tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3408995398161294092024-03-21T17:41:06.169-07:00Did You Hear About the Allens?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-25964657774042588932015-08-12T20:27:00.000-07:002015-08-12T20:27:06.869-07:00Shut up, hope.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
August 14th. A turning point. The point that marks "before" and "after," "with" and "without," "life" and "death." I hate admitting that everyone was right. It did get easier. The pain of abruptly and shockingly losing my mom doesn't consume every thought of every day. In fact, there are even days when I manage to skip thinking about the loss all together.<br />
<br />
This must be healing. And moving on might be easier if it weren't for that one, pesky, little emotion....hope. Ordinarily, I see the value of hope, even embrace it. Hope has guided me through many difficult times and, under most circumstances, I'm grateful that I can be positive enough to experience and embody a hopeful attitude.<br />
<br />
The problem with hope arises when my subconscious takes over and the dreams begin. Recently, I dreamt that my mom had come back. The feeling was so real and the relief so tangible that I remember awaking to a refreshing happiness I hadn't experience in some time. The sinking realization of reality was crushing as the hope swiftly dissipated and memories of the truth swept over me, all in a few seconds. If I could just shut off the hope surrounding my mother's loss, convince my subconscious to accept the truth and cease these incessant attempts to convince me that a "what if" exists. ...If I could get hope to shut up.... I could be the strong person I need to be...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-64099579151429080452014-12-23T20:57:00.000-08:002014-12-23T20:57:02.062-08:00Dear Mom: A Letter You'll Never Read<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Time can be unpredictable. Often, that fateful day seems like it happened mere weeks ago, the pain burns so intensely. But, in some instances, as I ponder the passage of time since your loss, I'm shocked to realize that just over four months have gone by. Just as experienced grievers promised, life does go on. My instinct is to feel guilt when I suddenly realize we're carrying on with some of your favorite things...without you there. The truth is, nothing is the same. And it never will be. But we're learning to adjust, and we're persevering.<br />
<br />
Holidays are easily the most painful experiences without you. I just...I thought we'd have more. I never could have known that Dalila's first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthday would also be her last Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthday with her Grandma. We've spent three full years away from you for all of the major milestones, knowing we would eventually return and pick up our favorite traditions where we left off. But now, that's impossible, and the ache for the things that will never be is sharp and constant. Capri will never spend a holiday with her Grandma.<br />
<br />
Somehow, we struggle through the pain, and we manage to smile and even experience some joy. Halloween and Thanksgiving were spent as a tight-knit group of family. My sisters and I have miraculously managed to strengthen our already deep connection and take turns supporting one another as difficult days come and go for each of us. As we hurt together, we somehow heal together. We make certain your grandchildren know how much you loved them and how much family means.<br />
<br />
One of the many difficulties now lies in the memories themselves. How can they be fading already? There is so much I want to recall, but I feel certain details beginning to slip. My over-worked mind struggles to harness every last bit of a particular image of you but the edges of that once crystal-clear picture threaten to sneak away in wispy tendrils, leaving a grainy impression. I want to always remember your laugh and your smell, but I worry those will slip, too.<br />
<br />
Now, with Christmas just days away, we wonder how we can cope without you. My sisters and I are adamant about hanging on to some of your favorite traditions: pizza, Christmas lights, and new jammies on Christmas Eve. And we're trying some new things, forging our own traditions in an effort to find our way through your absence. We're grateful for the unbreakable bond you instilled in us as sisters and know we'd be lost without each other and our own families we built with your guidance and support.<br />
<br />
I know many will assure me that you are "always here" with us. In a way, I know this is true. Your spirit will never leave and your presence can be felt in so many aspects of our lives. But I wish you were HERE. And I always will.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas, Mom. We love you forever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1610748_10152353887284125_7325837203661200036_n.jpg?oh=a864ed712718843d6da004b680ef6738&oe=54FCF424&__gda__=1429773595_46ceae54143d3ed8a51ff7bac6dff2f2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1610748_10152353887284125_7325837203661200036_n.jpg?oh=a864ed712718843d6da004b680ef6738&oe=54FCF424&__gda__=1429773595_46ceae54143d3ed8a51ff7bac6dff2f2" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-15625081306780503712014-10-02T20:14:00.000-07:002014-10-02T20:36:48.452-07:00When it feels real<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Grief is tricky. As an outsider, a foreigner to the concept, I never really stopped to consider the composition of grief. I always assumed the heart-wrenching, unexpected loss of a close loved one would be an all-consuming blur of pain and sorrow. Now I realize how colorful and varied this grief experience can be. How it can constantly and instantly change from a tiny tickle at the back of your neck to a sweeping burn that rips your breath from your body.<br />
<br />
