delhi

the drive to delhi, which was yesterday, was not so bad..the road was much better than the road to agra...it took about 5 hours though...we stopped to see the agra fort before we left..a beautiful place...as we drove, we of course saw many interesting things...the fair grounds, houses that aren't quite houses...we saw a huge mosque...we also saw a semi-truck that was full of people, i'd say at least 140...they were crammed inside, and outside on the top...they saw us taking pictures and started waving..our driver said it was probably a village of people traveling to various temples..then we drove into delhi...it turned out to be a pretty normal city...of course, there are those parts that look pretty bad, but on the whole, it has some very pretty buildings, parks, nice streets..i was amazed..especially after what we've seen...our hotel is the imperial hotel, it was built in 1930...it was delhi's first hotel..very lovely old, restored hotel...in the english part of the city...we had dinner at this fun restraunt last night that was called the spice room and it was decorated so cute..like a spice bazaar...today we went on a tour of the city...our guide wasn't really in to it..so it was sort of funny...he would tell us about things, but, then say..it's history, but not historical...so i guess that would mean not that interesting...so, our 6 hour tour was about 2 and 1/2 ...we did see the mosque..that was cool..we had to wear these kimono things and go barefoot...we saw a building that the taj mahal was sort of copied from..it was beautiful...and then we saw where mahatma ghandi was cremate, they don't bury them, the presidential palace, the india gate etc etc...then we came back to the hotel..we laid by the pool...a favorite thing to do...later in the afternoon we walked down the street...it was fun to see all the shops...the girls would love this shopping...too bad russ doesn't...we were accosted by many beggars..always women and children or men with no legs or no feet etc...i've seen some of the worst deformities here...very sad...the bellman at the hotel warned us to not go anywhere with anyone...we'd be robbed...so we didn't...but, some guys wanted to shave russ and give us all ear cleanings...they love russ..he's so big and blond...he's been called 'big guy', my big friend, handsome..etc etc..pretty funny...it's usually the men...it's sad because you are afraid to make eye contact or smile because their hands will come out...so you have to be sort of mean...kathy always gives to the cripples...the salesmen are nonstop..they don't give up...it gets pretty annoying...you wish you could be nice..but you can't...and you can never pull your wallet out..they would attack you...it's an interesting experience...so tomorrow...back to mumbai..that beautiful city...not! but, since we've been there it will feel like home...

a break...or all about alison

i just needed to take a break...from my travelogue that is...i heard via email that my wonderful friend alison is moving next week....i think she is moving while i'm gone because that's the only way i'll let her go! alison is a fantastic friend...i've known her for about 22 years when she moved into our ward...she was the lucky person who babysat russ for me while i went and helped in the kids classrooms...then, we were pregnant together, me with kerry and she with landon...that was fun and we traded babies from the time they were little...she has been my friend through all my fun times and my trials...i gave her a few in the form of my children, she and chuck babysat for us a few times when we went out of town...one of those times we had had a bomb threat at our house! the week before! and they were still game and willing to come...as long as we had police or private protection...which we did...i guess we really needed to leave! and then alison was there for me when tom was sick...she always has known the right thing to do and to say...and then she does it! i'm very blessed to have such a friend..we have had alot of great times together, trips, spa dates, lunches and dinners, birthdays and bowling.... i will miss her so much...she tried to get away a few years ago by moving out of our ward..but, that didn't do her much good...i was still there to bug her...so, even though she's going to boise...i'll still have to keep on her...after all, we have a spa date in a few months...i'll miss you ali...

