Doha Days

Sic Em and Say Good Bye

2012-01-25T22:21:00.001+03:00

What a fun night...complete with our traditional Christmas time fish fry and the Alamo Bowl Victory!

Its so fun to be in a family with BU tradition. We're proud of our horned frog too.

Now this is the truth...I love this picture. Halls are trying to keep Graham happy. Mrs. Jerry is bossin'. Dad's got grease on his brand new BU shirt after frying fish. Nick's trying to handle the dog after kissing him in the face I'm sure and I'm setting the timer.

Before the game we successfully seeded the donut tree. The boys and Papa spent some time finding the most perfect tree down by the lake that afternoon.

They surely picked a good tree...seeds grew over night. Yum!

Getting ready for good-byes. Its like a bandaid...just do it and get it over with. I hate it. I just do.

I could do this expat thing for the rest of my life if it weren't for these precious people and kids. And at the same time, I can't do this expat thing today without the incredible amount of support and unconditional love they just keep pouring out.

Hug ya in Twenty Twelve Watkins peeps! We love you so much!

Watkins Family Togetherness and Craziness!

2012-01-25T21:52:00.002+03:00

This year we gathered together at the Wilsons house for Christmas. This group just keeps multiplying. We were missing the Criswells as well as Jake, Lousia and Will.

The Watkins book carries around some good cookin' genes and the theme was Italian!

Carols and piano lead by Eric and Eli

Chafen scored these beauts!

Celia trying to sell her purdy purse away!

After the white elephant exchange...the treasure of the night belonged to my dad and Uncle Jimmy.

Their brother-in-law, gave them a handmade footstool. Its a replica of the footstool that was in the Watkins/Wilson family for about 100 years. The original footstool was probably made by my dad's grandfather (Dr. J. Wilson), then passed down to "Dottie" Wilson Watkins and on to Aunt Jan and Uncle Jim. Uncle Jim made this without nails. Its incredible and such an incredible gift from his heart and hands!

Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Jan, Uncle Jim, Dad

Christmas with the Watkins Fam

2012-01-25T20:38:00.001+03:00

We woke up early on the 27th and raced to Dallas. Nick basically jumped out of our truck and into Dad's truck for an afternoon of hunting with my dad and Dave. You don't pass that kind of afternoon up when you live in Doha. The next day we were up and pretending it was Christmas Day. It is so fun to have a house full and such a blessing that the Halls spent the night with us for most of that week. In early December, Honey and Papa's dog Buddy died. It was very sad to be at their house without him. We were so glad to have the Hall's dog Oskie, the big black lab for lots of hugs and cleaning up after kids!

Nothin' like a slightly cheesy family Christmas pose to get things off to a good start :)

Junods

Cinderelly and her Daddy

These pictures don't need any description.

Elmo lover sporting her new swim cover up from Honey.

Harry and David came to see Aunt Rosie

Standing Guard over Anna Lou's new tent

Mom used the kids gingerbread houses to decorate her table. She also made a delicious meal that kinda resembles what we missed at Thanksgiving. Yum!

We had played a few games to wrap up our Christmas dinner. The first game created wonderful conversation and interesting personal info related to Christmas.

The other game involved hunting down a pickle.

Of course!

Cousins played the pickle game too. Wish I could remember the story behind the pickle. I do however remember Brooks and Nick, the winners both received Chick Fil A gift cards that are waiting to be redeemed Summer 2012.

Stockings

Its not unusual for these out-laws to get head lamps in their stockings. They actually use them!

Papa Bear! We love him so much!

Day full of blessings and family. I am so thankful!

Houston Christmas!

2012-01-25T16:32:00.000+03:00

Christmas Eve was off to pretty awesome start when Amanda, Kathy and I soaked our piggies and got a pretty pedicure. Later that night we went to Tatty's church for the Christmas Eve service and kept the Junod tradition alive by enjoying lots of appetizers and yummy pick ups for dinner.

Shame on mama and lack of camera battery...a few iPhone pics at the church.

Shortly after Georgia dumped the fish on the floor...we were out the door for her to be loud somewhere else.

Uncle Vince and Georgia chatting over hor'douves

half of the Junod siblings: Monica, Vince, Amanda

Jommies from Tatty

Santa's delivery

After we enjoyed what Santa brought it, we exchanged presents with each other. Uncle Brett knows how to pick em. Our Uncle Brett is a pretty special dude. Such a sweetheart and is the perfect fit for his job as a CPS Investigator.

Georgia sassed out with her stroller and new outfit from Tatty.

So excited about the Glow Worm Aunt Amanda gave.

Little love from Aunt Monica

Can never have too many cars!

Legos under construction

Eventually everyone gives into the Wii. Ronnie couldn't resist the hunting game.

Tatty and Brooks...rad racers!

Great Houston Christmas. Packed full of memories! Thank you Tatty and Ronnie for letting us come and invade with all of our stuff, laundry, messes and volume!! We love you and had such a treasured Christmas together!

Houston Part ONE

2012-01-25T15:24:00.000+03:00

We settled into Tatty's house so comfortably. The boys had a fun surprise waiting for them. New bunk beds! All week long we just hung out, shopped, relaxed and enjoyed the sights of Christmas together with family.

Skyping with cousin Annabelle. We missed her so much!

Monday night we went into H-town to see Second Baptist's Crazy Christmas Show. Oh my word...it was fantastic! Georgia was amazed and the rest of us all laughed and loved it too.

Tuesday night we had our traditional Tamale dinner at Nana and Boppa's house with the Krause crew.

Nana, Karma, Barb, Kathy

Nana and Boppa gave the most treasured gift of Legos to the boys. Cousin Will helped and their masterpieces were created in record time.

Cousins

Barrett spent a lot of his play time doing this in Tatty's driveway...never to big for a Big Wheel.

Thursday night was an even bigger Krause family dinner at Tatty's house. I absolutely love marrying into a big family. When they gather there is a lot of everything!

Krause Ladies and a few in-laws

Kitchen help!

Every year...this talented musical bloodline leads us in carols.

Aunt Karma and Georgia Jake pullin' for the Texans!

And Friday night was lots of fun. We stuffed ourselves with fajitas at Lupe's and then headed for the Prestonwood lights. This Northwest Houston neighborhood has been decorating their streets for decades. Nick has childhood memories of it. And they still do a great job. The boys loved riding in the back of the truck.

On of my favorite themes.

