Just like Daddy!

Nick took a while to come downstairs after getting home from work last night. Well, as soon as he walked into the kitchen Brooks was mesmerized by Daddy's haircut he gave himself and he said "Daddy, your hair looks so cool". Its been awhile since Nick broke out the clippers, so I guess it was more obvious to Brooks. Within just a few minutes Brooks wanted to cut his hair just like Nick's. And that's just what they did. I've always been curious what really short hair would look like on the Bees but was too nervous to actually buzz it. Well, with nothing formal in our future and being boys...what have we got to loose. It can only grow!

I love Nick's very serious barber shop stance and concentration!
Hey...better him than me! I'm not screwin' it up!
(yes Nick has a cape in his collection)

Before:

This boy has some thick STRAIGHT hair! It doesn't look as short as it really is because he's got so much of it. Its like carpet!
After:

Not only did Brooks want to look just like Daddy, he also wanted to have on a Baylor shirt and shorts just like Daddy, PLUS he wanted to be sure Daddy liked the dessert he picked out after dinner. Sounds good to me! I count it a blessing that he wants to be like his Daddy.
Of course "Repeat" wanted in on this action.

Hot Mess Before:

After:

Blondies just like Daddy! All mine!

Fun spots in Doha!

Over the weekend we went to dinner in the Souqs (middle eastern market) with a fantastic group of peeps. I must say it was my favorite Souq dining experience I've had since living here. And we'll be back. Its mostly about the atmosphere but the food was good too. Of course the company was the best part.

Isfarhan is Iranian and it cost 22 million Riyal to build...that's about 6 million DOLLARS! The decor and interior are amazing, stunning really. The kind of decor you just stare at and no words come out of your mouth. Its beautiful and extravagant.

And eating on the floor was fun too. The guys tested their flexibility and the kids simply had a picnic with breakable drinking glasses that quickly replaced with coke cans :)


(the adults were just to the left on the other side of the little wall at our on little floor table)
Nick and Wendi, Lindsay and Brad, Greg and Donna, Jennie and Eric

Nuts!

Georgia was perched between Lindsay, me and the pillow.

Georgia mouthing the spoon!

The view of the ceiling from my seat on the floor.

Eric found the treasure...our bill.

The special room and table for a bride and groom...


Leaving the restaurant through this long hallway.

Miss Donna and Georgia admiring such interesting decor.

So I don't want to be a Debbie Downer or a Duncan Downer but the honestly I'm a little DOWN! Our dear friends the Duncans are moving to Houston in a few weeks (on my birthday, to make it worse)! I won't do a Duncan tribute in this post but there's one coming. To put it simply, I'm so thankful God brought them to Doha when he did and even more thankful for the friendship that has grown over the past 2 years.

This guy wanted in the picture.

Jennie and Bear...She's gonna be the best mom one day. For now, if you need a tutor in Doha...call her! She's awesome!

Yesterday the ladies of the above group spent some quality time at Doha's Chocolate Bar...Hello! I'm not a chocolate liker, not lover but I loved everything about what we experienced.

Incredible refreshments...

(not pictured but awesome was the PBJ on chocolate bread, chocolate chip banana bread as well as a few salads)
Chocolate Fondue complete with homemade marshmallows..unreal!

Horrible picture but the girls are some of my faves!
Jennie, Donna, Lindsay and me (sweet Cres was along for the indulgence too)

Like a little weed!

Georgia Liz is growing like a weed. We've had a few mile markers in the last week or so.
She's loving the exersaucer! As seen by the wet slobbery outfit.

Wants her mouth on everything!
(but no teeth)

Wants it so bad, she's mad!

Bathing with the bros.
You'd think she might be a brother except for the pink bath seat!

Had to crop out Brooks because of x rated parts.
Poor Georgia's holding on for dear life with the crazy boys while Barrett finds it simply a party!

How sad, she's a monster! Its tough being a baby sister to two monsters.

Georgia in detox...without the swaddle/miracle blanket!
So far so good but we've still got some work to do.

Celebrating 10 years in the Maldives!