Most surprising is the reality that escape is possible, and can be accomplished in even the simplest tasks. My first true experience with escape came with the delivery of the "news." As the doctors described the war raging inside my mom's body, I struggled to find anything else to focus on. My gaze fell to the floor where I noted a tiny little blood splatter on the cold tile of the ICU room. Knowing this view wouldn't serve as a proper escape, I shifted my focus to my toes and noticed a small chip at the top of my normally meticulous pedicure. As my brain attempted to translate the hum of the doctor's voice into meaningful words, I considered how disappointed I was to have a chip in my toenail polish. This became my escape for each subsequent doctor speech in the coming days. That chip in my polish and the nagging thought that I had to fix it as soon as possible provided me with an outlet for the grief that grew in multitudes as the hours wore on. Yet, as the fateful day came and passed, the chip in my polish became a symbol. Something I couldn't let go of, because it might mean I would have to finally face the grief. It's a bizarre metaphor, I know, but I think it demonstrates just how personal every individual's experience of sadness can be.<br />
<br />
There are better ways to escape, too. Losing myself in my job and remembering how much I love sixth graders, distracting myself with my girls and their boundless energy, laughing with my husband the way only he can make me laugh. But, inevitably, these distractions lead to passing thoughts. And passing thoughts no longer exist. One moment, I'm lifting Capri over my head to hear her squeal her adorable little toddler squeal when I make eye contact with her and feel the hard, fast punch of loss as I notice she has my mom's eyes. The shift is instantaneous and the pain is palpable. And this is when it feels real. When I can't escape anymore and I have to accept, but the hurt is just too strong and powerful. Sometimes, it's too real and I have to withdraw again. I have to shake my head and cut off the thoughts...because how can it really be real?<br />
<br />
The sympathy of others is always well-meaning and appreciated. But I hear that I can move on now, "She would have wanted it that way." I thank whoever issued the advice and smile the smile of sadness, the kind that barely touches the corners of my mouth and moves nothing else, but I know the reality. She wouldn't want it this way. She would want to be here! And the cycle of grief begins again, ever-changing, wildly unpredictable, and painful...but a real, almost welcome reminder of my mommy, who I miss so much, and who deserves this grief.
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-54914018306053134142014-07-08T03:20:00.000-07:002014-07-08T03:20:03.150-07:00Nine Wonderful Years<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nine years ago, Jeremy and I were married in a beautiful ceremony. We've experienced and grown so much in the time we've spent together. I'm happy to say, Jeremy, I love you just as much now as the day we said, "I do."</div>
<div><iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.kizoa.com/embed-11822396-4929115o1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.kizoa.com/Video-Maker/d11822396k4929115o2/9-years"><b>9 years</b></a> - <i><a href="http://www.kizoa.com">Video Maker</a></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-71826408321167141632014-06-22T22:01:00.000-07:002014-07-05T07:11:56.929-07:00Your trip home takes HOW long!?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ah, summer vacation. The perfect time for rest and relaxation after a long and arduous school year. But we can't fully engage in the "rest and relaxation" portion of the break until the "travel home" portion is complete. Every year as the school year winds down and the teaching staff begins to talk of plans for summer holidays, the inevitable question arises - how long does it take you to travel back to Idaho, Amanda?<br />
<br />
Answering this question with the same number each year is impossible. Because Salt Lake City (which sees few international flights) is the closest international airport to our home, we are never able to take a direct flight home from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. We ALWAYS have to stop at least once - and even a one-stop travel agenda is a rarity. Usually, we have two layovers to sit through. Fortunately, we receive a travel allowance from my company and are able to choose our own flights. This allows us the opportunity to travel to different destinations if we prefer as we did on our first summer trip home when we spent <a href="http://allensonadventures.blogspot.ae/2012/07/the-allens-invade-europe.html" target="_blank">5 days touring London</a>. We're also able to choose more affordable flight options and pocket any leftover travel money - an option Jeremy and I have chosen each year.<br />
<br />
Still, I'm left speechless every time I talk to a coworker who travels to, say, Chicago (where most Middle Eastern airlines fly directly, almost every day!), and hear that they've received a higher travel stipend than me!! If I could just force myself to stop comparing travel allowances, the truth is, I'd be really happy with what we receive. But that's far easier said than done...<br />
<br />
So, with the background information in place, here is a breakdown of our travel agenda this year:<br />
<br />
July 15th, 11:00 pm<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Dubai time)</span> - Leave Dubai airport for Doha, Qatar.<br />
Flight time - 1 hour<br />
Layover time - 8 hours<br />
<br />
July 16th, 8:00 am <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Qatar time)</span> - Leave Qatar airport for Dallas, Texas.<br />
Flight time - 15.5 hours<br />
Layover time - 2.5 hours<br />
<br />
July 16th, 5:00 pm<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Central time)</span> - Leave Dallas airport for Salt Lake.<br />
Flight time - 2.5 hours<br />
<br />
July 16th/17th, 7:30 pm <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Mountain time)</span> - Drive from Salt Lake to Idaho Falls.<br />
Driving time - 3.5 hours<br />
<br />
...And then, we SLEEP!!<br />
<br />
So, our total time in the air is about 19 hours. With early airport arrivals, layovers, and driving time included, we will spend approximately 36 hours traveling home. Whew!!