Georgie was a big fan and totally rocked for staying up late to enjoy the party!

This might be annual tradition.

Friends that feel like Family

2012-01-18T20:19:00.001+03:00

Christmas visits are always so rushed and quick. We of course weren't able to squeeze in as many friends as we wanted. But thanks to persistent and flexible peeps we soaked up every second we could.

Just a week before being back in the States my very best Doha treasure (now living back in Houston), Jackie had her 3rd baby boy. I was so happy we got to see Baby Caleb and his sweet family.

Later in the week the rest of the Junods (especially Brooks) were able to love on little Caleb.

Love you La Ro's!!

We grabbed the oh-so-craved Chick Fil A with Shannon and Justin when they were up North in our neck of the woods.

Might be the last picture of 3! God's doing big things in the Michaelis Family. They are increasing in number and we can't wait to meet the blessings coming their way. Adoption is around their corner and this road and story is just getting started!

The Halls and Junods!

Kim and I were in the baby trenches together. Literally sharing pregnancy after pregnancy and baby after baby.

Ok so these are definitely more than just friends. We share cousins with them. Aubrey's daddy's brother married my sister! I took this picture because Georgia is wearing Aubrey's hand-me-down outfit that was passed down from Aubrey to Anna Lou to Georgia. I love all the Halls and all their hand-me-downs. So much better than Doha shopping.

Georgia (1 1/2) and Aubrey (almost 6)

And we spent some QT down on the southside with our besties in Friendswood. The Hopkins just moved in August to a little piece of heaven. They are such great stewards of their blessings. Their new house/land is fruitful on so many different levels. It was like going to a little retreat center. I'm going to post some pictures because I loved it so much! This isn't her blog so I get to show off their little nest.

Kids chowing down outside.

The original washer throwin' junkies.

All our babies ready for bed. And of course Derek.

So here's the beauty (literally) of this nest in the woods, there is an entire wall of windows in every room. And their house sits in the middle of what looks like The 100-Acre Wood! Amazing!

We spent the night and enjoyed adult time together. Since moving to Doha, life and the Lord's grace have taken us all so many different directions but these people remain true and so faithful. Once again...filled up...we were! Thank you Hopkins for the incredible food and delightful getaway packed with people we love! They are expecting their 4th baby and hosting us all wasn't an easy task.

I will gladly cut the apron strings and give him to her! In say...about 25 years!

Jenise and I share the expat experience...I live in Doha and she resides in Victoria, Texas. No offense. We just share the same struggles. I love her. She was all sassed up to do some Big City shopping in H-town. I, however was still looking fresh out of bed.

This looks like Jenise and her 3 step sisters. We weren't quite camera-ready but here's proof that these people were actually there and that I don't have imaginary friends. These sisters have all come to see me in the desert I call home. Unreal! We've shared an abundance of heart wrenching wonderful and awful memories together in Waco, Houston, Dallas, New York, Rockport, Gruene and Doha. God only knows where else He will take us! Thank goodness!

On our way back home we stopped by the new Michaelis abode, which is beautiful. Next time we're there it will be a house full of volume and chaos. Summer can't get here fast enough. What is in store?

Nick was able to catch up with a few of his favorite boys for a night out. And we also met new baby Emma Tuley over some pretty incredible Smash burgers. My camera was absent for both which is a shame.

We were so thankful for what little time we were able to snag with all these friends who are like family. God has poured out his goodness to us in friends and I count it all pure joy!

Waco Pit Stop

2012-01-17T22:13:00.000+03:00

With our Baylor Bears doing all kinds of amazing things these days it would have been a complete shame not to stop and have a moment of silence (and spending) in the rockin' town of Waco, Texas. And to top that we spent some precious time with best friends who we love and miss like crazy!

Right away we went straight to Katy an Sean's for of course more TexMex and fellowship...

Georgia, has her pick between cute or cutie. I love that she's checking these two out.

Who wouldn't eat him up?

It seems too good to be true sometimes. These are the kind that know your dark secrets and still proudly stand next to you at your wedding. I don't deserve it but am so thankful!

There is a weirdness between these boys that's similar to cousins or brothers. Thank goodness their mama and I walk this boy world along side of each other.

It was truly a Christmas gift to spend time with these! Nick and I agreed that our souls were fed after our time together with them! Thank you Svobodas for hosting us and all the chaos.

After good-byes, we skipped over to campus to spend a small fortune, probably a full ride scholarship to someone by making our BU bookstore purchases! I get it...I finally get the Aggie, Longhorn, Sooner thing...you know the Winning Feeling and adrenaline. You can't control your pride and excitement. We must have everything Baylor, right now! Its ridiculous. Seriously we're flying our BU flag in Doha and I'm sportin my RGIII t-shirt jersey. Like the crazy Aggies, we're out of our minds. So proud to be Bears!

Few shots of the holy land.

Pre-Christmas Fun in Texas

2012-01-05T15:13:00.001+03:00

Finally we were on our way to Texas, leaving Daddy behind to work an extra day in London. When you're ready to be home you don't care about flying alone with 3 kids. The boys were a huge help! Seems like when we give our kids no choice to step up, they do. And eventually the plane has to get there and the flight is over :) Our only hold up was a very long passport control line 300 deep. We made a few friends and of course met someone who we shared mutual friends with.

As many times as we've flown the boys have never seen a cockpit or been offered to meet the pilot. This time we scored!

After landing we made a couple of drive thru stops to please everyone and their Texas cravings. Then headed straight to bed. Our cousins were over first thing the next morning! We were all so glad to see each other. Jumped right back into where we left off!

2, 1, 4, 3, 6

On Tuesday we were able to see Anna's Christmas program which is a double dose of fun because she goes to Honey's school.

Who doesn't want to eat her up?

Cookies!

Honey's fan club!

One afternoon we got to stop and visit one of best friends, Shannon. Feel the BU love and spirit!! It abounds in all of us bears!

Our kiddos...Georgia's getting fired up for Santa! Next stop!

She appears more pleasant than she actually was, which is good. Brooks loved chatting with Santa but Barrett got a little star struck. He wasn't scared, just seemed nervous. He told Santa said he wanted trains...what? Brooks corrected him and we were set to go.

Having a little fun after pics in the Real Book Store. Such a cool place for Santa to be.

Oh boys!

More mexican food!

Mission accomplished! She's in love with salsa and queso! Praise the good Lord, she knows what's good for her!