Last week we spent some quality family time together away from Doha by taking advantage of the local Islam holiday, Eid. Nick had 3 days off of work connected to the weekend. We planned this vacation mostly to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

One of the most treasured blessings of being an expat is "location, location, location". Considering we aren't close to home our options for travel are more unique. I couldn't be more thankful for the abundant blessings I've been given over the last 10 years with Nick and I can't think of a better place to celebrate.
The Maldives...absolute paradise!

The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean between India and Africa. Its an island nation made up of over 1,000 tiny islands (actually the tops of a vast underwater mountain range). The islands are actually called Atolls, which is a geographical word for an island of coral which encircles a lagoon.

There are no words or pictures that can accurately describe the beauty, tranquility, or fun we had last week. I must say that at least 50% of the experience goes to our resort and the service. I've never experienced anything like it. The island is about 5 acres. The staff seemed to know all the personal details necessary and were so readily available. I wouldn't risk going anywhere else...Anantara was incredible! I highly recommend it. It was absolute paradise with kids but would also be a dream honeymoon. So without further adieu...here are a too many photos.

View of one of the island/resorts from the plane

Leaving the airport by boat...headed to Anantara

Boat ride


Arriving at the resort...there was a drum player and ice cold towels when we stepped off the boat

Welcome Jetty Pic

Our home away from home

Outdoor bathroom, complete with and outdoor shower (and a regular shower)

View from our patio

On our way to dinner

First breakfast

Whatever you want!

Sugar Bowl getting strong and smiling at daddy

View of the beach down from our bungaloo
(Spa in the background over the water)


Seriously! A coconut washed up on shore.

Ordered lunch on the beach and they delivered the food along with a complete dining set!

The Kids Club...which the boys LOVED!
Maybe just b/c it was a "club"

Feeding the fish and SHARKS!

Harmless reef sharks

Nick wanted to find out how harmless!

Fam!

Shower :)

Crazies before dinner.
Didn't get a decent picture of all 3.

Look-a-likes at dinner.

Amazing Thai restaurant

After dinner we walked down the beach to our little villa and found this...
Not a cheesy music show but a campfire with just a guy an his guitar, singing favorites for hanging out on the beach. We put our kids to bed, grabbed the baby monitor and walked outside to enjoy. Wish I could have bottled up the moment.

Georgia ready for a ride in the stroller to breakfast.

Off to the beach and pool

Some scenery pics....


Great view

Daddy and Georgie!

Brooks in the pool, loving every second!

Miss Georgia

Great sunset

Before heading to dinner


This sweet chinese lady wanted to record the sounds of the Bees playing on the beach. Her husband was holding the video camera.

Family shot

Mama and Georgia


one of too many pictures that need to be edited b/c of poor photography

Beach morning

More pool time

Hanging with Mr. Jerry
Our dear friends the Jackson's happen to pick the same resort we did. It was nice to see a familiar face, enjoy adult conversation and have some surrogate grandparents.

Dunking Georgia in the sand wash bucket

Nick enjoying some quiet time

One of the boys' many friends they collected

lunchtime


Hangin with Brooksie

This picture so accurately describes the feeling of the Maldives

Georgia modeling her kini

eatin' some sand

livin' it up in our robes


Of course Barrett's smiling!

Mrs. Dede and Mr. Jerry

Notice, no shoes. The entire island was all sand. This restaurant was actually upstairs above the water but they were still shoeless and not considered white trash :)

Dancing with Daddy...Barrett's not a fan.

After breakfast on what we thought was our last day. Turns out we had one more. Not sure how we missed that major detail but it was like finding a $100 in your pocket.


Swaddle baby!
She'll take it in a towel or a miracle blanket, just give her the swaddle!


Brooks and I swam to the hammock



Brooks and the crab were scared silly when they found each other.


Best sunset of the trip!


LoveBug!

Last morning at breakfast with a light, quick rain

Boys went to the kids club but Barrett didn't want to leave.
He stayed to make a mask.

One last throw show...

Buzz and Barrett all pooped out and ready to head home.

Waiting for our transport boat



Looking back through the window at the incredible staff waiving good bye. The literally waived til we were out of sight!

Sad faces before departure!

We'll never forget it and always be thankful for God's blessing of a great vacation at one of his beauties!