What have you been doing?

So, what have we been doing now that we are here? Well, pictures will come soon hopefully, but in the meantime -

Chris is doing good in school, getting busier each week and now past 2 of his midterms and almost done with biochemistry and physiology. We have come to see how great this program is and are so greatful we are here.

Emily is as sweet and loving as ever, she has been sharing the word of wisdom with our "grandparents" next door who have whole heartedly addopted the kids. If Chris ever has a spare hour for a date, we can be assured of an eager babysitter right next door. They have also begun asking LOTS of questions about the doctrines of being a mormon, so it has been fun to have an opportunity to share and think about what we know. Chris has also had many opportunities at school with classmates and even a professor. We love the opportunity it puts us in to really think about what it is that we do believe.

Debbie likes to ask her bubbly questions still and this past weekend after visiting the Hill Cumorah in Palmyra and combing the hill for a sign of the box and gold plates, goes running into the visitors center asking, "Do you know where the gold plates are? Can I have a map?" We had a really wonderful day walking through the sacred grove and visiting the little log cabin, seeing the "Alvin" tree, touring the frame home (which looks about like a modern day home other than the things in it) and of course visiting the temple.

Elizabeth is enjoying having a more normal daily schedule, she loves to help do jobs around the house and proudly announces to her sisters if they ask to play while she is working, "I'm doing my daily job". We are all enjoying where we are and the calm days that have settled back in that we have been missing since the beggining of summer.

Today Emily is off of school for teacher inservice, so we are headed out to the beach on the island to play in the sand and see if we can see Canada on the other side of the lake (you can't, but it's always fun to try!)

We miss all of our Utah family and friends and think about you all often. We are excited to have family visit in January and look for family history records here and check out some graveyards, and most of all just enjoy their company. We love you all so much and hope you are doing well too.

Love the Ryan Clan