Gulf Gardening

Don't let anyone tell you there aren't many flowers in the desert! This park in Dubai took gardening to a  whole new level. Here's Hailey next to a huge peacock.

Wondering what to do with your old/ no longer functioning car? Problem solved!

Probably not for hanging on, but that is what every kid we saw wanted to do!

Hailey's favorite - pink, purple, and red.

You don't have to go all the way to Egypt to see a pyramid!

This seemed fitting, as it was Owen's birthday outing.

He was excited to be free of the stroller and practicing his walking moves.

We thought all the different colored spider man umbrellas were a nice touch :)

And last but not least, the Burj Khalifa out of flowers!

Air show Adventures

In late February, the airport close to us did an air show everyday for a week. We live so close that we had prime seats, just out in the backyard. The noise mostly scared the kids, but they were also fascinated by all of the amazing twists and turns the planes did, so they would watch while covering their ears. Some of their moves were pretty unbelievable. Crazy enough that I would find myself backing up with the kids into the "safety" of our house when it looked like they were spiraling out of control, down to the ground :)

That same weekend, we went to the beach to watch the Red Bull airshow they were having right out on the water. We arrived nice and early, so the kids could play at the beach with their friends. 

Unfortunately, due to A.D. standard time, the show didn't start until 4 hours later than they had originally announced ... I think they all look pretty happy for people who have waited that long!

Hailey opted to do some of her waiting by going to sleep.

At last, the planes started flying through the inflateables.

It was pretty cool, but after watching a few planes, we decided we were done and would rather go get something to eat. Hooray for unexpected changes to plans! (that is the attitude we are trying to cultivate in our children and ourselves, since this isn't the first time something like this has happened :)

Beach Bums II

When the weather warms up just a little bit, play group here means beach time. This beach in particular is one of my favorites.

Owen was happily playing in the sand, but I think this lifeguard was bored, so he took Owen and walked with him to the water and played with him there.

Will claimed he was too scared to go in the waves, and 5 seconds after we got there was running and jumping in them. 

Hailey's little friend. She loves Jesper!

Owen can't get enough of the shells and sand. I am constantly fishing shells out of his mouth, although I've given up on the sand. He'll get tired of it eventually :)

Another perk - this is what the kids look like afterwards. I just carry them in and set them down on the couches! Well, except for Owen who still requires effort, a cup of milk, and his crib. Oh well, 2 out of 3 isn't too bad!

Munchkin Moment (Tyler)

With the happy arrival of "birthday week" (where 4 of the 6 of us turn a year older), Tyler turned 7! We got him a scooter he's been dying to have for quite a while. It is actually pretty fun - I enjoy taking a turn on it too!

As you can see, the kids have made some concessions to Abu Dhabi's fierce winter weather - Tyler is wearing socks, and Hailey is wearing long sleeves. Pretty sure it was in the mid 70's that day:)

Tyler decided he wanted to take some friends bowling, so here is part of the crew! Friends from church, school, and the neighborhood. And of course, siblings.

Tyler got to go first, and got a spare. He was THRILLED!

Owen was happy to watch. He thinks they are all his friends too :)

Another little sister (Cora) stayed, and she and Hailey teamed up for their bowling turn. It was cute to watch them bowl together, trying to lift the heavy bowling ball between the two of them!

Friendly cheering.

Ken looked at this picture and said, "that's my son!" I can't tell you how many pictures I have of Ken with some piece of food purposefully hanging out of his mouth.

Party! (Cora, Hailey, Lily, Troy, Tyler, Will, Miles, Mimi and Andrew)

Plus the two crazy adults who somehow think they can pull this off without too much stress... Good thing our friend Jenny stayed too :)

Back at the house, for cake and presents. Everyone got in on the action.

I'm sure these two make life for their school teacher exciting! She introduced them to each other the first day of school, knowing they were both brand new, and they hit it off right away! Their family has become good friends of ours.

Sometimes you're feeling it, and sometimes the best you can do is tell Tyler to make you his favorite lego guys, and count that as adequate cake decorating. I am obviously not on pinterest, but I think it is for the better :)

Hooray for one year older!

This is early one morning, when I was still struggling to get up and get everything rolling for school (Ken was out of town) and the kids were helping Owen stay happy for a few minutes. 

Tyler was home sick with strep for a few days, and organized all kinds of fun games for the kids.

Owen liked this one, in which they all pushed him round and around the house. Tyler makes sure no one goes too fast, or lets Owen fall out.

My early morning book sale buddy. His school does a used book sale every month, & its like Christmas for us! With no library around, we make do with this. This morning there was tons of fog, which made everything look eerie. I'm sure glad for this little man who is the perfect example of an oldest child and keeps me on my toes :)