Oma and Opa made the trip!

On March 15th Andy's parents made the trip here to visit us for a full two weeks! I couldn't believe they really did it!

They came at the BEST time here! March-April is perfect so here's some pictures to show you how beautiful it is in Iraqi Kurdistan now then you can plan your next vacation here :)

You could visit lots of historical things.....

there Saddam's Palace is again on top of that hill in the foreground, with the wall around it on the left.

lots of mountains to hike on.....

or hiking to see some carvings from 700 BC

 all these mountains provided lots of "homes" for the Kurds when they were fleeing from Saddam.

Of course they were able to meet some of our friends here.....

visit the homes of our Kurdish friends

even visited the school and students...

Because it was Newroz Holiday they got to do some picnic activities

They also got to see the normal life of shopping, school, and driving....(which was one of the only things that Phil didn't like :)... the driving is a little crazy if your not used to it here)

Everyday life......

the public bathroom situ......

Favorite Restaurants.....

Team meals....

Normal life for us also includes lots of basketball now-a-days.

Proud parents

but let's get serious... they didn't come here just to SEE THINGS or culture or our friends

.... they came here to hang out with their grandbabes. They got LOTS of time with them and I enjoyed watching them and a getting a break for myself. :) 

Outside the gate of our house

The kids each got to pick something they wanted to do... Zander said Zephie wanted to go to Dream City. 

We were allowed to go on a couple dates :)

one date included a tough morning hike and we had some quiet time reading on this rock overlooking the city that is so dear to us

The kids got so much attention. I asked Zander what his favorite thing he did while Oma and Opa were here... Thinking he would say Dream City... but he just said.... "Them playing with me" truly a QUALITY TIME love language boy!

They wouldn't have said it was a sacrifice but I think it was. Being completely out of their comfort zone, $ spent, all their vacation days, putting up with their daughter-in-law :)... etc etc...

Oma and Opa- We love you and appreciate all that you did for us (including the suitcase packed with American goodies!) We will cherish the memories we had with you while here (even the long car rides in 10 lane traffic) the laughs, the late nights, all the coffee drank, the hot tea that took away your finger prints. Also, the refreshment of just enjoying BEING with you, talking. We love you so much! xoxo