My parents just got back from an amazing trip to Jordan, Israel and Egypt. When they came to visit us for the weekend, we got to see their slide show and we each received some souvenirs!
On a cruise up the Nile.
Grandma and Grandpa Oldham used to be teachers so when they visit it's always fun to let them home school.
Making a clay map of Egypt.
Thank you grandma and grandpa for sharing your adventures with us!
This morning somehow a conversation led to Luke telling us, "I don't know why, but whenever I think of Florida, I think of mean people." Then Isabel, "When I was little, whenever I thought of Italy I thought of cowgirls." Sylvia, "Whenever I hear the word Italy, I think of a green bean!" Thinking about what we think of when we hear the name of a place we've never been to made me try and remember what I thought of Tucson, Arizona before we moved here. I can't quite recall what I thought, but I know that I didn't have a clue about Tucson. It was a scary, mostly exciting move. It's been one year and one month since we've started calling Tucson home. Here are the things that I personally love and did not know about this city.
-It's a college town! (I know, I am sure you already knew that, but I didn't realize the the University of Arizona was here.) -Thrift shops, antique shops and locally owned businesses galore! (Although I don't frequent them enough.) -It's an artsy town! (I don't know how to describe this one, it just is.) -There is a big Jewish community here. (why do I love this?? I just do!) - People are on bicycles all over the place here. (not me, I think I have truly forgotten how to ride one :( -Everyone has a dog! -museums, parks, the zoo! - Summers (bring on the upper Fahrenheits!...that makes no sense.) -Mt. Lemmon (in case you want snow in the winter.) -The people we've met. (This goes for any city, there are always great people to know.)
Luke
Isabel
Sylvia
Hazel
Before I had children I never thought I would make a good mom for girls. I don't know how to do hair, buy clothes, or whatever else girl moms are supposed to know how to do. I was shocked when I found out that Hazel was a girl...THREE girls?! When they fight with each other it's in a big way. Poor Isabel is the oldest and can't reason with the her two crazy sisters that have NO respect for her organizational skills.
Poor Sylvia is stuck being the little sister (getting bossed around) and being the big sister (having to share with a toddler.)
Poor Hazel has Isabel who, although good intentioned, OVERLY loves and fusses over her and Sylvia who steals her toys.
At this time in my life, what makes me happiest in life is seeing my girls play peacefully together. This breakfast tea party game is one that they have no problem playing (so long as Isabel is the hostess in charge.)
Being the mother of girls, I found that the most difficult things aren't things like doing their hair (I have taught myself to french braid by the way). It's knowing that I am their biggest female role model. I love my girls, they teach me so much, and not just about dolls, clothes and princesses.