the taj mahal

what a way to start the day!!!
we went to the taj mahal this morning...amazing...beautiful...fantastic to see...what a gorgeous place...there are grounds, a park like place, the city gate, a mosque all surrounding the taj...it's just built for the one purpose...for the burial place of the queen, and then the king was buried there also...a beautiful story.they fell in love at first sight, they married 5 years later...they were married for 19 years, she had 17 pregnancies, 14 deliveries and only 7 kids lived, she died giving birth or soon after..he was so disraught that he built this building to honor their love....it's made of marble, that's translucent..it shines when hit by the sun...and inlaid work of marble and stone.everything about the building is in perfect symetrey....it was a great experience...now we are just resting around the hotel...leaving here :( to go to delhi...another drive...we'll stop and see the agra fort

some activites today

not to say we didn't do anything fun today..we did...as we drove along to agra...we stopped at fatehpur sikri which is an old palace built in the 1500's...it was really pretty, made of sandstone..the king built the city and brought his 3 wives to it...one a hindu..top wife because she gave him a son...she had a huge palace of her own on the property...a christian wife, she had no children..more of a gift from someone...and the muslim wife that had 2 daughters..and a small place to live...there is a beautiful mosque there also...after we got to the hotel we just layed around and enjoyed ourselves...

the taj

need i say more? this is sooooo cool...and this is just from our hotel...we're going to see it early, early tomorrow morning...i can't wait!

the road to agra OR let's play 'chicken'

today we got up early to drive to agra...that's where the taj mahal is...it was about 5 hours driving...5 hours of alot of holding your breath...here's some thoughts on driving in india...lucky we were not driving ourselves...but, i don't know if that's better or not...
1. our driver is a sikh, which is a form of religion..they don't believe in cutting their hair or hurting anything...sooooo, while we are driving he doesn't want to hit anything...
2. ok, there are alot of animals in the streets..i'm not saying to hit them, but, he would swerve to miss..which is sort of scary...driving fast...we were worried we would crash trying not to hurt the squirrel or frog in the street...
3. the goats that almost caused us to crash as he swerved away from them as they bounded into the street...and the guy behind us that almost rear-ended us...pretty scary...
4. one thing i've noticed is that they HAVE to pass at any opportunity...you're driving along behind a truck, then he wants to pass and you go in the other lane and you see another truck coming towards you...that's when it's like chicken...hopefully, you'll make it...
5. everyone just wants to go as fast as possible and never, ever stop...so, they make ways to do so...watch out anyone in the way...
6. the road was pretty good for quite aways...but, then we hit the old road..don't know if i should call it a road..it was a 'rut'...so then we were swerving to miss the ruts..don't try and sleep with this going on...
7. plus, then we got to agra and besides being on a semi dirt road that led into town...traffic was crazy...everyone just going for it...on motorcycles, trucks, camels and carts..you name they were there...
8. and, if you're stuck in traffic in a town..there are always the people tapping on the windows wanting money or you to buy something..the blind beggars...the best of everything...
9. there are these great trucks that look like they were built in about 1920, they actually use a crank to start...they are usually hauling something..people, hay, whatever...
10. the trucks, vans, carts, everything...are usually filled to the brim with people...there is always room for 1 or make that 20 more...how many people can you fit in a 5 passenger car? probably about 30...really...they are smashed inside..then people hang on the back, sit on the front...it's unreal...
11. speaking of over burdening something...the trucks are filled to way over flowing...i mean...they have huge huge burlap type coverings that they put over hay, or whatever they are hauling and it is twice the size of the truck...it's just crazy...so top heavy...
12. motorcycles usually have at least 3 people on them..sometimes 4 or 5...babies smashed in the middle of people...a little girl sitting up front of her dad..the women sit 'side saddle' because they have their saris on...one motorcycle was in an accident today because her sari got stuck in the wheel...
13, oh, this is fun also...when the road you're on has a 'diversion' and suddenly you're on the other side of the road..wouldn't matter if everyone knew that's what you were doing..they just honk...or if they need to get to one side and they are driving down the other way..they just drive on the wrong side..no worries...
14. camel dung that is piled up and sold for cooking fuel.
15. the little little children that run around naked..that way you don't need diapers..

