Day 4 - Tsavo

We woke up early to go and find the animals. We were able to see a really clear view of Kilimanjaro this morning. We also saw giraffes, cape buffalo, and bull elephants. We then held on for dear life as Dad drove quickly back to the resort so that we wouldn't miss breakfast. As we were coming to the resort we passed a van that my dad thought might know where leopards were so we hurried and ate our breakfast and went back out to find wildlife. This time we saw hippos, fish, and monkeys in Mizumu Springs, gazelles, zebras, hartabeest, dukiere, wart hogs, oryx, a stinky dead hippo that Philip made us take a picture of, and lots of giraffes, I decided I should have bought more leopards at road side stand so that we could see them.
Hurried back for lunch.
After lunch we saw moniter lizard, a small tortoise crossing the road, and two rangers carrying big guns. We then saw nothing for a long time while we were trying to find the rhino's they had released. Then we saw a leopard, then a lion, then another leopard all within about an hour. The last leopard was just sitting on a rock on the side of the road and then he decide to venture over to another rock that overlooked the valley where there were lots of animals, but the animals all spotted him and started sounding the warning.
On the way back to the lodge for dinner the windows were rolled down and all of these biting flys came in so Mom and I rolled up our windows and started fighting off flys while Dad and Philip enjoyed the scenery, finally Dad got bit by one and they helped in the fight against the fly's, nasty little creatures that I definently won't miss, they bit me one to many times.
While we ate dinner we watched zebras, impalas, baboons, & cape buffalo come to the water hole. After dinner the employees at the resort came out of the kitchen singing a song and making music with pots and pans and spoons and forks. They were singing a goodbye song for Mom and Dad and the cook made them a very yummy chocolate cake.

stinky dead hippo

Day 3 – Scorpions

We woke up early this morning to go to the Tsavo National Park. The power was still out and it was raining. The rain made our drive very scary and exciting. The roads were muddy and slippery and it made it hard for the trucks to get up the hills. It also caused many accidents. When a trucker breaks down here he puts branches and rocks behind his truck and then he just leaves the truck. So Dad had to maneuver around the broken trucks and slow cars and accidents, sometimes while driving into oncoming traffic. One time he had to squeeze between a broken down truck and an oncoming matatu, very scary. The people here walk a long ways to get where they need to go, they also dress very well so it is very hard to tell who is poor and who is not. Many times we saw guys in suits riding bikes or in a wagon pulled by donkeys.

After we made it out of the muddy roads the ride wasn’t quite as scary, you still have to pass the slow cars as oncoming cars are coming sometimes making it with only feet to spare, if you ever want a thrill ride come to Africa and take a drive along the highway to Mombasa.

We had our first experience with dickering for local crafts at a gas station on the way to the park. They started out high but soon realized we were cheap and by the time we were leaving were selling us stuff through our car windows for very cheap. Incidentally, I ended up with way more giraffes than I needed.

Once in the park one of the first Animals we saw were elephants. We also saw, dik diks, giraffes, gazelles, impalas, zebras, baboons, monkeys, hippos, and lions and their cubs. The lions had a kill they were eating and so we were able to see them several times during the day, it was fun to sit and watch the cubs play, and the adults chew on bones.

The place we stayed at was very nice and the people treat you like royalty. We were able to stay in a suite which made it even nicer. As we were eating dinner we saw zebras, cape buffalo, baboons, and impala come into the water hole. We were very tired by dinner time, almost too tired to eat, then the manager told us to watch out for scorpions on our way to our bedrooms by that time I was wide awake. Philip and I walked carefully back to our room and found two very large scorpions right outside our room. We tried to take their pictures but it didn’t do them justice. I made Philip put towels at the bottom of our door to try to keep them from coming in our room and worried all night that they were crawling on me.