Santa could have brought rain and that would have made these boys happy! They wanted to run around in the rain but settled for umbrellas.

Happiness!

Muppet movie and slumber party with Anna Lou!

Girl cousins ROCK!

Friday morning we were up and out the door to play with puppies!! My aunt and uncle recently had 5 Westie puppies. We had to have a playdate before Santa delivered them to their new owners on Christmas Day.

Watkins cousins, babies and puppies!

Not pictured are the multiple trips to Cabellas and Bass Pro Shop by Daddy, Papa and the boys! But of course we documented once again MORE MEXICAN FOOD! This time dinner with Aunt Rosie!

...queso trumps hummus any day! This is a bit ridiculous!

Day 4 - Friends and Simba!

2012-01-05T12:15:00.002+03:00

Our hotel was in an incredible location and had a beautiful view of Hyde Park. The kids and I enjoyed breakfast before catching a taxi to meet our friends.

A bit uncooperative but mommy was a little nervy considering once again the 3 crazies and lots of breakable china! We survived.

After breakfast we were off to meet some Doha friends who just moved back home to London. Anni and I had our baby girls just a few weeks apart. We were sad to see them leave Doha a few months ago but so thankful they were up for taking the train to come spend the day with us.

Big Ben, double-decker Red Bus plus gray clouds = London :)

Anni and sweet Heidi

Of course Anni knew just the place for lunch and little ones. It was such a treat to hang out with them!

After lunch we headed back to the hotel. A hotel room isn't a good place for boredom but we all survived. I packed our suitcases for leaving the next morning and as soon as Daddy walked in the door, Brooks and I were off for a special date. We had tickets to see Lion King! Barrett, Georgia and Daddy had a dinner date.

I wasn't sure Brooks would enjoy it or last through the whole show...I was totally wrong. He was in awe and remembers so many details. He hadn't seen the movie but the costumes and singing were so incredible it didn't matter. A blessed memory with my Brooks for sure! The next day we were up and ready to head for DFW!

Day 3 with Friends!

2011-12-21T06:43:00.002+03:00

Our last two days in London were spent with friends. A little less walking and a little warmer. Nick was working Wednesday through Friday all day so we made plans to get out of the hotel. Wednesday we met up with Christine and Megan in Covent Garden (my favorite area of town)! We started off at the Transport Museum which came highly recommended by everyone! Christine pulled Megan out of school and took the train into the city. We were all so so thankful to have a little more time with our friends.

Covent Garden where the decorations were amazing!

Lunch where we were not ashamed to pull out any available Apple products to keep people quiet.

This is one of the Chapman's favorite coffee places, Nero...and now its mine, all because of the Amaretto latte.

Took the bridge to walk Megs and Christine back to their train station.

On our way back to the hotel we stopped for a ride on this beautiful carousel, in what I think its called the South Bank area. Its right on the river near the Eye. There were little Christmas markets set up. It was like a movie, once again.

After Daddy finished with work, we took a taxi and were dropped off for dinner. Every where we looked was WAY too sophisticated for us and the 3 babes so we walked some more and decided to just go ahead to, Winter Wonderland. A popular Christmas festival in Hyde Park full of incredible food and drink, ice skating, rides, entertainment, games, etc. Since the British schools weren't out for the holiday it was line-free but plenty full of adults enjoying some mulled wine after work :)

I don't have a picture of our dinner which was mouthwatering! Real Belgium waffles and German sausage. Good lordy!

The boys enjoyed a few rides. No fear.

Brooks and Daddy screaming!

Barrett and I loved the bumper cars.

One last game (almost injuring the poor guy working the booth).

That finished up day 3 in the city!

Day 2 in the City

2011-12-19T06:47:00.003+03:00

Up and at 'em back on the Red Bus and headed for Tower of London on Tuesday. We caught breakfast at a little cafe. Not sure why I didn't photograph the typical English breakfast complete with baked beans. It was all delish!

Our drive through the city took a while but we saw some some neat places...

Everything looked so very Mary Poppins and WAS...these are some spots where they filmed the movie.

Tower of London

Beefeater Tour...so funny and fascinating!

Outside of the castle in front of the Bridge

The Tower tour and exploring took our entire morning. We were starved so we grabbed lunch at Wagamama and headed back to the Red Bus stop. While we waited these poor desert dwelling boys enjoyed some running and playing the leaves.

Eventually the bus quits touring and people like us have to get off. We hit Regent St. and Oxford St shopping and seeing all the lights.

Hello...Anthro!

The famous London toy store...Hamleys. I will say, it lived up to its reputation!

Not snowing in London but it was snowing at Hamleys, of course!

Lots of costumes and Christmas decor.

More Legos in the window

This is where the little legs got very tired as we tried to find a good place for dinner. We just kept walking and walking but always running into pretty ights or fun things to see. Finally we hit a London McDonalds which was totally swanky but we still only purchased Happy Meals and carried them to a restaurant a little less American for Nick and me...like Indian food :)

Barrett Street!!

Selfridges!

We walked and walked all the way to our hotel which was a haul after a full day! I am still so proud of those little boy legs!

London - Fun in the City

2011-12-16T05:59:00.000+03:00

After having a blast with the Chapmans we headed into the city to see the sites. The grass is always greener, right? And, while I think it sounds pretty awesome to be an expat in London, I found the city to be extremely sophisticated for this Texas girl and her slightly redneck husband and our 3 little ragga-muffins. We loved it but also felt like a fish out of water occasionally. People were friendly but its not a super child/stroller friendly city. We did a lot of walking but once again we were enthralled with with the history and preservation of British tradition and pride. The kids were total rock stars considering how many steps those little legs had to take and how cold it was at times. We heard some complaints but the reward of our destination always seemed to be worth it whether it was food or seeing something cool!

We stayed at the Lancaster London Hotel overlooking Hyde Park. AwEsOmE! This trip was planned around a work trip for Nick so we just booked a connecting room. Pretty sure we were the only ones in the hotel with kids but we made it work and enjoyed the scenery and view.

In the hotel lobby there was a giant real gingerbread house. You can't imagine the incredible smell of sweetness!!

The kids were fascinated all week! Took all we had to keep their fingers off of it.

Right out of the gate we hit the double decker red bus and headed straight for Buckingham Palace. We were told to get there early by everyone. Turns out we were WAY early and very cold but the Changing of the Guard was incredible. The royal wedding took on a whole new meaning being there in person.