so those are a few of the thoughts going through my mind today...AND we get to do it tomorrow, driving to delhi...yipee!

amber fort

today we drove up to the amber fort...it's out of town and up in the mountains..as you drive up the road you see a wall that goes up and down the tips of the mountains...a mini wall of china...the fort was built in the 1700's...it's high up in the mountains with an older fort that's at the top of the mountain...they used that one first , then moved down into the amber fort...it was very beautiful with an entrance for the maharajah and a separate one for his wives..he had 12...we drove in an old jeep on a very, very bumpy road...they are always restoring things here, but don't seem to get anything done..we saw elephants-they were dressed up for the new year celebration that is this week..when we got out of the jeep there were so many beggars, people selling things it's was hard to walk..all wanting money from us....we saw camels, wild pigs..lots of different animals...on the way back to the city we stopped at the summer palace which is built on a lake..for some weird reason, the ground floor is always under water...strange...we got back early, so we laid out...russ had a massage first, then kathy and i had one..it was in the same room..guess they thought we were a couple...the spa is in a building made of tents., but with a regular floor, windows and doors...another greasing of my hair...can't believe how greasy it was...must have put a few cups in it...we were supposed to have a little cooking lesson tonight, but it didn't work out..too bad...so tomorrow we are going to drive to agra...the taj mahal! can't wait...

jaipur

today we saw jaipur...or the pink city...it's the old city with a huge pink wall around it...we went to the city palace...as we drove in our guide pointed out people selling bird feed to others..he called it a 'bird restaurant', people buy the bird seed to feed the birds..and monkeys that are around...we then went to an astrology park...there was the biggest sundial in the world...plus all these horoscope things..they are really into that here...we then went to the palace, didn't go into the palace except for this museum they have..interesting...we drove around the city and saw other things..we also saw where they make fabric and rugs...they hand stamp the fabric with a design...saw how they polish gems for jewelry etc...we also saw many camels pulling carts...donkeys, elephants,cows standing in the middle of the road, dogs, lots of animals wandering in town..we also saw some 'snake charmers', we see ladies that sweep the leaves off the grass, they need a rake, if any of you saw ' the amazing race' last sunday, it featured jaipur...it's alot like that...crazy...our tour got back sort of early...so we had time to kill today and it was cloudy...so, we wandered around our 'colonial' hotel...it really reminds of being at some english peoples house for the weekend...we went to the 'gymnasium' and they had ping pong, so we played, russ killed us...then we played at the pitch and putt...the little guy that works there was going to be our caddy and russ invited him to play..i think he ended up winning...we also threw darts...on a very small dart board, and played ring toss...i won! tonight we went to this italian resturant at the hotel..it was outside...the waiters are so nice...they know exactly what we want to drink..oh, we also saw them making 'naan' which is indian bread...it was pretty cool to watch...the chef told us tomorrow that he will show us how to make some 'gravies' or i imagine curry...that will be fun...we watched american idol...which is delayed a day...and we saw Kelly! that was fun...anyway...that was our day..

jai mahal

i put a map of india on so you can see where we are, where we're going, etc. we started in mumbai, flew north to udaipur, then flew farther north and in-land to jaipur...then, we'll drive east to agra, then north to delhi and south again to mumbai...today we got up early and flew to jaipur...it was on a pretty small plane...but, the flight was fine...jaipur is a larger city about 3 million people...we are staying at the jai mahal...it is an older hotel, reminds me of an old english type hotel from the 1940's...alot of workers working on the gardens as they call them...ladies sweeping the leaves off the grass...clipping the weeds from the grass...we laid out at the pool today...there were birds that thought the pool was a large bird feeder or something..anyway...a nice slow afternoon...tomorrow we'll go sightseeing...tonight outside on the hotel there are supposed to be activities like a little mini bazaar, puppet show etc...should be interesting...