Day 1 & 2 - The Airport

Becca and Justin dropped us off at the airport around 6:30. We said goodbye to Emma, she didn't really know what was going on she just knew she didn't want to get back in her carseat. We ventured into the airport and finally figured out what we needed to do with a little help from the Delta employees, things have changed a lot since the last time we flew. The airplane we flew in was a smaller one but we had the most room for our legs in this flight. We realized we should sit in the exit rows more often, they asked us several times if we were able and willing to lift a 40 lb door and help others out, not sure if I really could but I said yes anyway. I could see Houston out of the window as we flew in and I had no idea how Green it was, there were trees and water everywhere. At the Houston airport we landed at concourse B and our flight was leaving from terminal E18 so we rode a shuttle bus over to concourse c,d,e. On the ride over I overheard people talking about going on their vacation and how their kids were finally old enough to be left alone and that they would never leave their kids when they were babies, I was feeling very guilty by this time. When we got dropped off we walked a long ways and finally found concourse E, after walking a long ways more we finally saw where gates E18 through E24 were and I thought, well at least I don't have to walk to E24, it turned out E 24 was before E18 and E18 was the very last terminal in the airport. We found a Wendy's for lunch close to our terminal and as I was eating my Frosty I realized I didn't have to share it with anyone. Our next flight was on Continental and the airplane was really nice, I didn't have a window seat so I decided to just watch movies the whole way, after about three movies, i finally decided to try to sleep, the guy next to me however decided to read the whole way and left his light on for the whole flight. (It wasn't Philip he had already been asleep for hours). I also had a baby sitting behind me who cried almost the whole flight, I turned my head phones up loud while I was watching the movies because it made me miss Emma.
We landed in Amsterdam after fast forwarding through the previous day, we had to stand in line to go through security again to get on the plane I was extremely tired by this time since it was about 1:30am my time. Our flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi was my least favorite flight. We tried to move to a window seat but the flight attendant was very unfriendly and wouldn't let us. The flight we were on decided to have an African experience theme for April and May so all of the food they fed us was supposedly suppose to be African. It didn't taste very good, and by this time I was starting to question my decision to go to Africa and wanting to go home to my kids. The couple that was sitting behind us decided this would be a good time to catch up on their alcohol consumption and drank way too much, Apparently alcohol must run right through you because they had to get up and go to the bathroom many times, each time they did they used my chair to get up and would shake me awake, it seemed like just when I got to sleep. There must also be no age limit for alcohol because I watched the flight attendant give a group of under 18 teenage boys beers when our flight was close to being done, she told them that whoever serenaded her got a beer.
When we got to the airport we got our visa's and luggage and walked by customs excited to finally see my parents. We walked out the door and up and down past the people several times before we decided that my parents weren't there. As we were standing there wondering what to do we had several taxi drivers want to give us rides, one even followed us as we walked around trying to find my parents. We were very relieved when they finally showed up. They had been stuck in traffic for two hours on the way to get us. It was raining really hard when we left the airport and we had our first experience with Africa traffic. People were dashing across the road all over the place, and people were driving like crazy, luckily Dad has gotten pretty good at being able to maneuver in the traffic. When we arrived at their flat the power was out so we weren't able to tell anybody we were home, the power came on for a few minutes and we were able to talk to Emma, but she thinks Becca is me so she is happy.

Nathan's Lego Creations

Here are a few of Nathan's latest Lego creations that I have been able to get a picture of. He likes to build legos from characters he sees on movies, if he doesn't own those toys. Nathan had to tell me the names of the characters he built.

Toy Story Robie

Meet the Robinsons Time Machine

Toy Story Slinky Dog


Toy Story wind up Lenny

Goblin Valley

In March we went to Goblin Valley with Becca, Justin, & Maya. Nate was able to take a few minutes to explore with us also. Nathan, David & Alyssa loved it! Nathan was climbing hills and goblins all by himself. He almost fell out of the opening of the cave which he was ready to explore by himself, luckily he caught himself on the way down. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

Happy Birthday Emma!

Emma turned 1 yesterday and had a Purple Share Bear, CareBear birthday cake. She really liked the frosting and had fun opening her presents.

February Grandparent Pages

February 2009
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I got to go to Utah and visit my cousins Parker and Maya. I had fun playing with them.
In the middle of the month I went with my family to the lions club parade downtown. I just sat and watched the parade go by.
At the end of this month, when dad was leaving for work, I heard everybody tell him bye so I said it also.
I love to play outside! I have so much fun wandering around and tasting everything and exploring. My mom won’t let me eat the dirt or plants although when I think she isn’t looking I try to stick them in my mouth.
My mom put me in my swing for the first time this year and I laughed each time she pushed me it was so much fun.
I especially like it when my brothers and sister are outside playing with me.
I have started to play with my baby doll this month, I like to give her hugs and carry her around. I also like to try to eat Alyssa’s Barbie doll accessories and Nathan and David’s Legos. I especially like to try to eat the Lego heads.
Love Emma

February 2009
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I got to visit my cousin Parker and Maya this month.
I was with Dad shopping one day when I saw an ice machine, I decided to read the word ice and I sounded it out “icke”.
I went to Nathan’s school for a movie night for Dr. Seuss’s birthday and watched Horton Hears a Who. They gave us popcorn, grapes and water to snack on while we were watching the movie.
I went to the Lions Club Parade in Downtown Grand Junction. I got some candy and enjoyed watching the parade go by.
Love Alyssa