Buckingham Palace in all its glory!

The Changing of the Guard ceremony begins with 3 military bands converging in front of the palace.

This girl wasn't impressed with the ceremony. Shame on her...she actually seemed ticked off we were forcing her to live through it. Oreos helped us all survive.

These two took in the view from Daddy's shoulders.

Actual changing of the guard...obviously my view was a bit obstructed but it sounded good :)

Processional...

We hopped on the red bus as quick as possible to locate a lunch spot. On our drive through the city we caught a glimpse of....

Westminster

Big Ben

And then finally we were dropped off on the steps of this taste of home...

The Texas Embassy

The tour guide on the Red Bus even mentioned this famous restaurant.

We enjoyed some decent tex-mex. Its not the best by any means but its heaven when you live in the middle east. Great warm up before we indulged in the real stuff at home!

Sic Em in London!

Back on the Red Bus headed for the London Eye!

View from across the Thames standing at the London Eye, looking across to Big Ben, House of Parliament and Westminster. The sun sets SO early...4ish.

Here are a few views from the Eye (one of the tallest observatories in the world). I think Singapore has the tallest but this was pretty stunning and much more comfortable, stable and safe than your typical ferris wheel.

A look back at the Eye after we walked across the Thames.

Crazy street entertainer who totally suckered me for money...

Big Ben

Next up, Westminster Abbey

As the sun went down we waited patiently to attend the 5pm Evensong worship service at Westminster. What an incredible hour and highlight of our trip. First off it was a Christmas miracle that Georgia fell asleep just minutes before and she stayed asleep for the entire service. The glory of the Evensong service is that it is all sung by the Westminster boys choir. And we sat on the front row right where Kate walked down the isle. UNREAL! The vocals were stunning. Brooks fell victim to jet lag about half way through as well. I knew as soon as I broke the "no camera" rule the good Lord would allow the kids would wake up and we would be kicked out. It took everything in me not to take a picture but I sat back and enjoyed the silence of kids and the beauty of acapella voices in the most beautiful church!

This is as good as it gets for a picture. Directly after the service the boys choir lit the Christmas tree out in front of the church.

We were super hungry and totally scored at delicious cute pub! Fish and chips again of course!

After dinner we walked down Regent Street to take in all the Christmas lights.

Barrett and I in front of Marks and Spencer (British department store)

London with the Chapmans - 2

2011-12-15T08:13:00.001+03:00

After a full day with 6 kids we were excited for a adult night out. We ran home to drop the littles off with the ever-so-brave babysitter and freshen up a tiny bit before taking the train into the city. It was seriously so fun to just follow the Chapman's lead and especially Chuck that evening. He knew the trains and streets like the back of his hand. That's the way to travel!

We went to a delicious and totally chic Indian restaurant for dinner.

After dinner we were off to the greatest show on earth...WICKED!

Before the show we tasted a treat from the Elixir Bar.

The Chapmans have seen Wicked a few times before and now I completely understand why they were thrilled to see it again with us. I have never in my life heard a voice as good as Elphaba, the green witch. The costumes were insane too. Absolutely incredible show!!

Not sure if it was good or bad for Nathan to have Brooks and Barrett invade. Obviously we didn't leave our rough-housing in Doha!

We had another fun day. Christine took me to the local British grocery store so I could stock up on snacks for the week. I was amazed to recognize so much. The British influence in Doha is all over the place. After packing up a picnic lunch we headed for the park on the Thames river (same river that run right through London).

Our picnic went from just chilly to a cold down pour! Christine caught these hilarious pictures. We made a mad dash for the cars. What a great memory!

Drowned rats! Bless em.

After drying off we enjoyed the afternoon together just playing and hanging out. Just before leaving, the kids cracked the crackers. Perfect time to celebrate! We love our British turned friends! Seriously, I heard Nathan call dessert "sweets"" and french fries "chips".

Check out the Chapmans Home away from Home! I loved it and was a tiny big jealous. So much character and wow just a tiny bit different than compound living in the desert. Each have their benefits...it was just refreshing to walk on carpet and enjoy their backyard and garage.

BIG thank you to our incredible hosts and treasured friends! Our trip to London started with the best. We wanted to take the Chapmans with us for the rest of the time. We had so much fun and our kids loved every second. We have kept in touch over the last 3 years and not a bit has changed since we've seen each other. Our time together was refreshing and encouraging as we do this expat thing. Can't wait for the next time! Love you Chapmans!!

(Thankfully this wasn't the last time I got to see Christine, because she and Megan made a special trip into the city for one last visit)

Chapman Fun in London - 1

2011-12-13T18:58:00.002+03:00

We left Doha on Friday morning early and headed half way home to land at Heathrow Airport in London. Our dear college/expat friends the Chapmans live outside the city. Close to Windsor in Egham (I think). Still trying to figure out the organization of residential areas in England. Lets just say, I was totally enticed and a little jealous. The grass was really really green compared to Doha literally and figuratively. I LOVED England but mostly I would just love to live this expat life along side Christine. We share so many similar interests and have so much in common, not to mention she's so fun to hang out with and a great mom. As she said "we were food for each others soul" last week. Expat living brings people together in such a unique way. The Chapmans have an really special place in our hearts and we had an absolute blast together at their home away from home.

Christine put together a welcome basket full of British stuff...so adorable. Such a great hostess!

Chuck came home early from work and after catching up we headed to the cutest little pub for dinner!

How can you turn down the standard fish and chips which were spectacular!!

The kids turned to cousins in about 1/2 a second. They met as tiny babies and were fast friends this time.

Jet lag in full swing. Brooks out cold before we finished dinner.

The Junods so kindly brought with us the absolute worst Crayola product ever. We instantly destroyed the Chapman's carpet and hands with a big marker mess.

We were up at out the door early on Saturday morning. It was so fun to see the sites by way of our tour guides and have such fun company for the kids.

1000 year old Windsor Castle, where the Queen spends her weekends

Christine and me

Pic in front of the famous red phone booth

Such a fun shopping area in Windsor

Complete with a very sophisticated English Salvation Army Band playing Christmas carols

After visiting the castle we were off to a beautiful enormous park complete with gorgeous gardens, visitors center, gift shop and restaurant.

The Chapmans treated us to a horse drawn carriage ride.

