Inauguration Day in Cote d'Ivoire

 Jay spent most of the month participating in preparations for Inauguration Day.  The event was held in Yamoussoukro, the official capital of Ivory Coast which is located 153 miles northwest of Abidjan.  Jay describes the event as "a total circus, but also cool".  The president of France (Sarkozy) attended the event as well as some heads of state of other West African countries.

  Also, since the U.S. Ambassador was out of town, Jay and one of his coworkers accompanied the DCM (deputy chief of mission- the 2nd in command) as members of the U.S. delegation.  He was able to meet and speak with President Ouattara at a reception following the inauguration.

Spring Cleaning and May Flowers

During the past month, Emily has spent a fair amount of time spring cleaning at the Biddulph’s house. Following Grandpa Stu’s seizure in April, both of Jay’s sisters have come to Utah to visit their parents and to help out. Heather and Emily spent a few days finding and organizing old family photos, which was fun. We are very happy to report that the Biddulph’s basement is now completely de-cluttered (and the Deseret Industries in Provo is very well-stocked).

Photos of Grandpa Stu when he was young. Remind you of anyone?

Two aunts, both sets of grandparents, and one set of cousins came with us to visit the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Utah’s spring weather has been very cool, so tulips and daffodils were still blooming in early May… lovely, lovely.

Grandpa Stu enjoyed zipping around on his scooter while James and Simon annoyed everyone within earshot by honking the horn incessantly. Boys and their toys...