udaipur--the city

we toured udaipur today..very interesting..had a very nice guide..we figure he's about 25 and his family is looking for a bride for him...they will choose...he has never dated...interesting...then, they will live at his house...so, we went to the temple today..it was very high up, with alot of stairs...it was interesting...while we were there, they were chanting and ringing this bell...really loud...the older people go every morning to this temple...it's an interesting process...then, we drove to the palace...that place is huge! it's sooooo long and big..there is the maharana's side and the queen's side...there are all these windows, where the women look out because they aren't to be seen...the palace was highly decorated with tiles, pictures etc...very ornate and beautiful...there is still a royal family, but now they don't govern, they are just making alot of money...then, we went to some shops..that was fun..bought some fun stuff...russ was pretty bored at this stop! then, we went to some gardens which were nice..another stop for jewelry...then, to the museusm...their museums are weird in the fact that they always have these little dioramas showing things...interesting...then, they gave us a puppet show...it was cute...we also stopped for lunch at this little place...pretty good...by then it was about 4 pm so we came back to the hotel...it is such a pretty spot...we have been cooling off in the pool outside our rooms..watching the deer, vultures (they look like hawks), peacocks..it's fun to see...

udaipur

today we flew to udaipur. it is north of mumbai..about an hour flight..last night before we left we went to dinner at this great indian restaurant...the chef came out and told us that he would bring us the food we should eat...it was fantastic...the taxi ride there of course was pretty scary...it's unreal how they can drive...we're staying at the gorgeous oberoi hotel...it's amazing...i could just stay here and not even see the city...but, we will go out and see that tomorrow...i'll take pictures tomorrow...we have a little semi private pool that serves a few rooms...our room looks out on a animal conservation area...there are wild boar, deer, vultures..i don't know what else..pretty cool...i had a fantastic massage, russ and kathy stayed at the pool for the afternoon..then we went and had a great dinner...so, tomorrow we'll see the sights...

things we've noticed in india

well, kathy, russ and i are sitting in our room, just chillin', so we're going to tell some things we've noticed about india..they love business cards...sort of like the olden days, when everyone had a card to present, i've been asked for my card...they love curry...morning, noon, and night...the slums are called suburbs...are there worse ones that we haven't seen? if you work construction, you usually live on the side of the road in a yucky tent...they do the bobble on the head..they bobble their heads back and forth to say yes...the construction workers get paid $6 a day and they are making good money! teachers get paid $300 and professor $900..of course who do they teach? i don't see alot of them in school...although alot do go to university and have masters...haven't seen the call centers that are calling the u.s....when they speak, they speak pretty good english, then start going faster and faster and then it sounds like marbles are in their mouths...so, you miss a bit of the sentence..very nice people though...well, we're going to the pool..i'd go to the beach but kathy is afraid that the brown ribbon in the water is poo! so, we'll just go to the pool..it's about 95 degrees here...oh, and a final thing...steve got pink eye and got eye drops from the pharmacy for about 30 cents..he is supposed to put drops in every hour, but does it about every 15 minutes...driving is taking your life in your hands..they are literally about 2 inches away from the other car, bus or truck...just going for it!

