Recent pictures

Egyptian Culture Celebration at school

First of all, Josh would like to clarify, "galabeyas are NOT dresses!" The traditional dress for villagers in Egypt is an outfit called a galabeya. Mostly, in the city, the male boabs wear them. They are cooler than pants and made of cotton usually. Some are very fancy and even have rhinestones all over them. We all got one (except Brent---I couldn't talk him into it!) and we wore them to the school's Egyptian Culture celebration on the 10th. The celebration had lots of interesting foods, sufi dancers (they twirl around for hours adorned with bright hoop-like skirts), a traditional band and henna artists. They had demonstrators making papyrus, clay pots, embroidered quilts and wooden toys. It was pretty fun and very interesting. Here are pictures of the kids in their galabeyas and Sarah and I with henna art on our hands. Also, the sufi dancers and a great costumed demonstator:)

Emma's 7th Birthday

Emma turned 7 on December 5th. She wanted crepes for breakfast and tuna sandwiches with potato chips for dinner. She had a great day and got homemade presents from her bro and sisters. She loved the package from Grandma and Grandpa and she loved the "littlest pet shop" toy she got from Mom and Dad.

One seriously cute and funny thing was the card that she wrote to herself. It said, "I love my self becose i share and i Love others thats what i love aboute me. love Emma".

I just LOVE Emma:) Happy birthday, sis!

Coming to you from the highest peak in Egypt

Brent and Josh got back on Sunday night from their 4 day backpacking adventure. They hiked many miles, including to the top of Egypt's highest peak--Mt. Saint Catherine. They felt truly cold weather for the first time in many months and saw some beautiful scenery. Brent said it was peaceful and beautiful, but his favorite part was spending time with Josh. They slept out under the stars and even climbed up Mt. Sinai in the dark so they could see the sunrise. They ate MRE's, lots of oatmeal and trailmix, but they did get a real turkey dinner on Thanksgiving night, thanks to some careful planning and a few hired camels:)

Josh on top Mt. Saint Catherine










Brent and Josh on St. Cath.












Josh climbing down Mt. Sinai