February 2009
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I had a valentine party at my school, I made my box at home and got to pass out valentines at school. I got a lot of valentines and I won’t let my mom throw away my valentine box even though she has tried several times.
I got to visit my cousin Parker and Maya this month.
I went to Nathan’s school for a movie night for Dr. Seuss’s birthday and watched Horton Hears a Who. They gave us popcorn, grapes and water to snack on while we were watching the movie.
I went to the Lions Club Parade in Downtown Grand Junction. I got some candy and enjoyed watching the parade go by. I especially liked it when the old cars went by.
I was upset one day and my mom told me to smile and I told her I didn’t remember how to, that I had forgotten how to smile.
I like to write on instant messenger to Grandma and Grandpa and one day I sounded out my whole name and wrote it for them, I wrote, “David Filip Mortin”.
Love David

February 2009
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I was upset at my mom one day because she made me do my homework when I wanted to play so I told her that all parents should go to Africa until next February.
I went snowshoeing with my class and a fourth grade class from Pomona. We went snowshoeing at Mesa Lakes. I forgot my water bottle on the bus so I ate snow while I was walking.
I had a valentine party at my school, I made my box at home and got to pass out valentines at school, I was excited because I got a few Pokem on valentines.
I got to visit my cousin Parker and Maya this month, I like to try to make Parker laugh.
My school had a movie night for Dr. Seuss’s birthday and we got to watch Horton Hears a Who. They gave us popcorn, grapes and water to snack on while we were watching the movie.
I went to the Lions Club Parade in Downtown Grand Junction. I got some candy and enjoyed watching the parade go by.
Love Nathan

January Grandparent Pages

January 2009
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I love to play with my mom and Dad’s cell phone, and one day I was playing with it and my Dad said to my Mom what if she calls Africa or something. A few minutes later the phone rang and it was Grandma and Grandpa calling me back because I had just called them in Africa.
I like to climb. I think it is fun to climb the stairs; I also like to climb in and out of David and Alyssa’s toddler beds.
Alyssa and I were playing one day, she pretended to feed me and I pretended to eat, I would smack my lips and say ah, each time she would put the fork near my mouth.
At church one day I was in the foyer with my mom and I was playing with a toy when I dropped it. When I went to pick it up I accidentally kicked it, I thought this was pretty neat so I kicked it again and then I laughed and kicked it again and again.
I have started to notice the sacrament and if my family just passes the sacrament by me I will scream until they give me some.
One day my mom was feeding me and she closed her eyes and was starting to fall asleep so I reached up and grabbed her nose.
I had two teeth come in this month; they are both on the top of my mouth so now I have 6 teeth. I shook my head like I was saying yes this month.
Love Emma

January 2009
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
At my 3 year checkup I weighed 28 lbs and I am 35 ½ in. tall.
I was playing dress up one day and I was wearing my dress up princess shoes and I was carrying around a bridal bouquet and my mom asked me if I was getting married, I told her no I can’t find a prince and she asked me you can’t find a prince and I told her yea I can’t find a boy that dances.
Dad put up the swing set in the backyard so I have been able to play on it this month. Nathan and David and I have also had fun finding treasures in the backyard that the previous owners left behind.
Love Alyssa


January 2009
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I got to ride with Dad in the truck a few times to go to Green River and get our stuff that was in storage at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. I like to help Dad put stuff together and fix things.
At night before I go to bed I make sure to remind Dad to wake me up before he leaves for work. One morning he left without waking me up and telling me good bye and I sat on the couch and cried. I also make sure that dad waves as he is driving away and that he closes the garage door.
I tell my mom everyday that I love her and that she is beautiful. I also tell her that she and Emma are my favorites because they are nice.
At Preschool I like to play with my friend Alex. He is also in my primary class at church.
Love David


January 2009
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I have been making a lot of paper crafts this month and building a lot of Legos. I got to go with Dad to Green River once to get our stuff that was there. I kept asking dad if we were there yet.
At school I built a snow fort with my friends but there was a problem. Some Boys were taking pieces from our fort and our friend’s fort.
I got to go to Mathews house a lot this month and I jumped on his tramp and played his Wii. My mom and dad told me that they might go to Africa and that maybe I could stay with Mathew part of the time they are gone if they go, so I ask them everyday when they are leaving because I want to go and stay at Mathew’s house.
Love Nathan

Africa

Philip and I decided to go to Africa. We would love any advice on what to pack and take to the airport for those that have been. Now we just have to get the shots, yuck!