church in mumbai

we went to church today..which usually is pretty easy...but, there is only one branch in all of mumbai...it's about an hour away..in navi mumbai, which means new mumbai...a suburb...so we drove through alot of the city...so many slums..it's unreal...we saw where 'slumdog' was filmed...we saw the 'new ' government housing for the slum people which look like they are 50 years old and they are brand new...can't figure out what happens to those buildings...there are the roadsiders, they are people that don't even live in the slums, they are more like homeless...so we got to church about 20 min. early...it's in a muslim home that is rented as the church...they have a guard standing outside the house...we went inside..a small room with about 40 chairs set up...people started arriving and everyone of them said hi, introduced themselves and shook our hands...very friendly...we met the branch pres...a very young indian man..very nice...met a few americans, one john lee who is from camarillo...small world...i think we will hang out with his wife next week...they were very nice and he loved talking to russ about surfing...he knew just from looking at russ that he hurt his nose on the surfboard! they are here for 3 years...the meeting started...they had the prayer, they welcomed us...had the sacrament..one deacon...they asked kathy to speak...she had brought a wonderful talk...then the deacon spoke and gave a great talk on Christ...i was very impressed...afterwards we sang, along to cd music...prayer...then we split up for rs and priesthood meeting...their church is only 2 hours..so every other week they have rs/priesthood and then the other is sunday school...not sure if they have primary...they have a primary pres...but only 2 little children about 3 and 5...there were 8 of us in rs...the primary pres. gave the lesson..it was her first time giving one...i thought she did a great job...very sweet...2 of the sisters were baptized last week...one of them broke down crying, saying how her life is so hard...etc.etc...i guess that doesn't happen ever...it was very sweet...afterwards we said goodbye...they were very sweet and loving...so hard to be a mormon in india! what strong people they must be...some take 3 hours to get to church..amazing...then, we had lunch on the way back to our hotel...so, it basically took all day...it was very nice...

elephant island

today (sat) we went to elephant island which is about 1 hours slow boat ride from mumbai...guess they think it looks like a elephant, that's why it's named that...as we were walking to the boat, we saw this man..look at the picture..he's eyebrows are like visors, as kathy said...plus, the little beggar boy selling flowers..he looked like he was about 4...at elephant island we had to walk up 130 stairs...whew! it was hot!!! dripping!!! we saw monkeys that you have to watch your stuff around them, because they will steal it...what we saw is this hindi temple...it tells the 7 stories of shiva..one of their gods...this temple was dug out of the mountain,, it took 300 years to build starting in the 6th century...amazing..plus these statues were really good...when we were going back to the boat, these little old, shriveled up ladies wanted us to take our pictures with them...then you pay them...so kathy and russ did...but, the one lady was very upset because she wanted to be alone with russ...she was ok after we paid both of them...so there is russ with his 2 new girls...going back in the taxi, we were all four crammed into this tiny thing...russ' head barely fit...they are really small...so, another day...more later...

mumbai

We flew into mumbai,india yesterday...it's crazy...but, pretty amazing...to start off...before the plane left the sprayed the plane with insecticide...some weird gov. rule...we were met at the airport by a driver from the hotel...as we drove, the traffic was crazy...the only rule is that there are no rules...3 lanes become 5...whoever can go, goes...honking..watch out or your'e in trouble...he showed us the nice buildings, the suburbs, the slums, the shopping...trouble is...i thought it all looked pretty slummy..now, i know what a 3rd world country looks like...even thenew stuff looks crummy...steve was saying you take your life in your hand everytime you walk outside...he also says the men do this 'bobble head' thing going side to side to say yes...today we went on a tour of the city...we went to the 'jain' temple..it was interesting..they are one of the many, many religions here...you take your shoes off, you can't turn your back on the statues...the people make offerings of rice...there are some men that make some yellow stuff and men put it on their foreheads...as we left, we were attacked by beggars..they follow you to your car, act like they are with you...we then went to this park that has a lot of topiaries...in the middle of the park there is a part which we couldn't go see where the jains leave their dead..they don't believe in bury or burning...so they take the body to this part and leave...vultures eat it and then they bury the bones! sick! we saw where a bunch of families have a washing, drying and ironing business....have had it for many, many years..the men do the washing...it looks like alot of hard work...not in washing machines...by hand....then they deliver it...we went past the train station, some newer buildings...we went to ghandi's house..interesting...went to the gate of india...beggars attacked kathy...we saw beggars with no arms, it's really sad...we went to the veg market...they had animals also...we saw many of the tin lunches on bikes being delievered...amazing...a guy cleaning another man's ears..then, later kathy and i went to a travel agent to plan the rest of the trip...we drove in a 'cool cab' which has a/c....on the way home...no cool cabs...had to take an old yellow and black...he couldn't understand english, so the beggar woman told him how to get home...the money is $1 for 50 rupees...i gave the bellman 50 rupees...kathy said it was a good tip..construction people we were told make $6 for 8 hours of work...our hotel i found out was one of the ones bombed in novemeber...the security it tight...they check the cars, your luggage, bags, etc. every time you enter the hotel...well, more later...

