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

Prayer Request

Some of you know my dear friend, Pooh (Jennifer) who I consider a cousin. Her dad's brother married my mom's sister :) Its confusing. So, Pooh and I are related by marriage. We became close friends while we were at Baylor and spent one summer in Waco as roommates. Her dad is in ICU in Little Rock right now. He is dealing with a very serious neurological health issue that doctors can't explain. Last fall Uncle Allen handled this same situation and was literally delivered by God's healing hand 100%. It was truly a miracle before our eyes. Doctors never could explain what happened but none the less we were all so thankful God delivered his body back to health. Over the last week he has again slipped back into a similar desperate situation that needs prayer. He's having severe tremors, halucinations, along with balance and physical challenges. Will you please join us in praying for Allen Smith and his incredible family. God has been glorified through the Smith's in every way. No doubt we have all grown by experiencing this along with them. If you want to keep up with any other details they keep a blog updated daily. It will encourage you beyond what you could imagine! Thank you for praying!

http://www.allensmithfamily.blogspot.com/

Allen and Margaret Smith


Pooh (Jennifer) and precious Brooke who's 1st birthday is next week on February 20th!

Playdate with the Bees

Today we had a play date and lunch at one of the malls in Doha.
the Bees

Yes, they actually celebrate Valentines Day here. Lots of cheesy stuff. Check out this set up.

Doha Starbucks

After eating lunch in the food court we played at this awesome play area...Circus Land!


We met some dear friends the Volstad boys to play.
I refer to my boys as the Bees, simply because both names start with "B"
But check this out...here are the REAL BEES from left to right.
Brennan, Barrett, Bodee, Brady, Brooks


This place is pretty unbelievable. And we had it to ourselves. The boys obviously had a blast!



Just about all the jumping that Barrett can handle...a little on the side.

First time for bumper cars.