Cousins!!

We had such a fun few days last week with Hap, Elizabeth, and the kiddo's visit! Sam wanted the visit to be a surprise, and it sure was a big one for the boys! They arrived last Monday evening and we had a delicious Filipino dinner of Pancit. This dish is popular to make for happy occasions/good luck - birthdays, family get togethers, so the occasion was perfect. 

We enjoyed lots of time playing in the yard. Photo credit for this post goes to Elizabeth. She got a new camera and I did not pick up my DSLR once...just a few phone pics...

That morning, they walked to the park close by to our house while we were at work. I told her Caleb knows the way...and they made it :).

In the afternoon, we attempted to go to the Children's Museum but it was closed! Trying to convince the boys that we had a fun plan B....

And we did... a new trampoline park that opened a few weeks ago, only a mile or so from our house! This place was so fun, they had obstacle courses, indoor play area, walk climbing wall, lots of trampolines, foam pits, and fun slides. Fun for kids and big kids! We will definitely be back here this summer...

Like snow tubing...minus the snow. The boys did this for a while...

Fun rock wall/foam pit.

Lots of jumping!

We jumped too :). Elizabeth still has her cheerleading moves!

I went for a cannonball!

Spider boys climbing the walls.

Slam dunk.

The next day, we visited Mt. Nebo and Madaba while the boys were at school. It was a beautiful day!

This is where Moses first viewed the Promised Lan...and I bet it looked just like this thousands of years ago when he stood here - amazing!

It was so fun to hang with the boys and little lady.

This man was working on the wall and the boys enjoyed watching him for a while.

Jacob doesn't look thrilled, but he was having fun.  It was a hot day!

They recently finished the church. It has been under renovation since we arrived, and this was our first time inside. It was a beautiful church inside and out.

This guys was apparently very fast and poisonous. Good thing one of the twins and I walked right over the open grate where he was hanging out....eek!

Sweet Abby Lou. I'm running, I'm running was her favorite thing to say on Mt. Nebo!

Looking over into Palestine.

Abram was less than thrilled to take this picture :).

But Abby likes to say cheese and warmed up to us a lot.

Next stop was Madaba. Last time we visited was with Nathan's parents on the last day of Ramadan last year. So another Ramadan visit on the books!

Madaba is know as the Mosaic capital of the world. From ancient times, people came to Madaba to learn this trade.

It is also home to many Byzantine and Roman churches that had beautiful mosaic floors.

Abram and uncle Nathan checking out a church floor from up above these super sturdy walkways :).

This is the old Roman Road that went through the city.

This is the famous Madaba Tree of Life mosaic. It is located in the archeological park in the back of a dark cellar. It was covered with dust, so we poured some water on it and the colors popped right out!

Sweet, sweet twins!

 We visited some mosaic shops and the boys enjoyed a tutorial on how Mosaics are made.

 Our last stop was at St. George's church to see the famous Mosaic Map of the Middle East. I think it was from the 4th century.

 Andrew was so tired and he fell asleep in the church!

The five big boys slept together each night! The first night they stayed up late talking, but the next two nights, I think tiredness kicked and and they went to sleep easier.

Despite what they said, they did sleep..here's the proof!

The babies slept with Hap and Elizabeth...soon they can get in the mix too!

Elizabeth and I made Grandpa Mark's strawberry pie one night and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe :).

We were lucky to have them here on Thursday, when Benjamin had his end of year performance. I thought it would be songs (as all the other shows have been). Instead, they showed off experiments they prepared. Benjamin's table talked about things that dissolve and do not dissolve in water.

They had a captive audience, and it was fun to show Elizabeth and the boys our kids school and some friends.

 They did a great job! There were a several other tables around the room, so we made our way to see what other experiments the kids prepared.

What a blessing it was to have this time together! We are so thankful to be 'close by' for the next 3 years and plan to take advantage of more time together here, there, or somewhere. What a fun few days. We love you Jolliffs!

 Tes and the kiddos. She really enjoyed finally meeting everyone and the time with the kids. I think they enjoyed her too :).