We learned all kinds of things about the property and the Queens influence of it. We saw a spot where The Kings Speech was filmed and heard about the Qatari Emir's home who wasn't far from where we were. Fascinating!

These trees are from the 1700's

Lunch after our ride with the most delicious food! Seriously the "casual" dining experience in England puts the typical American cafe to shame!!

Proof of the deliciousness: homemade scones and homemade clotted cream and jam! UNBElIEVABLE!

After lunch we headed back to the quaint area of downtown Windsor. We were in a rush to find a place to park, (nervous we might get a ticket) and we pressed on through the crowd and found a perfect place to to watch the Reindeer parade. We had planned on this little event for a long time.

We waited and we waited with great anticipation for the big parade to start...then they came...this cute little band that stopped right in front of us...

Don't blink you might miss the 2 (lab sized) reindeer and ~~Santa~~ Father Christmas.

After the parade we were all so incredibly shocked by the length of entertainment. We laughed at our Texas sized expectations, especially when Brooks asked where all the floats were. We're still raising that boy right even if he hasn't seen a Baylor Homecoming parade in 3 years.

Thanksgiving!

2011-12-01T09:25:00.001+03:00

We're in full holiday mode at our house and so ready to see our precious family and friends back in the USA. I think Thanksgiving kick-started my drive and love for American traditions and spirit which makes me eager to be home at Christmas. Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving with over 30 American families and 65 American military men and women (representing the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines!). It was a powerful and special afternoon. I needed to be reminded what a gift and blessing it is to be born as an American and from the absolute best country in the world.

Of course Thursday, Thanksgiving Day was a usual day here in the Middle East so the boys went to school and Nick went off to work. It just so happened to be one of ASD's spirit days. The students were supposed to dress like teachers/adults and the teachers like kids. So here are our little BIG people. They were very disappointed we didn't have pants like daddy's. Cargos, ties and boots just had to work for these TURKEYS!

After work and school it was time to get frying. We had our Thanksgiving on Friday afternoon with lots to do Friday morning so we had to prep the night before.

We have some connections to the American military bases here and have personally been able to get know a few of the families that have moved to Doha to serve in the Army. In Qatar the service men/women are here for a short time and only a few bring their families. They also rarely come off the base. They said wearing regular clothes with civilians and getting out was a treat for them. As usual we planned this dinner for them and turns out we were ALL left with thanksgiving and the boost of American spirit and pride. Everyone was so gracious and so real. There were many times I felt so humbled I couldn't speak. They were so sweet to all of our kids and just kept saying how much they were reminded of their own kids. There really is no other job more self sacrificing.

Before we ate all 200 of us gathered to have a really incredible prayer time. Jerry prayed over all of our service men and women and then the Air Force chaplain blessed our food. There was such a unique feeling in the room. Everyone far away from home and their families yet tied together so strongly by our citizenship in the United States and under God. Needless to say, it was a memorable Doha Day!

The Commander presented us with these plaques to the 5 host families. Host families couldn't have done it without the 30 other families that helped us! Nick definitely deserved an award for the turkeys he fried!

Sherry and the 2 soldiers she claimed for the day. The guy on the right was from Dallas so she was calling him "Texas".

Jacksons and Dede's mom

Tracy, Hannah, Krisine and Shana

If this was a scratch and snif sticker is would smell EXACTLY like Thanksgiving!

Our family of 5 stayed together to eat but that wasn't long. The horrible picture is here to prove it. The boys played and played all afternoon! Georgia went home to take a nap and I'm surprised my husband is still in the oil & gas business. Thought he might have enlisted after a full day spent with soldiers.

G, Linds, Emmy

Kent Family...love and respect this family so much. I pray I can be half the Godly mother and woman Brenda is!

Our fearless leader and party planner, Sherry with Georgia, "Texas" and some incredible military ladies.

Nick and Neal (co-worker and friend)

Since the Thanksgiving Feast was at our compound it was so convenient to just hang out all afternoon until well after dark and dinner. We had the best time and will always remember 2011 as a special Thanksgiving!

Sprinkle for Tracy

2011-11-22T19:53:00.001+03:00

Yesterday we celebrated the any-day-now arrival of little Madison. Tracy is a sweet friend of mine who I'm so thankful for. We so enjoy spending time with their whole family. They are on the final countdown for leaving Doha. Mike's contract will end this summer so their family of 5 will head back to Kansas City but not before they do what we all thought was unimaginable...have a baby in Doha! I've reassured her that it will be a great experience and Madison will be special because of her Qatari roots :)

Tracy looks beautiful and is literally about to pop but we were able to squeeze in this little "sprinkle" of love on her and baby girl. We enjoyed the sunshine and brunch at the souqs.

Singing Dunes Never Gets Old

2011-11-22T17:23:00.001+03:00

Last weekend we spent the afternoon and evening at the Singing Dunes once again! It truly never gets old. Its a place that forces us to take a breather and enjoy the beauty of the desert.

Crossing paths with a few goats on our drive...never gets old!

Kids and Steve, first ones up

Teresa, Dede and Dottie (Dede's mom)

Daddy, Dogs and Barrett headed up

Daddy's girl refused to be left behind. Major tears resulted in a ride to the top.

Someone changed their minds...

Notice a certain someone in a green shirt also caught a ride...

Everyone made it! Including Dede's mom who is 70 plus...that's incredible if you can't tell. We all now know where Dede's gets her competitive drive.

Someone took a nose dive running down the dune. Not a happy camper!

All cleaned up after a quick head dunk...

Dottie, Dede and Georgia

...who were fast friends since Mrs. Dottie brought G some special things all the way from Dallas.

Audrey and Ava with the Junods

Smores please!

Jerry is in development/construction here in Doha and brought this cowboy hardhat from Texas. Gotta love it...you know the Qataris do!

A Deficiency of Love

2011-11-22T06:28:00.000+03:00

This article was sent to me by a dear friend. She said it left her awake at night. I'm sure for many reasons. The article is intense, graphic and convicting. Written by the Campus Crusade director at Penn State, this is his perspective on recent events and I found it too challenging not to share. Consider yourself warned...its heavy and a lot to read.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A deficiency of love

by Tim Henderson on Friday, November 11, 2011 at 3:43pm

Well, it's been quite a week. Monday Tom and I and the rest of the staff wondered if we should put aside our One Story series and give special attention to the Sandusky rape charges. Three days later it seems ridiculous that there was ever any question about that. In fact, rather than wondering if should we talk about it, the question has become “How should we talk about it? Which of the 50 important topics related to this should we address?” So much has happened and more may be yet to come and we can’t possibly address it all. I’ve been asking the Spirit all week to give me wisdom, what do you want me to say? Who should I be speaking to?

