Talent Show

Maren was in the school talent show with a friend of hers. They did a great job, their voices blend real nicely.

Another Teenager in the house!

What a boy! It has been such a pleasure watching this little boy grow and mature into a kind, energetic, happy teenager.

He is growing so fast that I think it is throwing his balance off he has many bumps, scraps and bruises just now.

He is a breath of fresh air in a household of girls! (when Dad isn't home) I'm looking forward to watching him continue to grow and develop his talents, some that I'm sure he has yet to discover.

Proud to be an American!

Today was the annual international day. It's nice to see everyone dressed up like their home country. Here's a picture of the kids getting ready to march in the parade.

We are blessed to have real live American Marines here. I think these guys are all there are here. It was great seeing them carry our flag for the parade. I think Gwen was feeling a bit shy!

Here's our host country proudly wearing their colors.

Jay with his buddy in the hat. This boy is also our next door neighbor and sadly for us they are moving in December to Alaska.

I know it's hard to believe that it is sooooo HOT here right now! Everyone was looking for shade.

Gwen and the Beanstock

I love these pictures that Jay took of our trees in bloom here.

There is such a nice smell when you walk past these beauties.

Such a vibrant color isn't it!

Happily Gwen's bean plant made it to the day of her assembly. Hers was the tallest in her class. Most of the kids' bean plants died and had to start a new one. She measured and watered and took care of it for weeks. She is ready now to plant it outside in hopes of it producing a bean or two.

New Missionmerries and Halloween

We have a 12 elders here now! These are the ones serving in our branch. The guy without a badge is from Houston here on business. 2 from Mozambique, 1 from Portugal, 1 Canadian, 3 American.

Maren went as a Ninja to the school dance. She said it was very successful this year with nearly every one dressing up.

We had torrential rain during our Halloween party. Thankfully it let up before trick or treating.

Gwen went as Sally of course, from Nightmare before Christmas. Jay and his buddy made their costumes they are the ghost bookends.

Summer, Fall and Winter

We had a very restful October break. We took the boat out to the clean beach and had lots of fun playing in the waves and of course digging very large holes.

Gwen loved "surfing". She collected lots of shells and fed the crabs. Summer is here again!

On the other side of the hemisphere Jana and Missy got ready for Aunt Lisa's famous Halloween Party. I tried to upload another picture with Will in it but it didn't work.

Jana and Will have quickly moved into winter. All I can say is "BRRRRRRR"!

Fall didn't last very long!

Somebody's Birthday Shout Hooray!

When I think of you I think of you reading at breakfast just about every morning. Going quickly from Hank the Cow Dog to Harry Potter. And most importantly peeking in on you at night and seeing you reading the scriptures. Making my heart swell with gratitude.

We wouldn't have Feather if it wasn't for you!

Do you remember wanting to be a butterfly when you grew up?

What a beautiful, fun, intelligent, happy, content, witty young women you are! It is pure delight to watch and be a part of your life. I love you!