A Day at the Beach

We all, including the dogs enjoyed a full day at the beach. The afternoons have been plenty warm so we spent our Saturday at the beach with little boys, yellow labs and friends! We drove right up to the water, set up and played all afternoon. It was low-tide so the water was shallow and perfect for the boys. The water was clean, clear and beautiful. Bit different from Texas beaches. However the view from the water looks a little like Mexico. For a few hours we honestly felt like we were on vacation. What a treat to live this close to beautiful water.

Barley (LaRovere's dog), Baker, and Brody

Guys and Dogs

Even better...the airport is close so the boys got to watch airplanes all afternoon.

Brody

Barrett running free, as happy as the dogs!

Brooks loving the sand....prefers the sand over water.

Little hunks...Barrett and Jacob

Precious boy...Isaac (aka perfect baby)

Jackie and her boys


View from the water...

Prayer

This blog has become some what of a memory book for us but its also our way to communicate from far away. Today we feel really far away. So if you read this post, would you please pray for our brother-in-law Chris Naylor (Amanda's husband). Yesterday doctors found a golf ball size tumor on his lung. They are scheduled for an MRI this week and hopefully will get more specifics. Chris is in the US Army stationed at Ft. Knox. Please pray for the diagnosis and for God to give Amanda, Chris and Annabelle comfort, patience and clarity throughout the next few days. Thank you!

Chris and Amanda

Cousin Annabelle
She's the best blessing they could ask for at a time like these. This little firecracker is a hoot and a great distraction. Its amazing how God can make kids the best medicine of all!

Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. ... your hand controls power and might and it is at your discretion that men are made great and receive strength. 1 Chron. 29:11-12

Our Little Lady Bug

I can't go without saying Happy Birthday to my favorite Lady Bug. Sweet Anna Louise Hall turned ONE and they partied without us over the weekend. This was a big "One" to miss! To say I was sad is an understatement. Here are some cute pics from the party. (Did I mention how sad I was to miss it??)

We love you Lou Lou...Happy Happy Birthday!






Ash threw the party of the year! If you want to see more pictures and plan your next Lady Bug party, click here.

Fire! Fire!

Brooks got the car ride of his life today. We had an extremely eventful ride home as Barrett slept (and I had my camera). We approached one of Doha's major intersections, we noticed black smoke. Very quickly it was obvious there was a fire. The fire went from small to out of control very quickly. As I've mentioned before Doha's emergency vehicles aren't very prompt. Police were soon there to direct traffic away but it was a while before we saw a fire truck. Honestly, I can't imagine what 911 must have felt like. This was nothing compared to that but there was chaos all around. This intersection has 4 huge billboards that face towards each other. Apparently a "petrol" truck took the corner too quickly and rolled. Obviously the billboard went up in flames.




This is a shot of us jumping the curb so that we could turn right. Traffic was diverted to the rocky beautiful landscape of Doha.

As cars were diverted, people stopped to get out and watch until...there were explosions. That's when the chaos began. Cars going all directions just trying to keep away.






Crazy drivers and crazy Wendi taking pictures.


How nice of the Fire Truck to join us...

Boot Scoot

For an entire night we thought we were back in Texas...Home Sweet Home. Our good friends, Jackie and Mark invited us to the Texas A&M Boot Scoot. Since the evening also raised money for the American School of Doha and also Doha Boy and Girl Scouts we decided we would ignore the A&M part :) We had a blast and seriously thought we were back in Texas. The place was full of Boots, Jeans, Texans, TexMex, Country Music and lots of dancing.

Don't think for a second that this cute decor came from Doha.

3 local token Qataris, among the 500+ Expats

Intercontinental Hotel Ball Room..usually ballrooms have dance floors. Uh, not in Doha. So we danced on the carpet! Makes for good Doha memories. We call Doha the "Land of Almost".

Mark and Jackie (Aggie)

Line Dancing (These ladies were doing a routine. They took lessons to prep for the Boot Scoot) We stuck to the basic 2-step .

And of course the Aggies gathered up before the night was over. Might have been the first time we didn't mind hearing the Aggie War Hymn :)

Happy Valentines Day!

The boys started off their day washing "cars". Texas style of course...shirtless. After the sandstorm last week everything needed a good wash.

2 of my Valentines eager to open a few presents

New beach towels


The group gift for all my Valentines was a remote control FJ Cruiser (Nick's car)

Brooks is truly facinated with FJ's. He will spot one from miles away when we're driving around. He also is fond of Hummers but he reminds me regularly that "FJades" are his favorite. The FJ turned out to be a fun toy for all ages in our house.

The FJ doesn't compare to the Spa Day I got at the Four Seasons (yippee) so I decided to cook dinner instead of something simple or take out. Its actually one of Nick's recent favorites and its easy. So I included a picture and the recipe. If you need a new quick recipe...this is the one.

BBQ Meatloaf
1 lb ground beef
1 box Stove Top stuffing
1 cup of water
1/4 c BBQ sauce
3/4 cup of grated cheese (Velveeta or Cheddar)
Mix all of the above together. Form into 12 mealoaf balls and place them in a muffin tin. Bake for about 15 min. Top each meatloaf ball with a little BBQ sauce, continue baking for 10 min.
(obviously I made hearts last night, instead of using the muffin tin)

Barney in Doha

Earlier tonight we went to AJ's birthday party. And you guessed it...Barney was there! Both of the boys are scared silly when they see a mascot or big character. Must be because I force Santa and Easter Bunny pictures.
The birthday boy...Ajad and his mommy Leena

Barrett meeting Barney...too close for comfort.

Brooks meeting Barney...very concerned.

Hamburglar also came to the birthday party. Whatever happened to McDonald's birthday parties in the US? They are very popular here. And this was one very lucky birthday boy because he had Barney, Happy Meals and the Hamburglar.

Just before we left Brooks mustered up some courage for a high-five.

Grease

Last night Jackie and I went to see Grease to celebrate her birthday! It was very entertaining! Doha Players put on the musical. The cast was very diverse and they all had experience with music and/or theater. Doha Players is a very successful and prominent community organization. They definitely put on a show!

Second from the right is my adorable cheerleader neighbor. Can you believe she's got teenagers?

Grease Lighting

Famous Scene #1 - my sweet neighbor Lynette is in the cute green dress.

Famous Scene #2