Sunday, September 16, 2012

Saleh Good bye!

Once again I cannot get used to letting people go. This place in the desert has a way of bonding people together and sharing something unlike any other relationship you have outside the expat world.  Kim and Jamie had lived in Doha for 5 years so it was definitely their time to take on the next adventure but I felt like our friendship was too new to let go.  When we moved to a new compound a year ago we met them and our kids instantly became friends. I also was sucked in to Kim and her instant personality of fun and crazy.  I've never met a more vibrant personality.  God has big plans for using her and I'm just so thankful He blessed me with the opportunity to know and love her.  I miss her so much. She was an every day friend for me.  We carpooled to and from school and just made a point to be in touch throughout the day.  Alaska doesn't know what's coming.  There will be a lot more fun and loud times because of Kim Saleh.  

So of course there was a need to party before they moved.  I (with lots of help) planned a going away party for them at our compound pool.  We rented a big water slide and feasted on lots of good food.  Unfortunately I woke up that morning with a horrible bug (I think I caught in India) and wasn't able to be there for very much of it so that's why there are few pictures.  We had a huge turn out which is a testiment to the kind of friend Kim and Jamie were to sooo many!  They most definitely left their mark on Doha and the people they crossed paths with.  

Fun pool party with all of our kiddos! Sweet Duffy girls and Emery.
Feghalis and Scotts
Esther 
Amazing cakes that Esther and Tracy made representing a big move from desert Doha to cold Alaska! 
Kim and friends!
Aunt Gena and Georgie! 
Brooks
 Kimmie and Georgie!
And one last night out childfree!  We went with Jamie and Kim to our favorite Indian food restaurant, Chingari.
 Perfectly posed. I didn't want Kim to forget the important people in Doha.  Obviously me!!
 We also took one last opportunity to have a girls dinner out with Kim just a few nights before Doha was history. 
Arabic cuisine of course to send her off. 
JOY! Love her!
We all went around the table and gave her some last sweet words to take with her.  It was quite emotional. Vicky's expression says it all.  Its almost hard to express Kim's uniqueness and how special she was to each of us in such an individual way.  She makes everyone feel like they're her favorite.  All or nothin' type girl!
 In her element...never still, never quiet, never to be replaced!
 Miss you like crazy Kimmie! Love you and look forward to the next time I hug you!
This was the day of the tragic Villagio fire where 19 people lost their lives. Much of our conversation revolved around it and one of our dear friends didn't come to dinner because her neighbor lost 3 children. The amazing thing about Kim is that she brings people together. We didn't know each other very well but we all without hesitation prayed in the middle of the street that night. I'll never for that night and moment.

Mother's Day!

Nick planned a Mother's Day treat for all of us to have Friday brunch at the Ritz.  Definitely NOT our usual breakfast or lunch spot.  Its a feast to say the least and they cater to the kids.  We all had way too much to eat and enjoyed the luxury.  So thankful for a gift certificate that went towards most of our indulgence!
Kids area with movies, popcorn and of course local Arabic majless seating.
Candy Bar
Arabic Sweets...basically butter, sugar and nuts - delicious!  
And dates of course.
Cupcakes and desserts galore!  Even at the Ritz, desserts in this land are prettier than they taste unfortunately.  They're not bad, just not as good as they look.
Kids serving tables complete with anything absolutely anything a kid would want! Cheeseburgers, pizza, hot dogs, pasta, etc.
  Nick drooling over the many food tables. 
God bless em...its Mother's Day not Halloween but who cares...they were so pumped about the face painting!  Georgia's not so sure...
Some of our dear friends were there too celebrating their awesome mama!  Who I happen to adore and respect as one of the absolute BEST!  
Alisa, Reed, Nathaniel and Cody
 Bat boy!
When babies are happy, mama's happy so I think it was a perfect mother's day brunch!
Gotta love the artwork display
ALWAYS so sad not to be with our own moms on this special day!  Love you both so much and thank you for loving us so well!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Down on the KG Farm!

At the end of school the entire Kindergarten put on a musical.  It was super cute and our little Funky Chicken loved it.  He was so excited, didn't mind the stage and performed his little heart out.

Parents came early for a little open house where Brooks showed us some of his work from his writing folder.
 Everyone headed to the auditorium.  We found this little guy and his PreK class in the audience ready to watch the program.
Mrs. Heney's class as the Funky Chickens
Future's so bright baby!

Dog Hot Days of Doha!

Our month of may was full of stuff but most of all it was just so dang HOT.   Seemed to get hot earlier this year and we had a ton of ugly dust storms.  Never the less we kept things cooled off as best we could at the beach or the pool and of course still managed to have a good time!

Playing at our compound pool ever chance we get. 
 Every Tuesday the American school has a 1/2 day.  Its pretty awesome. Gives mamas and kiddos a chance to fuel up for the rest of the week. We made a habit of hanging with our friends every Tuesday for lunch and swimming.  
Scott girls and Georgia and Brooks.
 We also made a habit of gathering up with a few of our favorite compound peeps for Thursday night pot luck dinner at the pool.  Compound living can't be replaced.  Its kinda like living at the dorm in college.  Friends right next door living in a little bubble. So thankful!
 Jerry, Dan and Nick
 We spent one Saturday at the beach.  Our motivation was to get the dogs out for some exercise and good times.  But of course we all loved it.  Just like compound living, the beach is such an awesome perk for living in Doha.
 Most of Qatar is pretty ooogly except for the huge sand dunes and gulf water.
 Poor dogs!
 PBJs for the Bear
 lovin it!
 gotta love the timer and Bear, the poser ;)
Celebrating the birthday of one of my favorite people living here in the sandbox...well anywhere for that matter.   Funny funny girl!
Amanda!
 Daddy and the boys started a little project in our backyard/garden.  This is a compound version of a tree house without the easily accessible supplies to build it.  So its a work in progress...
Breakfast at Ric's Country Kitchen with our Doha cuzzies Cres and Emery!
and some more swimming! 
God bless the dust and those who survive it!
View of West Bay skyline through all the dust.
A few swimming lessons to get us on our way!