Thanksgiving 2013

We spent Thanksgiving in Saudi again this year (our fifth Thanksgiving here) and celebrated with a wonderful group of friends.  I say this every year, but our group of friends here become more like family.  We've had lots of our close buddies leave this year, but the Lord has been gracious and sent us new families to meet and enjoy.

I spent the day cooking a turkey and copious amounts of green bean casserole, and that night we went to Amber and Daniel Jones' house.  

We had a great crew of kiddos this year!  Savannah had a wonderful time eating with her friends Lucy, Jack, Jacob, Jackson, and Noah.

 It's always funny to watch your child discover a new food.  This Thanksgiving it was corn on the cob. She's had corn many times, but never on the little cob.  Haha- she thought it was lots of fun!

After the amazing feast, the kids had fun playing with each other and Jack's toys!  Savannah thought this pair of hulk hands was particularly hilarious- and so did we!

The adults had a great time hanging out, eating, and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade live (remember, 9 hour time difference).  Sadly, I only got a few pictures of the adults, and only group shots of Olivia who was conked out the whole time.

Jeanette and Ellie, Amber and Olivia

One of Savannah's newest friends is Lucy.  She and Lucy are only a few months apart!  Jeanette (Lucy's mom) had her second little girl six weeks after Olivia was born.  Needless to say our families have a lot in common right now and the girls get along great!

This year the Thanksgiving festivities were not restricted to one day, but flowed over into Friday too!  Love that!  Here are a few shots I took right after we got home from the feast.  Both of the girls were tired, but I had to snap a few.  :)

I'm sorry, but she is still so stinking cute even when she cries!

We truly have so much to be thankful for.  The Lord has blessed our family immensely this year, and we appreciate his goodness and faithfulness!

Family Pictures 2013

On November 9th, we had our annal family pictures taken.  Our talented friend Che, came up from Khobar and snapped some wonderful shots for us.  Now, I should mention that taking pictures these days is a difficult thing.  Savannah knows what the camera is and isn't always keen on taking pictures.  Unfortunately this day was no different- HAHA!  She didn't feel like cooperating, but Che was able to get some cute pictures anyway.  Fortunately Olivia did want to cooperate.  Needless to say, we are thankful that we could document this stage in our lives!

Last but not least, the final picture of the day. Can you tell the kids were done??  Wouldn't trade it for the world!!

Olivia is three months old!

It is hard to believe that our little sweet pea is already three months old!  We've spent the last month getting very comfortable and settled into life and routine here in Saudi and things are going great!

Weight:  12 lbs.

Sleeping:  She sleeps from about 7:30 pm to 6ish am.  She is still waking up at least once sometimes twice a night, but we are hoping to turn the corner with that this month!

Reflux:  Her reflux has picked up and poor sweet pea is spitting up 30-40 times a day.  BOO!  She doesn't seem bothered by it though, and for that we are truly thankful!

Highlights/Activities:  Olivia is still doing great during tummy time!  She is still rolling over from her tummy to back easily and has discovered her hands and feet as well!  It's been fun watching her look with a fascinated gaze at her feet.  :)  Olivia has also started a mini sit-up.  She picks her head up off of the ground like she wants to sit up.  It's quite funny to watch!  :)