You are a diverse crowd. First and foremost I am concerned about those of you for whom this isn’t academic. A number of you are experiencing all of this through your own experience of being sexually abused. Those children’s pain is your pain, and this reopens wounds that probably never healed for you. This must be such a difficult time for you.

Others of you don’t share those scars but are nonetheless incensed by the alleged abuse and cover up.

Others are incensed by the incriminations against your school, your football program, and your coach. This is personal in a way that few people outside the Penn State family understand. There is so much affection and respect for JoePa that the possibility that he did wrong, or false accusation that he did wrong, or the reality that he has been fired feels incredibly raw.

There are, of course, a stream of divergent and deeply held opinions about what’s already happened and what ought to happen next. My purpose tonight isn’t to comment or opine about the arrests and firings. Rather I want to try to reframe things for you. I want to help you think about this entire episode in a way that I haven’t been hearing too much of.

I think that the Spirit wants me to draw something to your attention and give you a lens through which you can observe what is happening. As I have been paying close attention, thinking nearly constantly about this, and praying for wisdom, one issue has come to mind as the critical issue that I’d like you to wrestle with. Not just as it pertains to the alleged sexual abuse and cover up, but to your entire lives. Episodes like this can create a fog, as we’ve seen. But they can also bring clarity and perspective. I’m hoping to help usher in some clarity.

In pursuit of that I’d like to read to you a passage from the gospels. It will be familiar to most of you and as we consider it together I hope it will be the lens through which you think about all that is happening.

After we read that, I am going to read to you some excerpts from the Grand Jury Presentment. Some of you may have read it, others perhaps not. I think it is your best source of news on the core events themselves and I encourage you to read it. It is the most dispassionate, researched, clear, detailed, and I think trustworthy record of what is known to have happened.

It is also graphic and disturbing. Some of what I read to you tonight will be troubling, and if you’d like to not hear it, you are welcome to excuse yourself. It may be particularly troubling for those of you who have been abused. I’ll warn you before I get there in case you choose not to listen.

I’m sharing it with you because it’s pertinent and as a member of the campus community I think you should know what happened. There are so many opinions, and so much conversation. You need to know what is at the core of it all. You can easily find it online if you google “Sandusky Grand Jury Presentment.”

Once those are both on the table I’d like to make several observations to you and try to piece everything together.

The passage we are looking at is Luke 10:25-37. Many of you will recognize it as the parable of the Good Samaritan. Would you please stand with me in honor of the Word of God as I read it to you?

“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”” (Luke 10:25–37 NIV)

The story of the good Samaritan is well known. Less well known is that Jesus told it in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Now the context of the question, “Who is my neighbor,” is the observation that the greatest commandment, our most fundamental responsibility is to love our neighbors as much as, and in the same manner that, we love ourselves.

So catch this: Jesus was having a conversation with someone and the observation was made that the greatest commandment is to “Love our neighbors as ourselves.” When confronted with that, the man asked, “Who is my neighbor.” What he was really asking was, “Whom am I obligated love?”

Is that clear? It’s really important. So the command is “Love your neighbor as yourself.”   And the response is, “Okay, but, who qualifies as a neighbor? Are we talking next door neighbor? The whole street? How far do I have to take this? Whom exactly am I obligated to love?”

You with me? He is asking a question about obligation. Whom am I obligated to love?

At Penn State we have been asking questions about obligation all week. Who is obligated to report what to whom? Who is legally obligated to report sexual abuse of a child, and to whom must they report it? Who is morally obligated to report sexual abuse of a child, and to whom must they report it? Is there a difference between moral obligation and legal obligation?

We’re going to come back to the question Jesus was asked in a few minutes. “Who is my neighbor?” “Whom am I obligated to love?”    When we do we’re going to see that while that’s an important question, it’s not the most important question. And when we look closely we’ll see that it’s not actually the question that Jesus answers. More on that when we get there. Let that simmer.

Let’s look at the Grand Jury Presentment. This is where it gets graphic in case you’d like to excuse yourself.   This is the official report filed by the Grand Jury who investigated Sundusky’s alleged abuse. It details the stories of 8 alleged victims of Sandusky’s. We’re going to look at two of them, They are identified as Victim 2 and Victim 6 in the presentment. I’m just going to read it to you as it’s written.

Victim 2
“As the graduate assistant entered the locker room doors, he was surprised to find the lights and showers on. He then heard rhythmic, slapping sounds. He believed the sounds to be those of sexual activity. As the graduate assistant put the sneakers in his locker, he looked into the shower. He saw a naked boy, Victim 2, whose age he estimated to be ten years old, with his hands up against the wall, being subjected to anal intercourse by a naked Sandusky. The graduate assistant was shocked but noticed that both Victim 2 and Sandusky saw him. The graduate assistant left immediately, distraught.”

Pause there. Don’t answer out loud, just think to yourself, What would you do if you were the grad assistant? Try to imagine what it’s like to see that. What emotions fill you? Shock, disgust, fear, empathy, anger, confusion? This isn’t a random person doing the unimaginable. It is a man you admire, a man who coached in your program for years raping a ten-year old boy. Ask yourself, what would you do? Would you flee, would you intervene, would you call the police, would you call your parents or your boss? You may not know what you would do, who plans for that sort of thing? Maybe ask, what do you wish you would do?

By the way, that the boy saw him. The boy saw a big, huge guy who could- who could- rescue him.

Here’s what the grad assistant did do: Went straight to his office, called his dad to ask for advice, then went to his dad’s house.

“The next morning a Saturday, the graduate assistant telephoned Paterno and went to Paterno’s home, where he reported what he had seen.

Joseph V. Paterno testified to receiving the graduate assistant’s report at his home on a Saturday morning. Paterno testified that the graduate assistant was very upset. Paterno called Tim Curley (“Curley”), Penn State Athletic Director and Paterno’s immediate supervisor, to his home the very next day, a Sunday, and reported to him that the graduate assistant had seen Jerry Sandusky in the Lasch Building showers fondling or doing something of a sexual nature to a young boy.”

