Guess Who's Coming to Dinner...

Some big things have been happening around here. We have been sorting through our thoughts and options, but now I'm excited to tell you that we're moving! In 10 days!

We have decided to take an awesome position at a tech company in LAS VEGAS, BABY!  Richard will be the General Manager of a "The InNEVation Center," a brand new initiative of a company called Switch.  His day to day responsibilities will range from selecting new business startups for funding and support to organizing a new Angel Fund for Nevada and California.

About the timing. . . we're in a whirlwind over here.  We just got back from a last minute trip to Istanbul, and now we're packing a container to ship the contents of our house, and flying out of the UAE on the 19th! We don't know where we will live, where the best schools are, none of that yet. We still have bags to pack and half of the earth to travel before we get to those minor details. ;)

Richard and I feel strongly that this decision is not only endorsed but facilitated by Heavenly Father.  We are sorry to leave Abu Dhabi and we've had an incredible experience here over the last four years, but we're thrilled to be taking a position that puts us so much closer to home, family, and friends. Hurray!!!  The life experiences we've had over the past 4 years have been so incredible. Living in the United Arab Emirates has brought us unique challenges and blessings. Two of our biggest blessings -  the birth of both of our children. Here's a quick list of love it and leave its that I want to remember...

Highlights:

:: 2009 :: 

Moving to Al Ain, UAE

Living in the Hilton for 10 weeks
Having Richard home so much (no more consulting hours)!

Exploring the natural oasis, historic forts, and traditional Bedouin culture

Al Ain Branch Relationships / Callings as YW president and Primary president

Primary Program with Evander, Ianna, Kai, and Jonah was one of the most tender moments of my life

Traveling through Europe for 6 weeks with Richard pre babies = epic!

:: 2010 :: 

Elizabeth's healthy birth and my healthy birthing

Playing Carcassone with Richard all. the. time.

Elizabeth's first smile and laugh

Walking around Bawadi Mall with Elizabeth in the Bjorn

Staying in Grand Millenium al Wahda, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Wild Wadi

Walking along the Corniche

Finding the most amazing food at the hole in the wall restaurant, Nadeem

Our dear friend Nasim from Peshawar, Pakistan

:: 2011 ::

Elizabeth first steps

Elizabeth talking and learning colors, counting, and so much more

Being pregnant with baby boy

Trip to Israel and Jordan with Richard, Elizabeth, DeAnn, and Harold

Our family of three adventure to Sri Lanka (Hikkaduwa Beachhouse, Kandy, Sigiriya)

Ras Al Khaimah trip

Being so involved in the Abu Dhabi Ward with callings in Primary and the Relief Society Presidency

Strengthening friendships with other young Mom's in Abu Dhabi: Shoni, Ngoc, Lula, Amna

Tutoring and getting to know Amna, my Emirati friend

Laughing at all of the funny things Elizabeth says and repeats like, “hot dangit!”

Dance parties with Richard and Elizabeth

Weston and Julianne Visit - crazy National Day celebration on the Corniche

Travis, Ryan, Tyler, and Adam Visit

Amazing Arabic and Indian food (butter chicken, daal makhni, tikka masala)

Furnishing and decorating our apartment with handmade rugs and hatta pots

:: 2012 ::

The birth of our son, Mark Richard

Enjoying friends; Ngoc, Shoni, Lulaa, Uzma, Amna, Bates, Sneha, Kera, Cheshma, Cate, Katie, Karen Marie, Gemma, Julietta, Michelle, Audrey, ...

Weather perfection during the winter months

Success with homemade Chicken Biryani and Hummus
4 day trip to Istanbul with Mark sans Elizabeth (Thanks again Kofoed's)

:: Not my fav ::

the HEAT and humidity
My back injury
Elizabeth's Colic with no family around to help - ya kiddin' me?

Standing on the hot, crowded train for hours while pregnant and with toddler in Sri Lanka

Pregnant with the stomach flu while Richard was also sick and entertaining guests

The scary water man who almost got me (long story)

Elizabeth and Mark's Tuberculosis Vaccination and Subsequent Scar

*written by Rich and Cat*