MAYLIN2007

This is Maylin hanging from Kens' canopy bed. I wasn't in the room when it happened. Good thing the girls took pictures of their shenanigans so I could have a "Don't do that again" talk with them. Here is another reason Nini is such a smarty pants: We were on our way to Aus' driver's ed class. Nini says, "Are we on the highway?" I said "Yes we are." She says, "Where is the downway?" I say,"what are you talking about?" She says, "If there is a highway, there has to be a downway!" Duh. What was I thinking? Apparently I wasn't.

We have been so busy this week. Monday we had Alex's Civil War Days. His teacher Mr. Cornel is a major history buff and he owns so many authentic Civil and Revolutionary War relics it is amazing. He even has a canon. On Monday they were to have a march around the school, shoot muskets, set up a Civil War camp, but because of the 3 INCHES of SNOW that fell at the school, most of this was scrapped. They still did dutch oven cobbler and by late afternoon they were able to play town ball. The kids had so much fun anyway. Alex really enjoyed townball. There are 5 bases instead of 3, any hit counts as long as the ball changes trajectory and you get a person out by throwing the ball at them under hand. Here are some great shots. We bought a Civil War hat this past summer and Alex was proud to wear it. Alex and his friends still try to do the Civil War march they practiced. They stayed in step very well. Monday night was also Maylin's preschool graduation. It was frightfully cold so no...

Nothing more to say than that. Except that it is sticking to the ground and that this really stinks. It is the end of May you know.

This week at school has been Shakespeare week. The 8th grade performs a play, an act a day, and the kids get to dress up in Shakespeare attire. The kids love it. Kens is in 8th grade and thus, was in the play! She was Peas blossom and the play was A Midsummer Night's Dream. She was fantastic. On Friday, each class had a Shakespeare party. I was in charge of Kens' class party. We played Nine Man's Mill a Shakespeare time period game. We also played Blindman's bluff which is from that era. We ate rice pudding, fruit, almond cookies, grape juice and mini wienies. Here are pictures of the party. I loved Kens' teacher. Her name is Miss Yamada and she is pictured in the velvet Shakespeare costume. She has done wonders for my daughter. Here are pictures of the play! Isn't she darling? She had face painting done each day as they did an act a day for the students at school. She was so excited to get the part of the head fairy. She spoke her lines well and clearly. She wa...

I have been trying to figure out my new camera lens. I have discovered that my camera can do so much and I am hardly using what is available. I have tried reading the instruciton book, but I don't understand it. My bloggy friend has sent me info on online classes. I would love to take one, but when? It is hard to take a class when you have a 4 year old on your lap all the time. So, I have been trying to learn by taking a lot of pictures with the new lens. Man, can it get close up! The kids have enjoyed taking close ups of me and flowers etc. Tonight, I was showing my hubby all the shots we have taken with my lens. We came to this one of me taken by Alex, and he said, "Man! We're getting old." I hit him. Seriously, glad all those wrinkles were magnified enough for him to realize I am old. I can see them without the lens. I think he can too, we are just never close enough for him to get a good look.  

Austin is currently at the airport. The whole groups successfully passed through the strict security. It looks like they had a great day. He will be home tomorrow. We can't wait. Maylin has been counting down the sleeps. Last night she was almost asleep when she all of a sudden, sat up and said, "Two more sleeps til Austin." Now it is down to one sleep! My favorite picture. Young military. Youth are required to serve 2 to 3 years. This Catholic Church is built over the ruins of the area where Christ was held before his trial and where Peter denied Christ 3 times. There were several roosters around signifying the cock crowing three times. Zion's Gate....area of Last Supper. Muslim Cemetery Flowers of Israel. Cool!!! Pools of Bethsaida where Jesus healed a man who had infirmities for 38 years.

Austin and his group spent the day at Calvary, the Garden Tomb, The Jewish Cemetery, the Western Wall, the BYU Jerusalem Center and of course the Garden of Gethsemane. Today was Pentecost. The people in Jerusalem were dressed in their traditional cosumes and hates. Many of the areas were very crowded and photography was not allowed. What a great experience to see that tradition first hand. I am so grateful that my son had this opportunity to see where the Savior's greatest moments for all mankind took place. Calgary or Golgotha The Garden Tomb The Holy Sepulchre where the Orthodox Christians believe was the site of burial and Crucifixion. The BYU Jerusalem Center. They were able to hear an organ recital too. In the Garden Mrs. Updike in the garden. She was Austin's 9th and 10th grade teacher. The Jewish Cemetery. This last picture is my favorite. When I saw it I began to cry. I am so grateful that my son has had the opportunity to meditate and pray in the Garden where our Savi...

Today was a relaxed day in Israel. The kids were glad. They had moved, moved, moved, so this day was welcome. They visited the Masada, Qumran, the Dead Sea and learned a lot about the Dead Sea scrolls. I am looking forward to hearing what he learned. They went to Qumran and the Dead Sea. The kids spent a lot of time floating in the water. The dad reported it was amazing how easy it was to float. The water was filled with so many minerals that it was very oily like baby oil. The kids rubbed themselves down with the mud to give themselves "facial and body treatments!" They all looked great. I kinda worried when the dad wrote they were warned not to get any water in their eyes or mouths. If they did they were to seek immediate help! What?!?! Only one boy got it in his eyes, so they got him taken care of. They are not following the itinerary that I have AT ALL! So each day is a new surprise. I hope you love these photos as much as I did. Austin seems so happy!!! Love this photo. ...

Now, that I know there is a dad out there communicating with those of us at home, I check my email everyday, several times a day, just to see if there is anything. I was so happy today at 4:00 p.m. to find something in my email inbox. Yippee! So here are a few shots from his very busy day. The dad reported the boys and the one girl that are students from the school, that went on the trip, play card games every night. They have a blast. He didn't mention if the adults do anything. Tonight, however, the kids were too pooped to play! Dome of the Rock Western Wall or Wailing Wall They got to watch a Bar mitzvah. The girls couldn't go in, so they had to watch from behind the wall. I love this picture. It is where tradition meets technology! The boys/men can go into the area, but must wear kippahs. Isn't he cute. Only thing, I think that is the same shirt he wore yesterday. What is up with that? I sent 7 new shirts! Here they are in the Hezekiah tunnel. Tight squeeze for sure. T...