“Approximately one and a half weeks later, the graduate assistant was called to a meeting with Penn State Athletic Director Curley and Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Gary Schultz (“Schultz”). The graduate assistant reported to Curley and Schultz that he had witnessed what he believed to be Sandusky having anal sex with a boy in the Lasch Building showers. Curley and Schultz assured the graduate assistant that they would look in to it and determine what further action they would take. Paterno was not present for this meeting.

The graduate assistant heard back from Curley a couple of weeks later. He was told that Sandusky’s keys to the locker room were taken away and that the incident had been reported to the Second Mile. The graduate assistant was never questioned by University Police and no other entity conducted an investigation…”

All the incriminations for university officials surround this chain of events. It’s about this chain that Curley and Schultz are being charged with perjury, and it’s about this that Paterno and Spanier have been fired. The question everyone is asking is, “Were they obligated to do more?” In particular, were they obligated to call the police? When the graduate assistant saw with his own eyes, the rape of a ten-year old boy, was he obligated to intervene?

Those are some of the questions about victim two.

Let’s move on to victim six.
This is also troubling, but not as graphic as victim 2.

Victim 6
Sandusky had befriended victim 6 through the Second Mile and one evening took him on campus to work out and spend time together.

“…Then Sandusky began wrestling with Victim 6, who was much smaller than Sandusky. Then Sandusky said they needed to shower, even though Victim 6 was not sweaty. Victim 6 felt awkward and tried to go to a shower some distance away from Sandusky but Sandusky called him over, saying he had already warmed up a shower for the boy. While in the shower, Sandusky approached the boy, grabbed him around the waist and said “I’m going to squeeze your guts out.” Sandusky lathered up the boy, soaping his back because, he said, the boy would not be able to reach it. Sandusky bear-hugged the boy from behind, holding the boy’s back against his chest. Then he picked him up and put him under the showerhead to rinse soap out of his hair.

Victim 6 testified that the entire shower episode felt very awkward. No one else was around when this occurred. Looking back on it as an adult, Victim 6 says Sandusky’s behavior towards him as an 11 year old boy was very inappropriate.”

Okay, so that’s what happened. Not as absolutely awful, but still pretty bad.

Now, here’s what happened when the boy got home:

“When Victim 6 was dropped off at home, his hair was wet and his mother immediately questioned him about this and was upset to learn the boy had showered with Sandusky. She reported the incident to University Police who investigated.”

“Detective Schreffler testified that he and State College Police Department Detective Ralph Ralston, with the consent of the mother of Victim 6, eavesdropped on two conversations the mother of Victim 6 had with Sandusky on May 13, 1998 and May 19, 1998.

The mother of Victim 6 confronted Sandusky about showering with her son, the effect it had on her son, whether Sandusky had sexual feelings when he hugged her naked son in the shower and where Victim 6’s buttocks were when Sandusky hugged him. Sandusky said he had showered with other boys and Victim 6’s mother tried to make Sandusky promise never to shower with a boy again but he would not. She asked him if his “private parts” touched Victim 6 when he bear-hugged him. Sandusky replied, “I don’t think so… maybe.”

At the conclusion of the second conversation, after Sandusky was told he could not see Victim 6 anymore, Sandusky said, “I understand. I was wrong. I wish I could get forgiveness. I know I won’t get it from you. I wish I were dead.”

That’s a stronger response don’t you think? This mom immediately calls the police, cooperates in a wiretap, confronts Sandusky to his face, interrogates him about the details, confronts him about the effect he had on her son, forbids him to see her son again, and rebukes him, telling him never to shower with another boy again.

Now that that’s all on the table, let’s get to the heart of what I want you to consider.

Why was her response so much stronger than that of the grad assistant?

Was it because she has more power, more authority?
No. In the first instance there were some very powerful people involved. But in this, just a mom. If her son was in Second Mile she probably was a single mom, maybe not very wealthy or connected to influence.

Was it because there was a graver offense?
No. In the first instance there was actual rape. In this one there was just outrageously inappropriate activity in a shower.

Was it because the mom had more evidence to go on?
No. In the first instance the witness saw the rape as it was occurring. In this all the mom had to go on was wet hair. Wet hair. That’s it. But it was enough.

She sees the wet hair. “Sweetie, why is your hair wet?” “Well, I took a shower with Mr. Sandusky.” “You took a shower with Mr. Sandusky? He was in the shower with you? Sweetheart, were you naked in the shower? Was Mr. Sandusky naked? Honey, did Mr. Sandusky touch you? Could you please point to where he touched you?”

In the first instance the witness calls his boss the next morning and reports what he saw as he was obligated to do.

In this one the mom calls the police immediately, confronts Sandusky and chases this down.

Why? Now’s your chance to actually answer. What was present here, but missing there?

Love. This mom loved her son. She is a momma bear and her cub is in danger. She loves her little boy and, moved to outrage by wet hair, she moves aggressively. She wasn’t fulfilling a legal obligation and she wasn’t fulfilling a moral obligation. Obligation wasn’t the issue.

She was loving her son.

Guys, I want to suggest to you that what we’ve seen on campus this week, at multiple levels in the organization, and maybe in our own hearts as well, is a deficiency of love.

Who should be fired? Who should be in jail? I don’t know. The cops and judges and the Board of Trustees- that’s there job. But do you think that if the witnesses, coaches and administrators had loved the boys who were being raped, they’d be quibbling about obligations? Love compels action. Love moves to protect.

I’ve heard of students questioning what this means about the value of their degree, or the future of the football program. Really? You’re young. As I’d had conversations with many I’ve realized that your moral compasses are still being built. You’re still filling in the blank spaces about what’s right and wrong in different situations. But can I just poke you a little bit? Those questions should be way down your list. If it was your little brother, your son being raped in a shower by a 50 year old man, would those questions even occur to you?

I have a ten-year old son. I don’t often see my kids naked, I just don’t have occasion to. But curiously on Monday night I was in my sons’ room when they were getting ready for bed and I saw Max naked. He’s a little guy. He is a fragile, vulnerable, easily exploited little guy. You don’t have kids yet, so this part of your world hasn’t come online, but I couldn’t help but imagine Max pressed against a shower wall. And there is no one there who loves him. There’s someone there. Someone who abuses him. And there’s someone there who sees him, and whom he sees, and then footsteps.

Do you know what you are doing when you are ten years old pressed against a shower wall getting raped? You’re hoping that someone comes to your rescue. And he does. Some 6’4” 280 pound guy turns the corner and you see him and he sees you, and he walks away, and hope turns to despair.

