Commandments...heard of it??) then they snorkeled in the Red Sea. Now he is in a 2 bedroom apartment with 3 roommates. One is married and left his wife in Provo (we can relate!) and the other two are apparently super geniuses who graduated high school early and are in their 3rd year of Arabic at 18. They will have their bachelors before they head off on their missions. Over achievers? I think so.

Today he went to church. Friday is their Sabbath and Sunday is any other day to them in the Middle East. He said it is so amazing to go to church in that part of the world and to meet all the military families serving there. It will be excited to see what he learns from those he meets and to see how our little family could be living someday.

He is also growing the best mustache. And by "best" I mean, he has 3 1/2 months to enjoy it, because it "best" be gone by the time he gets home or else no kisses from me. I guess most of the guys from BYU in their program are growing one because so many Arabs have them over there and they are adapting to their surroundings. OR, they know their wives wouldn't let them grow one at home and this is their only chance :)