Exhausting, but completely worth it. Now, when we're scheduled to meet up with friends and loved ones the day after we arrive home in Idaho Falls, they'll understand why we will look (and probably act) like sleep-deprived, jet-lagged zombies...because that's what we'll be. <br />
<br />
Bring on the summer holiday!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="240" src="//w2.countingdownto.com/588324" width="350"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://countingdownto.com/">Countdown Clock</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-33759604917951730662014-06-10T04:44:00.000-07:002014-06-10T04:44:14.752-07:00Capri's First Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I can't think of a more bittersweet moment for a parent than the day your baby turns one. Often, the birthday party for the one-year-old is more for Mommy and Daddy than for the actual birthday girl. We tried to keep this in mind when planning for Capri's first birthday - think about the baby, think about the baby. Therefore, we elected to make our little one's first birthday party very small and very simple.<br />
<br />
Decorations came first. Dalila's favorite part of the day before the party was helping to put up decorations. And what a helper she is!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4F5qN8m_6J5UPb7peLpJEQfYw5Jg8AGpZdnjRH4MIddHjPHIJRqmsyhMRP1CJd1QdcJOAjRW-E59rdM-5MGxH5bUmLsFKpbeCaExVmmCcgehoaHYMnilmbFg29QOyL7ihp5x_lsz/s1600/P1050932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4F5qN8m_6J5UPb7peLpJEQfYw5Jg8AGpZdnjRH4MIddHjPHIJRqmsyhMRP1CJd1QdcJOAjRW-E59rdM-5MGxH5bUmLsFKpbeCaExVmmCcgehoaHYMnilmbFg29QOyL7ihp5x_lsz/s1600/P1050932.JPG" height="400" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X3-CfRrFzZE0xWUSdlYpYxazfQyIzcUJj2wAOngUeXAi_VNLoQaPhDr3gBAFwgEZahZXoOTfCiDwgOOsnQ2vzk_We-lipZ8yl6AwW4clCZkRH4Ze3udtMIc7rwCco5WGuoEuMay5/s1600/P1050940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X3-CfRrFzZE0xWUSdlYpYxazfQyIzcUJj2wAOngUeXAi_VNLoQaPhDr3gBAFwgEZahZXoOTfCiDwgOOsnQ2vzk_We-lipZ8yl6AwW4clCZkRH4Ze3udtMIc7rwCco5WGuoEuMay5/s1600/P1050940.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
BALLOONS!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqkeWMSiUssFdd9bgccAI2CWou79Zl5qtCt6imnaNylc82eNaq-a4M2FSAJprzoiIQ8f5rHEyaPU-UsX_Tdc-g3lmDWVRNxGrgPbOWOeS2r4CuHnqUNDcsNEEg-vnTE5LlXcTeOrM/s1600/P1050919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqkeWMSiUssFdd9bgccAI2CWou79Zl5qtCt6imnaNylc82eNaq-a4M2FSAJprzoiIQ8f5rHEyaPU-UsX_Tdc-g3lmDWVRNxGrgPbOWOeS2r4CuHnqUNDcsNEEg-vnTE5LlXcTeOrM/s1600/P1050919.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Capri had a very small and exclusive guest list - babies near her age and their siblings only (plus one of Dalila's best little buddies who always comes to her parties).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkAjKVyAba-qsONmFJvCUIyIl2Ry4XdkrS5TPr_a_qWIsXwJ_6JCJMlmp3fUmsyUVKc40xuteeKW4-8Xz-fXrsecQYVqXZC8w0CJqo0ZM1j9Q2jUfvRXGBq3YLplq-t2E8IqL23mX/s1600/P1050950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkAjKVyAba-qsONmFJvCUIyIl2Ry4XdkrS5TPr_a_qWIsXwJ_6JCJMlmp3fUmsyUVKc40xuteeKW4-8Xz-fXrsecQYVqXZC8w0CJqo0ZM1j9Q2jUfvRXGBq3YLplq-t2E8IqL23mX/s1600/P1050950.