There’s no one there who loves him.

I want to suggest to you that the shame engulfing Penn State is a deficiency of love. Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving our neighbors as much as, and in the same manner that, we love ourselves, is the chief responsibility of our life.

Come back with me to Luke 10.

Jesus was asked the question, “Who is my neighbor?” “Whom am I obligated to love?” And then he tells his famous story:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.

So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Then Jesus asks his own question. It’s similar to the question he was asked, but with a very important change. He asks, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

In the question, “Who is my neighbor?” The neighbor is the obligation. What must I do to fulfill my obligation to my neighbor? What have I gotta do? How far does this go? The neighbor is the one who needs to be loved.

But as Jesus reframes it, the neighbor is not the one who needs to be loved. It’s the one who does the loving. “Who was a neighbor to the man who fell into distress?”

Do you see? “Who is my neighbor?” is the wrong question.

The right question is “Am I a neighbor?”

It’s not “Who must I love?” It’s “Am I one who loves?”

Do I move with the same urgency and thoroughness toward another person’s distress that I move towards my own?

For the mom the answer was yes. She saw wet hair and she chased it because she loves her son. You can answer for yourself if the same can be said of anyone else in the entire chain.

I hope you’ll ask it about yourself as well. When you do that, if you answer it with any honesty, the answer will be no. No, not even close. There is no one on the planet that you love half as much as you love yourself. Which is why you need a savior.

Friends, the chief responsibility of your life is to love others as you love yourself. But you don’t. And neither do I.

Jesus Christ is the only one to walk the earth who fulfilled that. He is the Good Samaritan. Jesus is the one who moves toward the broken and binds them up. He is the one who pays whatever it costs to heal their wounds. He is the great lover. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” And then he did that.

He loved radically, gave himself away. Not just figuratively, but literally. He laid down his life as a sacrifice on the cross to protect us from the punishment our sins deserve. He loves you just as much as he loves himself.

To the extent that this penetrates your heart it will transform you and make you love better. It will give you not just the affection of love, but the courage of love. A love that moves to protect. That moves into danger. A love that doesn’t measure obligation, but that suffers so that the beloved won’t.

One last thought: Don’t deflect the shame of what has happened and is happening here at Penn State. Let it into your heart. Grieve. Mourn. We are Penn State. If we will accept the glory of that we must also accept the shame. This is a shameful moment. Embrace it. Let shame do its work. People are eager to get past this; to restore Penn State Pride. Don’t rush this.

Let shame produce softness and repentance in your heart. Perhaps God will give you the grace to see in other’s failure to love, your own failure to love, so you can confess it to him, and be cleansed, and experiencing his love, become a better lover. We love because he loved us first.

Jeremiah 31 says, God will turn mourning into gladness. But first we have to mourn.

He’ll give comfort and joy instead of sorrow. But first there must be sorrow.

We do a poor job loving our neighbors. Which suggests perhaps we do a poor job of delighting in his love for us.

Here’s what I am praying for.

▪ First, that we won’t miss this, but that God will pour out on us a Spirit of mourning. Just to be clear, not a mourning for ourselves because we lost our coach. A mourning over sin and our deficiency of love.

▪ That the mourning won’t just be limited to Cru but that it will spread throughout the entire campus.

▪ And that as we experience his grace, he’ll turn that mourning into gladness.

▪ And as we delight in his love, we will be transformed into neighbors who love well.

I want to invite you to grieve. Come down front and grieve together:

Grieve your own abuse if you’ve been victimized.
Grieve for the kids who fell into the hands of Sandusky.
Grieve your own lovelessness, or other sin.
Grieve anything else God puts on your heart.

Georgia and Lunch in the Souqs

2011-11-21T15:03:00.000+03:00

A few weeks ago when we were all off for the Eid break. We spent lunch and part of the afternoon at Souq Waqif...still one of our favorite places to hang out in Doha. They continue to update and add on. Its all brand new facilities, shops and restaurants but very old authentic Middle Eastern architecture and charm. Lots of locals and expats all in one place. Fun atmosphere and since the weather is better we enjoyed lunch outside.

Waiting for our table...

don't go to the souqs hungry or thirsty. The service is authentic too :)

Our centerpiece while we waited for our food.

My man!

Family pic

p.s. Daddy dressed the kids! I was impressed!

I also took the opportunity to take a few shots of Georgia while we were down there. I wanted to catch Georgia at 18 months old in this dress! My mom smocked this dress for me and Ashley to wear when we were little. Its still good as new and has Honey's fingerprints all over it from years ago.

Georgia was on the verge of being very sick but I didn't know it. Looking at these pictures you can see it in her eyes. The best mom's don't pay attention to those warning signs.

All of these expressions are so true to Miss Priss though. I could bottle this age up and keep it forever!

These 2 aren't sharp but they certainly represent Georgie's personality.

Poor sick eyes and runny nose!

...oh Lord be with us as we move toward the terrible TWO. I think we might have our hands full.

Camping or BUST

2011-11-11T15:09:00.002+03:00

BUST! This trip turned out to be pretty hilarious but it started off ok. Some people would say we were crazy to go in the first place but seriously what are we supposed to do. We live in the desert and we have an entire week off school and Nick had 3 days off work. For the less adventuresome and outdoorsy, I get it but for us...we enjoy doing something with a little unknown, plus this camping trip involved almost the entire expat population.

So we spent 2 days preparing, packing, cooking, shopping, etc and on Sunday at 10:30 in the morning we met a slew of other campers in the Villagio Mall parking lot. It was there the adventure began. Our ring leaders the Gouldens are experienced boy scouts so we felt very confident as followers. Jan gave each car a pink Post-It note to put in our window so we could keep track of all the cars driving to our campsite at Umm Bab. Brilliant idea since were TWENTY FIVE (25) cars heading that way.

Here are a couple pics of our beautiful scenic drive...don't you see why there is good reason to get out of this city and closer to the few beautiful spots this country has to offer.

Heard of goats...can you spot their shepherd...is that what you call him?

Simply said...

Car #1 has the yellow canoes, Car #3 is Nick's FJ, I was car #20 of 25

Eventually we had to give up the paved road and only one car got stuck in the sand.

Do you see it? Wait for it...

Our campsite!

What, you're not blown away by the beauty?

Oh and obviously its not an official campsite.