some people we've met

when you travel, you always meet people or get to know them because you see them at the hotel..it's a fun part of traveling...some of those so far....on our city tour...the girl from new zealand, traveling alone...the japenese family with the little girl, who brought 'tickle me elmo' with her...that was annoying, as she played with it...the nice english couple from the desert safari...they were so friendly...the french couple..he looked like a huge american football guy...not french at all...he was interesting..wore these motorcycle goggle things for sunglasses...she was very attractive black women, had a diamond in her side tooth! the masseuse from sri lanka, who wants to be married,the boat driver who is from india and wants to travel around more.watching the people from dubai is very amazing, from the lady carrying items on her head, to the very rich, with their wives in black..they all have interesting stories..it's fun to get to know other cultures...

dubai--day 2

0n the boat
city
sheiks towers

burq al arab



in the restaurant

in the desert











can't believe we've only been here 2 days..we've done alot...i'll have to break it into 3 parts because we've done 3 separate activities today.....
this morning we got up and called to reserve a boat.so we went on a tour for about an hour...i've realized i really love water...it's always so pretty and calming...anyway..we went out in front of our hotel and saw the palm islands...they are really cool...much bigger than i thought it would be..they are building huge apt/condos there plus mega hotels on the outer branches..i think we need to come back in 10 years to tt/condo buildings...i don't know who is going to live in all of them...i think the sheik must think 'build it and the will come'....he sure is building..the marina is beautiful...some gorgeous buildings.

this afternoon we went to the burq al arab hotel...that is the sailboat hotel...it's amazing...over the top...you can only go to it (that means even go on the grounds) if you are staying there. or at one of the sheiks other hotels or if you have a lunch/dinner reservation...so we got one of those...plus there is a dress code! good thing russ brought some pants...you drive up to the hotel and see 4 or 5 rolls royces, ferraris...whatever fancy car there is...once you enter, it's amazing to see..they have a huge big lobby with this amazing waterfountain that puts on this great water show...everything is gold, purple, red..you ride up the escalator to the 2 story and then we went to the elevators..the restaurant is on the 27th floor...the restaurant itself as you enter actually looks like a space ship or star wars..it's all windows looking out on the ocean...you can see the 'world islands' that are being built...i guess they are done, just no buildings on them yet...we had a delicious and probably the most expensive lunch i've ever had...it was fun to look out at everything...then we went down the glass elevator with a great view...it was a fun time.

later this afternoon, we went on a desert safari...out in the arabian desert...it was really fun...we drove for about an hour in a tahoe (most cars seem to be american), then turned off the road into the desert..our driver took out some of the air in the tires, for better traction...then off we went, up, down, back and forth, up and back on the dunes...it was really fun...a little nervous...hoping we wouldn't tip over or spin out in the sand...we got out at a few points to see the scenery and the sun set...the sand is soooo soft..felt really good on my feet...we ended up at a compound where we ate dinner...we also went on a very small camel ride..more of a photo op...it was fun though..we ate dinner seated at low tables sitting on pillows...we were also able to get henna tatoos, so russ and i got some ink...you could also smoke the flavored tobacco out of the huukas...we didn't...after dinner we had a belly dancer..she moved in alot of different ways...so the end of a fun day...tomorrow off to india...

