Imagine That?!

Caleb's imagination is running wild! On any given day, he's a cat, a dog, a spider, a baby bird, a fire breathing dragon, buzz light year, a cowboy, a nemo fish, a shark, he is anything he wants to be!

Caleb is so much fun to be around, and is always finds a way to make people laugh. And in his busy life of imagining things, Caleb is a sweet big brother and friend!

Ramadan

We are about to enter the month of Ramadan, where Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. The root of the word Ramadan, ramida, means scorching heat and dryness, which is definitely what the weather is like this time of year. Adult Muslims are required to fast this month. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with belief in one God, prayer 5 times a day, giving to the poor, and a pilgrimage to Mecca in one's lifetime. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, which is supposed to bring one closer to Allah. While fasting, Muslims will pray more frequently and recite the Quran.

It is a very fascinating part of the culture here, and one that we hope to understand better, since last year we arrived only weeks before Ramadan began. It is a slow time of year for non-Muslims, which we really enjoy. It is illegal to eat or drink in public, so that makes being out for long a little difficult in the heat. The only thing open during the day is grocery stores, and everything comes to life late at night and into the pre-dawn morning hours. Maybe this year we will get to experience an iftar, which is the evening meal when Muslims break their fast at sunset. To our Muslim friends, Happy Ramadan!

Until Next Time

Our last couple of days in Illinois were relaxing. We really enjoyed the time we got to spend with Betty, being able to see Nathan get indcuted into his high school sports hall of fame, visiting with family and friends, being outside, and enjoying the beauty of southern Illinois. 

On one of our last days, we went to one of Betty's good friend's home to see their pony and mules. They were beautiful and quite impressive, thogh the boys were most impressed with the playhouse and baby dolls. At one point Caleb came out with the baby in the carrier, and then they both pushed the baby so nicely in the stroller. It was cute!

The boys love riding on tractors and golf carts. One of the neighbors took the boys and I for a ride to see their pony and chickens.

And to go pick some fresh eggs.

That evening we went for a walk on the nature trail.

On the day we left, we visited a neat park with turtle sculptures near the St. Louis zoo. Both boys enjoyed climbing on sculptures and running around the park.

And swinging like monkeys!

It was sad to say goodbye, but we know we will be back soon and have many fun times ahead. Thank you so much Grandma Betty for the wonderful couple of weeks, and for all the love you and Mark have for our family. We love you, until next time...

Well, our flight out of St. Louis was delayed a bit and we ended up missing our flight to Kuwait by about 25 minutes. It was late at night, we didn't have luggage or a stroller, the airport was packed with others who missed flights, and we ended up getting a hotel room around 2am. The boys did so good, they really got the super trooper award for being so flexible. The great news was we got an extra day in the Virginia. We drove through Haymarket, checked in on our house, went to get cupcakes and cider from our favorite coffee shop in town, and we spent a few hours at one of our favorite places, Manassas Battlefield. It was a treat to have the extra day in VA.

We made it back to Kuwait with no problems at all, and our luggage was first off the plane. It is a very different place from where we have been, but it's a great place and is right now our home away from home.

Big Boy Bed

The day has come where we say goodbye crib, hello big boy bed! The day before we left for vacation, Caleb climbed out of his crib for the first time. He slept in a big boy bed our entire vacation and he loved it. Our first nights back home, he climbed out of his crib probably close to 100 times, so we knew it was time for the transition.

About a month ago, we bought this toddler bed from a co-worker who was leaving, and the timing was perfect. To say Caleb was excited about his bed is an understatement! I took a video of him on my cellphone, and need to figure out how to upload it.

Thankfully tonight both boys went right to sleep, in their own beds and cribs! I still have lots of pictures to share from Illinois, but I have been very tired. This week Nathan and I at best slept about 3 hours a night for the last five nights between boys jet lag and crib acrobatics. I don't mean to complain, it's part of being a parent. Tired as we are, we are so proud of Caleb and excited about his big boy bed!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy belated Father's Day! I have an amazing husband. Nathan is the most humble and selfless man I know. He is a loving husband, caring father, and great friend. Two other special men in my life who are wonderful fathers and grandfathers are my dad and father-in-law. Each of them are very special to Nathan and I, and have helped shape us into the people we are today.

High fives for dad!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads near and far. You are special and loved my many.

PS - more IL posts to come later this week after we are caught up on rest and settled :).

St. Louis Zoo

Yesterday we went to the St. Louis zoo. It was overcast and a little chilly, which made it a nice day to be outside.

 The boys enjoyed seeing the animal exhibits with Grandma.

 We learned an interesting fact about hippos bottoms. When they go poo in the water, their tail propels the dung in different directions, which feeds all the fish and other sea life. Hippo tails are a very important part of the eco-system. Kind of gross, but something to think about that next time you eat fish from a river with hippos:).

The newest exhibit were painted dogs. They were really cute, and cuddled up together when we saw them. 

 Meet Caleb the bear cub!

And the two youngest snake charmers :).

 There were several elephant exhibits, and really cute baby elephants.

 No trip to the zoo is complete without a ride on the train.

And a post-zoo trip to get frozen custard at the famous Ted Drewes.

This place was packed! 

 And this little boy really enjoyed every last drop of his ice cream!

It was a fun day together!