Almost done.

We've been in Utah for almost a month, and we have loved spending time with family and friends. I have discovered things like "dirty Dr. Pepper" (if you don't know what it is- google it) and kindling a new love of Utah. 

It has been awesome.  Oh and I now have bangs. 

There you have it. Our time here in pictures. We have celebrated both Jack and Thomas' birthdays, ans celebrate Ben's this week. 

We still have a lot to fit in our last week here. And then we will be off to our next adventure in North Carolina. 

I'm very grateful for this adventure that is our life. We have so many people to love and to be loved by. It gives me the strength and courage I need for all of the challenges of life. 

Hugs and kisses. 

Farewell Tour.

Absolutely lazy.

That's what I am. I had to upload pictures from multiple sources, and so these are in no particular order. 

Here is the story.

We were supposed to go to Bangkok last weekend, but there was a little bit of political unrest, so we changed our plans and stayed here in Sri Lanka.  I think all of us are really glad that we did.  It was a lot of fun.  We saw all sorts of awesome sights, and everyone had a great time.  It was great seeing what a beautiful and diverse country Sri Lanka is. This was the first trip that we have ever had that the boys did a great job, and we didn't have any major meltdowns.  It was pretty awesome.

We went to Yala National Park in a jeep, and this was our view during our "Safari".

This was the site of a villa, but it was destroyed by the Tsunami in 2004.

This is a memorial for the Tsunami, each of the metal sheets represents one of the waves that hit Sri Lanka.  It is incredible to see how high the water was.

This was at the train station- I am not sure why they had a separate wash room, but I do know that this was the only non-squatter toilet available. 

On the train.  We stood in the door for a long time, because it was fun to see everything pass by.

When we woke up, there were wild boar outside our room.  

Our first family hike. 

It's CHRISTMAS!!!

Ben and I greatly underestimated our two wonderful children.

There wasn't any crying or complaining about any Christmas presents or lack thereof. 

It was a Christmas miracle. 

 Our day was filled with legos and movies and chocolate.  It was a fabulous day.

Jack, smiling and getting excited over underwear in his stocking. 

The boys.

Christmas dinner, spent with our friends from church. 

This year for Christmas, our big present was a relaxing vacation at the beach.

We went to a resort in the town of Mirissa. A vacation where you never have to put shoes on, and a pool and an ocean are the sources of entertainment. Perfection.

A room with a view.

Thomas.  What can I say, but that this picture captures him well.

Jack. 

The boys having a make believe picnic.

Merry Christmas!

Love you,

Ben, Emily, Jack and Thomas