dubai

some little bowling pins dressed as women
russ outside our hotel
burq hotel
crossing the 'creek' actually more like a river
jameriah mosque
city scape
in the souk..the lady in the black veils had a package on her head


today we toured dubai...but, before our 2 pm trip...we decided to go to the pool...it's really nice..very peaceful...hotel is lovely...arabian..very cool...from the beach you can look at the palm islands..then, russ and i had massages..very relaxing..the girl put so much oil in my hair, it isn't out after 3 washings! we went on this tour of dubai...it was very interesting...the city is very new...it's been a village here for over a 100 years, but, nothing much until 1960's...the then sheik found oil and from then on! he came up with ideas for dubai...after he died he's son has carried on and come up with many fantastic ideas...the city is totally under construction..so many cool buildings, parks, islands, you name it, they are building it...new roads...it's unreal, they seem to have so much money for stuff...crazy...this place has so many different parts to it..the new is really nice, clean, beautiful buildings...the old side, is just sort of old and junky...we went to the sheiks palace..very huge...went to the most famous mosque..very pretty...went to the spice souk and gold souk...bazaars...they sucked...the one in turkey was waaaaaaay better.after the souk, russ and i left the tour..it was over, so we caught a cab...this guy was from egypt and very smooth..about 60..he took my hand and kissed it! and after when i was paying, he didn't give me change..guess he figured that he'd wooed me and wanted his payment! .i'm very impressed with this city..for one, it would be so easy to live here as an american...everything is either in english or arabic...everyone speaks english..it's very american i think...the roads are fabulous..like i said, everything is new..oh, an interesting note...went to the bathroom at the museum..there was toilet paper, thank goodness, but also a hose to rinse yourself off!!! weird...the other thing about this place...this sheik has figured out how muslims and everyone else can get along beautifully...he wants people to come to his city, so he can make money...he has alot! anyway...why can't the rest of the middle east do the same? it's a very safe city...it's really nice...tomorrow we're going to the sail hotel...and on a desert safari...

dubai

at the airport
we just arrived in dubai...and first impressions are: it's pretty cool...russ and i left sunday at 5 pm...we flew on emirates air..straight to dubai...no stops...the flight was 16 hours...they had about 500 movies to choose from, so you were kept entertained...not as bad as i thought it would be...we got off the plane and walked into this gorgeous brand new airport...it is all chrome, glass and mirrors, it's really nice and emirates is using it, so it was pretty empty...it took about 1 minute to get through customs...we then were picked up by the hotel and as we drove in, the driver showed us many different things...we'll be off tomorrow to see them...the hotel looks amazing..as we walked into the lobby a guy 'hit a gong' .....it's very arabian..which i guess, that's where we are...so tomorrow i'll have more to report...oh, an added note...when you sign into the blogs...it's in arabic, and everything goes from right to left..that's how they read...it's always fun to see the differences in a country...

up, up and away!

and we're off!!

russ and i are flying away today...we're going to dubai, india, and thailand...we'll meet up with kathy and steve fryer in india...so stay tuned for all of our great experiences!

uh oh...not for the faint of heart!

what do you get when you mix a guy, a surfboard and waves?

a BROKEN NOSE!!!!

poor boy!

wedding

beautiful bride and handsome groom

craig, katelyn, lindsay, justin, taryn, kathy and steve
russ, ker, kel, jo, tar, just, whit, kel

tar and justin and parents

kel, russ, whit, ker, kel

i've been in slc for 10 days...i went up for my good friend taryn and justin's wedding...it was a beautiful wedding..the day was pretty windy outside, but that was ok..everything else was perfect...tar looked so pretty...like a 1940's moviestar...then the reception was up in park city...a great dinner...lots of fun people...it was a great time..

the rest of the time i got to spend with family...all the kids except willie were there..so it was a fun time...crazy with the babies..it's so fun to see kate and gavin run and hug each other...owen and tommy aren't quite the bud's yet...but, tommy is starting to walk..so anytime...gavin built a snowman...we played, the kids snowboarded...i saw different friends and family...it was great as always...