Fabulous Friends

A couple weekends ago our good friends took a road trip from Saudi Arabia to come and see us. We couldn't have been more thrilled! We made good use of our few days together by taking updated group pictures

We also tried to impress them with what Abu Dhabi has to offer so that they will be more likely to make the trip again :) As we went out for an evening in the dunes, we were lucky enough to catch the camel herders bringing in the camels. It never gets old to see CAMELS everywhere, and I was super excited to realize that there weren't lots of cars on the road so Ken could slow down and I could take some pictures from the car. 

Talking on a cell phone while crossing some desert on camel back. That's just cool.

Another perk of having Jon and Ashley with us is that Ashley has some mad photography skills and could take pictures with me in them! We got to the dunes late and the sun was fading fast, but we were still able to get a few shots. 

This face. Need I say anything else?!

I can always count on Tyler to help me try to capture a good picture. He was proud of his jumping skills.

Works well with 2 people too ...

but not so much with 7. Ken couldn't do the jump justice with Colby in the front pack, and Owen wasn't so sure it was a good idea at all.

The next day we went to the the grand mosque. It was a bright day. And Will didn't want to be in the picture, so he hid behind us.

We followed the mosque and lunch with a trip to the beach. I forgot Colby's hat, so Ken made him one. I think he likes it :) I also forgot my camera, but Ashley was kind enough to jump up and take every picture I asked her too, with no complaining. What a pal :)

The many faces of Colby. I think Ken thinks he's an action figure!

It was time for some football. It was EXTREMELY entertaining to watch Hailey try to hike the ball. She's got determination, I'll give her that much!

Snack time!

I'm sure that back in junior high, these 2 didn't realize that many years later they'd be covered in kids, living in the Middle East as (practically) neighbors. We hope to see them again soon!

Hatta Happiness II

Last weekend we trekked out to the Hatta Pools for a little excitement. I'm always fascinated by (and a little anxious for) these guys in their cars pulling crazy stunts on the dunes.

This trip, I was determined to stop at some of the pottery shops and find a pot. I did!

I wanted to stop at one of these roadside fruit stands, but after 4 potty stops in what was supposed to be a 1.5 hour long trip, decided it wasn't really the time.

The mountains of Oman. Or the UAE. You go through so many check points it is hard to remember which country you are in at the moment.

The kids playing at the pools. It was a chilly 72 degrees, so Tyler insisted on wearing Ken's shirt :) They hung out up here with friends while Ken and I went and walked/swam through the slot canyon part.

Exploring

I always mention friends - this time, I got a picture of one of them. Isn't she adorable? We left her in charge of the kids. I think her parents helped out too...

Will and Hailey were just coming down off of a "hike" they were doing on the mountainside. Unbeknownst to him, I caught Will's victory-completion dance. I love this kid :) This is how I feel after completing one of these outings too!

Merry Christmas!

Our 2nd Christmas here in Abu Dhabi! 

The kids got to visit with a couple different Santas. From this Santa at the boy's school, they asked for fake throw up and a pet chicken. Lovely.

The church Santa gave them candy - Hailey informed him that was all she wanted for Christmas!

Christmas morning started at 1:30 a.m. They are my kids I guess! I used to do the same. We were somehow able to convince them to wait until a more suitable hour.

Tyler admiring Will's present.

This shopping cart was a big hit!

Gramps played several games of Tyler's new battleship game with him!

Hailey got her first barbies, and Grammy got her all set up. Everyone was particularly interested in barbie's dog who eats dog food then poops :)

My mom completed my Christmas by cooking some of my favorite Panamanian dishes: arroz con pollo and potato salad. 

Hailey taking her new bike out for a spin! 

Owen shopping for rocks in the neighborhood. 

He sure loves his Grammy!

After a few hours of work, the ninja dojo is done! Complete with a ninja robot.