The Jolliff Family

 I wanted to post a few more pictures from Nathan and Heather's recent visit with us.  As with anytime family has visited over the past year, there never is enough time to soak in all the sights and soak in all the time together.  However, we have marveled that having visitors here is truly unlike any other opportunity in the States.  It is an opportunity for undivided time, free from television and constant social media, free from other obligations, free just to spend with each other.  It is truly unique!  We enjoyed so much the time we spent with Nathan, Heather, Caleb, and Benjamin.  Meeting Ben for the first time and catching up with Caleb was so special.  Having Nathan and Heather catch a glimpse of life and the people here is exciting.  We are so thankful they visited and will cherish the time we spent together for years to come!

Heather was able to upload the video and send it to me. Enjoy and thanks Heather :)

My internet is so slow, so the commentary will be light tonight!  This is the day that we traveled to a location that is significant for Jews, Muslims, and Christians.   We then went into the Old City market and enjoyed bargaining with some shop owners for our goods.  Nathan and Heather as well as myself walked away with beautiful rugs made from the wool of the sheep and location woman. After spending most of our money, we visited the glass and pottery factory.  Every time I visit there I see something different and beautiful. Today was a day that Nathan and Heather were able to engage the culture a lot and we all enjoyed the time.  We were also thankful that the weather was beautiful for our visit.

So I wanted to post the remaining pictures from Christmas day. Here are a few more from the play production :) Sam's turn at being the angel and Andrew's turn at being Joseph.  Andrew is such an amazing actor with his snoring skills :)  Then the kids sang a sweet rendition of "Do you hear what I hear?" "Said the little lamb to the mighty king, do you hear what I hear?" "Said the king to the people everywhere." That night the boys opened up their stockings to find some gum, candy, a toothbrush (thankfully!), and a little race car.  I didn't get a picture of Caleb opening his up but he received a little spiderman figurine that he loves! We certainly had a Merry Christmas! :)

Well,  it happened.  I didn't get to blog yesterday for day 360/365.  I tried until past midnight and when my internet shut off after uploading the following pictures, I went to bed realizing the world wasn't going to stop :)  And so, I pick up today 361/365!! Actually, these pictures are from Christmas morning.  The boys were so excited to open their presents but waited patiently while we all enjoyed cinnamon rolls and egg casserole. Sam and Uncle Nathan are good buddies and it is fun to see them together. Andrew was a serious gift opener or maybe he is saving the wrapping paper for next year? Caleb opened opened up a tractor to enjoy. All of our boys received new worker men to play with! The boys also received new cool t-shirts from the science museum that Caleb and Benjamin like to visit. Uncle Nathan helped Jacob open up a present. After we opened up presents and rested a bit, our friends came over around 12:30 to enj...