Talmage

Talmage turned 8 a couple of weeks ago.  It's a big day when you're first child turns eight.  I feel like we are transitioning to a new phase of parenting and I'm not sure I'm ready for it.

What a blessing it has been to have Tal as our first child.  He has a truly kind heart and a generous spirit and he makes our home a better place.  That's not to say he doesn't have his moments, this summer brought the first mood swings I have seen from him.  He tried to tackle Andy one day (in anger) and that in itself is a sure sign of some raging testosterone :)  But he is a wonderful, wonderful boy and I am so glad to be his mom.

We baptized him in the preacher's pool.  Both sets of grandparents were able to make it.  His confirmation blessing was beautiful.  All in all it was an incredible day.

No shallow end?  Who needs it? Tal just stood with one foot on the ladder until it was time.

Beti-ism's

A few of my favorite quotes:

"Mom, you makin me cwanky"

"I yuv you so so much"

"I wust cannot bewieve dis"

Shayba

We had the opportunity to go on a Aramco sponsored trip to the Empty Quarter.  Apparently it's usually very difficult to get tickets for this trip but we were in the right place at the right time and lucked into them.  It was such a fun day!

Yep, that's a company plane.  Yep, we look like we should be on a brochure.

Andy showing off his mad sandboarding skills.

We tried to get a good picture here it just wasn't in the cards.

Naomi, starring in her own Success Poster.

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This is Beti's thoughtful contemplation pose.

First Day of School.

Once upon a time in a faraway land called Saudi Arabia school started for three amazing little children.

Okay, I know I'm a couple of months late but really, what's new?

School has started and the kids are loving it!  They have a K4 program here (like Pre-K) for all of the 4 year-old's so even Calvin is attending half a day.  I can't believe the progress he has made!

Tal and Naomi get to have Arabic lessons a couple of times a week so I'm hopeful that they will soon be able to translate for me.

My favorite thing about school here is that all of the kids (and the dads) come home for lunch.  So we get to see each other in the middle of the day.  It's nice to check-in and see how the day's going.

Talmage striking his traditional "cool kid" pose.

Naomi, ready for 1st grade!

So, so glad they have each other.  What a blessing.

Can you see the backpack Beti is wearing.  Let's just say that she is not a fan of being the only one not attending school.  But there's no way I'm ready to let her go yet :)

Check out the size of that bus!  No wimpy yellow school buses here.  We go for the greyhound variety!