Jayron is growing! 16 months? When?!

December 10, 2010 ~

Yep, the little champ is 16 months old! I tell you - he's growing fast and can't wait to talk. Half of the time he babbles his delightful baby gibberish, but he has his favorite words - "daddy", "car", "away, away" as we drive to his sitter's house, "di boy" for "good boy", are amongst them:)

He's usually laughing a bunch, but this was a cold, cold day. He really wanted to go out though:) And below, he can't wait to walk in mommy's shoes!:)

Taste of Africa, Set #1

November 2010 ~

It was a blast. Our dynamic African Students Association on the University of Arkansas's Fayetteville campus did a fabulous job. There was so much food and variety that the over 350 guests could not eat it all. The performances were excellent and everyone left there with big satisfactory smile on his/her face. Go ASO!

Taste of Africa, Set 2

Vacation in California

Santa Ana, California - 4-9, Sept, 2010

We had been planning this vacation for about 6 months. We were going to visit my dear childhood friend, Sahar Frooghi, and her hubby, Navid. Although we talk all the time, she and I hadn't seen each other for 6 years since we parted in Haifa, Israel. They were excellent hosts and we had a great, great time. It was our first time in California. The beautiful plantain and coconut palms, the beautiful hills contrasting here and there with barren sections struck by fires, the beautiful buildings and cars, and beautiful weather, makes it a land of contrast. It was quite beautiful.

The first picture there is one of a special brand of cypress I had only seen before in Israel. I was used to seeing it, particularly, around the Baha'i holy shrines, and so it was fascinating to find them here in California in Sahar's neighborhood.

Sahar and Jayron immediately bonded and went everywhere together. We also met Sahar and Navid's cats, with their varying temperaments. Very interesting brood. It was a fun holiday. The next four entries cover the Calfornia trip as well.

California #2

California Vacation trip - Sept 4-9, 2010 ~

At Newport beach. There was a fog in the beginning, which eventually lifted, but the water was still chilly. You'll notice in our expressions as our feet touched the waves:) It was fun. It was Jayron's first time on the sand. Then as he adjusted to it all, he really began enjoying himself.

California #3

California vacation trip - Sept 4-9, 2010 ~

We visited the Richard Nixon library. He was president from 1969-74. As I understand it, most, if not all, of the presidents have libraries. Aaron has also been to Clinton's. They are a very informative and fascinating place to visit. We enjoyed the visit tremendously.
Below: Pictures of Mr. Nixon and wife, Patricia; his car as a senator (there was also a picture of his state car but I didn't include it below); some of the great leaders he worked with to influence world affairs: a piece of the Berlin Wall; a replica of his study; Apollo 11; his wife's beautiful rose garden; the house he was born in; the steel basin he was bathed in; the stove; hellicopter he took when he left the White House; the spot where his wife and him are buried side-by-side in the rose garden. We saw many other beautiful souvenirs and mementos we couldn't include them all here.

We would also have visited Regan's library, but that was about a 1.5 hr drive away, so we didn't.