Visitors From Home and Another Trip to the Desert

CLOCKS

I've wanted to have 3 clocks lined up on the wall like this for a long time. Finally, while Brad's parents were here we were able to get the task finished. I love the look of them. I love knowing what time it is in Utah. (Even though I had that figured out a long time ago.)

Dhow for Dave

Everytime I pass this lot with dhows in it I think of Dave home, building his beautiful boat. These shots are for Dave.

More of Liz's Pics from Recent Days

JUST JACK! He was the only poser that day and he really gave it up for the camera!

Desert Photos From December

We made a trip to the desert to celebrate the birthday of my good friend Liz. Since my Mac is down, she burned these photos she took of our family and passed them along.

Stinky Beach

We took a trip to the beach when a planned desert trip got cut short. We found a beach close by home that looked nice from the car. We were with the Scotts and pulled our cars up close to the water and jumped out to roast hot dogs on a portable grill. The stink was strong that day my friends...Dead jellyfish could be found all over the beach. One big one was still breathing a was the highlight of the trip for the kids. We ended up quickly eating our "chicken" hot dogs, roasting some marshmallows and heading for home. We all took long baths and the shoes from that day are still in the garage covered in stinky mud...yuck. The desert is much more fun! Lesson learned.

Field Day at ACS

When I was growing up "Play Day" always occurred close to the end of the school year. Since the weather here gets hot in March or April the kids have Field Day in February. Grandma, Grandpa, the twins and I had a great time watching Sam and Cairo participate in all the fun activities offered.

KASAB, OMAN

Kasab, Oman

People had told us the mountains and water were so beautiful in Mussandom Oman. We agree but have to admit, it looks a lot like Utah. A cross between Bear Lake and Lake Powell. The difference was the salt water and the dolphins and other sea life we were able to see.

This is like the dhow we took for a half day cruise to see the dolphins. Grandma and Grandpa Cook are here visiting until Feb. 15th. We are having so much fun including them in our everyday lives. Taking the trip to Oman was something we have been waiting to do. They were the perfect reason to go. The 5 hour car ride went smoothly and was a lot more fun with Grandma and Grandpa in the cars with us.

Weekend in Oman

Charlie loved watching for dolphins over the edge of the dhow.
None of us were disappointed. Several dolphins swam by our boat and jumped up out of the water next to us. Off in the distance there were many jumping up and playing all around us.

Even on a road trip, Charlie had to take his creatures. He now has a container specifically for snakes, one for sharks and a third one for all other creatures.

Trip to Oman

Our hotel pool was great fun. Even with the pool back home we still loved swimming in the big hotel pool.

ACS Fundraiser

Brad and I on our way the the American Community School Fundraiser

He's Everywhere

Today's blog update is all about Jack. The kid has boundless energy, is without fear and also loves to snuggle. He has the whole package...(All our kids do!) When I caught him trying to climb the palm tree, right after chasing him around the compound while he practiced riding on two wheels and watching him shoot 20 baskets in a row, I decided he deserved a blog day of his own! He likes to be called JACK ATTACK....

X Games

Who cares if his shoes are on the wrong feet...At least he's wearing a helmet!

Jack on 2 wheels

After Charlie finally figured out how to pedal forward on his bike Jack insisted on having his training wheels removed.
Grandpa took off the wheels and gave Jack a big push.
Of course the results were a crash and a big smile on Jack's face as he picked up his bike to try again, and again, and again. I put on my running shoes and started chasing him around the compound because, as a mother, I couldn't stand to watch him crash into anything else. The palm tree, my car, and the neighbors front porch were enough!
After a good workout and Jack improving a bit on his balance and increasing a lot on his speed....we stopped for the day. The next day he wanted his training wheels back..