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKYdv2fAJlAZ25OJ7rSaOn5YEaoOui_e1EeUyTL4DDL1Lim7iBjYMZU0lBePbk-5FpHDTB_vqfsGXKtAddq7YhSD25h0CNdnglAPeYltgw1keGanZXDTZHoX84xLtTiFSPVsDaV7L/s1600/P1050952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKYdv2fAJlAZ25OJ7rSaOn5YEaoOui_e1EeUyTL4DDL1Lim7iBjYMZU0lBePbk-5FpHDTB_vqfsGXKtAddq7YhSD25h0CNdnglAPeYltgw1keGanZXDTZHoX84xLtTiFSPVsDaV7L/s1600/P1050952.JPG" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Unwrapping presents is an art form!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDpnRtRLiq0sZ0-1kcYJukoNtCMw7nrs3y8MNhvNkHcPozYLqRsT5a4eEUtq0TQlPL42ioD87TZa2A82mXfsG3yy7MOBRnYe8FwHPoNDctgTXE4PhfWWE5XHzZRCp8HFdAf6-g4-F/s1600/P1050953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDpnRtRLiq0sZ0-1kcYJukoNtCMw7nrs3y8MNhvNkHcPozYLqRsT5a4eEUtq0TQlPL42ioD87TZa2A82mXfsG3yy7MOBRnYe8FwHPoNDctgTXE4PhfWWE5XHzZRCp8HFdAf6-g4-F/s1600/P1050953.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRRhaE-aNJ8u2ygAb0XfXD0iEaE6VdQf4Zw1LMb9fNi1O3OJvraDYDWEL5dHbZxWocj1mkRXRMhVTEM2Yb2n_urwbPmR8kqW5aseHZx2EGPNxeGqQY-vbJrtEzKBARGman3UZVHHA/s1600/P1050955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRRhaE-aNJ8u2ygAb0XfXD0iEaE6VdQf4Zw1LMb9fNi1O3OJvraDYDWEL5dHbZxWocj1mkRXRMhVTEM2Yb2n_urwbPmR8kqW5aseHZx2EGPNxeGqQY-vbJrtEzKBARGman3UZVHHA/s1600/P1050955.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3yLQJOj4mj4dFiVkKpB0_kY9O8da8QIj7q0uqIL0IMWTT9Q04Qu_3EjlPLtHAkF6rtnxYOLwymwiHdbKRtssuuX6lHaCWQPOhFuff49yGLoraO_ydFkmm9CHQqdGRALKEgoN_Ac6/s1600/P1050967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3yLQJOj4mj4dFiVkKpB0_kY9O8da8QIj7q0uqIL0IMWTT9Q04Qu_3EjlPLtHAkF6rtnxYOLwymwiHdbKRtssuuX6lHaCWQPOhFuff49yGLoraO_ydFkmm9CHQqdGRALKEgoN_Ac6/s1600/P1050967.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And, of course, the CAKE SMASH!! Capri is an extremely talented cake smasher.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzV0suU0tmTxjOIghQLITb3arzNfgKhhrHya4-FtPo2S1TZEFSkPKkL55LiHZ6208EILaq5iak3ygyZRh3WoA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotsYyIhBtrIkh3TXpa9mTAp8YfkpSFmDSAE-jq1GFRKPYx_SOMdYSYaP71wbl-YyyNx4M9fWUo2UI0SQavkiCMbLYA2YmKt2mvFDA3SPLB3sdwx0iEZNC_cayPepSh5Pi4VljjkjZ/s1600/P1050995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotsYyIhBtrIkh3TXpa9mTAp8YfkpSFmDSAE-jq1GFRKPYx_SOMdYSYaP71wbl-YyyNx4M9fWUo2UI0SQavkiCMbLYA2YmKt2mvFDA3SPLB3sdwx0iEZNC_cayPepSh5Pi4VljjkjZ/s1600/P1050995.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy birthday, Miss Capri!<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-20560923032679542172014-04-19T04:37:00.000-07:002014-04-19T06:57:59.565-07:00A Year of Firsts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's such a cliche - "They grow up so fast." Experienced parents always seem to offer the advice to embrace every moment of your baby's life - she's only a baby for a year, after all. Despite the fact that we are on baby number two and are well aware of just how fast that first year zips by, it still has managed to catch me by surprise. Little Capri is an infant already, well on her way to toddlerhood, and I'm left marveling at just how rapidly this first year has passed us by and muttering to myself, "They really do grow up so fast..." In celebration of Capri's first year of life and just a month shy of of her big one year birthday, here's a list of some of her most memorable - and most adorable - firsts.<br />