December Grandparent pages

December 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I had my 9 month checkup, I now weigh 16 lbs 3.5 oz, and I am 27 ½ “ tall.
My Mom and Dad bought a new house and we moved into it this month. I love to walk around it, I get so excited that I have so much room to walk around and lots of new areas to explore.
I started to laugh really hard this month. Especially when my mom or brothers are teasing me and pretend like they are chasing me or play peek a boo with me, I think they are so funny and just laugh and laugh. I also got my 4th tooth on the top of my mouth. I copied my mom one day when she was giving me a kiss she said mmm-ma and so I copied her and said mmm-ma, I also copied my dad and said uh-oh.
At the ward Christmas party I got to see Santa, I wasn’t really sure who he was so I just ignored him while I was sitting on his lap.
I got to go to Utah and see all of my Luke cousins. I had fun playing with my cousins. While I was there I also got to open some Christmas presents early. I got a book to put pictures in that I can chew on from my cousin Parker. I also got a pink paper bead necklace and bracelet, a green trade bead necklace and a doll from Grandma and Grandpa Luke that are in Africa.
I got lots of presents for Christmas, my favorites are my fridge farm and pretend cell phone. Love, Emma December 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I went to my friend Jada’s birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. I played lots of video games and got lots of tickets. It was tons of fun.
I had my 3rd birthday party. It was a combined Dora/Diego party with David. My Mom and Grandma Kaye made Dora backpacks for the girls and Diego rescue packs for the boys. At the party we went on a Dora adventure to find the party and my Mom made me a Dora birthday cake and at the party there was also a Dora piñata. I had lots of fun with all of my friends.
My Mom and Dad bought a new house and we moved into it this month. I have my own room right now.
It snowed a lot this month and Nathan, David and I got to play in our back yard in the snow. We had fun burying and trying to find stuff in the snow.
At the ward Christmas party I got to see Santa, but I was too scared of him to tell him what I want.
I got to go to Utah and see all of my Luke cousins. I had fun playing with Tessa and Maya. After Maya left, to go to her Grandmas, Tessa and I played in the snow and went sledding. We also played hide and seek. While I was there I also got to open some Christmas presents early. I got a purse and sunflower barrettes from my cousin. I also got a paper bead necklace and bracelet, a trade bead necklace and a doll from Grandma and Grandpa Luke that are in Africa.
For Christmas I got everything I wanted but my favorite presents from Santa are my barbie dolls. Love, Alyssa

December 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I went to my friend Calvin’s birthday party at Kidplex. I played in a playland. It was tons of fun.
I had my 5th birthday party. It was a combined Diego/Dora party with Alyssa. My Mom and Grandma Kaye made Diego rescue packs for the boys and Dora backpacks for the girls. At the party we went on a Dora adventure to find the party. My Mom made me a Diego birthday cake and at the party there was also a Dora piñata. We had lots of fun with all of our friends.
My Mom and Dad bought a new house and we moved into it this month. I share a room with Nathan. It snowed a lot this month and Nathan, Alyssa and I got to play in our back yard in the snow. We had fun burying and trying to find stuff in the snow.
I had my 5 year checkup this month. I now weigh 34 lbs 4 oz and I am 40” tall.
At my ward Christmas party I got to see Santa but I didn’t dare to tell him what I wanted. I got to go to Utah and see all of my Luke cousins. I had fun playing with Hunter and Joseph. We made and decorated cookies, played in the snow and went sledding, and played video games. While I was there I also got to open some Christmas presents early. I got a Lego from my cousin, I also got a drum, mask and elephants from Grandma and Grandpa Luke that are in Africa.
Nathan and I were talking one day about how Santa gets down the chimney and I told Nathan, “To get down the chimney, I think Santa needs butter. He covers himself in butter and slides down the chimney.” I got lots of presents for Christmas, but I told my Mom that Nathan and I were bad and Santa still brought us presents. My Mom told me that we weren't bad. My favorite present from Santa is my speed racer lego. Love, David

December 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
I went to my friend Mathew’s birthday party at Bananas Fun Park. I played laser tag, rode in go carts and played lots of video games and got lots of tickets and I bought a soccer ball chain and an army figure with my tickets. It was tons of fun. I also got to go to David and Alyssa’s birthday party.
I went on a field trip to the hatchery with my class. It was stinky and smelled like fish. I looked at lots of fish there.
My Mom and Dad bought a new house and we moved into it this month. I share a room with David. It snowed a lot this month and David, Alyssa and I got to play in our back yard in the snow. We had fun burying and trying to find stuff in the snow.
I had my 7 year checkup this month. I now weigh 46 lbs 2 oz and I am 48” tall.
At my ward Christmas party I got to see Santa and tell him what I want, I told him that I want the Wall-E DVD.
I got to go to Utah and see all of my Luke cousins. I had fun playing with Hunter and Joseph. We made and decorated cookies, played in the snow and went sledding, and played video games. While I was there I also got to open some Christmas presents early. I got a pokemon piplup stuffed animal from my cousin Maya, I was so excited when I opened it because it is just what I wanted but I couldn’t figure out how she knew I wanted it. I also got a drum, mask and elephants from Grandma and Grandpa Luke that are in Africa.
I got lots of presents for Christmas but my favorite presents from Santa are the Wall-E movie and a Wall-E figure. Love, Nathan