<br />
First Smile<br />
We were holding out for this one for what seemed like forever - Capri was a pretty sad little newborn. She suffered from painful acid reflux and had to take Zantac from about 3 weeks old. Thankfully, Capri adored her sister from even a few weeks old and Dalila could always get a smile (and sometimes, even a coo) out of her baby sis.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5R9Y6h9L3O_X7RqafeHH9-tNQdTLYQEgz9EvahJhKEbbDgbAaoOPYiGqXz9Am1SLVSWcGc5osKSTPWE1EURgIS3A3bmWCPvYjNCrjx7QfQALTDXd70I0i9HMImk-aWak7QtJWWX7/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5R9Y6h9L3O_X7RqafeHH9-tNQdTLYQEgz9EvahJhKEbbDgbAaoOPYiGqXz9Am1SLVSWcGc5osKSTPWE1EURgIS3A3bmWCPvYjNCrjx7QfQALTDXd70I0i9HMImk-aWak7QtJWWX7/s1600/39.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGk7JTn03y-JuLO-Q3HYvrPdI_7zBEGsOSBPRpdnuhroeNSHWduZP7QYOmLt98JtYOqSFs1K7gjaYwPUcET_xWeGybpS9UZnuE0Mg1V6InuDgFz-KEY37Zw2J0AAiOC1jxXJywTmj/s1600/P1030984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGk7JTn03y-JuLO-Q3HYvrPdI_7zBEGsOSBPRpdnuhroeNSHWduZP7QYOmLt98JtYOqSFs1K7gjaYwPUcET_xWeGybpS9UZnuE0Mg1V6InuDgFz-KEY37Zw2J0AAiOC1jxXJywTmj/s1600/P1030984.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
First Plane Trip<br />
Capri became a world traveler at a mere 5 weeks old. We may have received a few glares as we strolled through the airport and boarded our flights with a tiny newborn, but that girl was a fantastic flyer!<br />
(Sorry for the lack of photographic evidence - we were quite busy on Capri's first flight!)<br />
<br />
First Giggle<br />
Just like her smiles, Capri loves to giggle for her sister. What a connection these two have!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzycSrBwITmoTgLxRp0BK_aS7_m6cfbsj36GmCBuwqpYemdvhREMiEM_Kr6fK0rlkRYvYHmOVenfTdSxxs3Yw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGJ9UdRtyU3FzeFgoWpSMqOrIVxOB3q05Hj5ZZIEB9cp_xdb57LgNFBEjyNNNP5gW5A94xBUqzVHX9ljIC6jgOA45Tmv4veUxwXU9IpJIjfDMx9GlZA5AzaExKjiK_uiV5PqLZ8ij/s1600/P1040143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGJ9UdRtyU3FzeFgoWpSMqOrIVxOB3q05Hj5ZZIEB9cp_xdb57LgNFBEjyNNNP5gW5A94xBUqzVHX9ljIC6jgOA45Tmv4veUxwXU9IpJIjfDMx9GlZA5AzaExKjiK_uiV5PqLZ8ij/s1600/P1040143.JPG" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious girls, having a few giggles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
SO Many First Holidays<br />
And here's the photo evidence...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e7KkLt5UUefDjKxR97N_CmeVf0oktGJZHULxVwlfGjgnrYvrHcQF8crNfjSG8pS_WRITdAW0Pk-qoUMP9zYJMnse_sc4qzhaW9MTjeMLPy5719QsmfBSVxq0VYErb6b-f-PSWCCt/s1600/P1030730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e7KkLt5UUefDjKxR97N_CmeVf0oktGJZHULxVwlfGjgnrYvrHcQF8crNfjSG8pS_WRITdAW0Pk-qoUMP9zYJMnse_sc4qzhaW9MTjeMLPy5719QsmfBSVxq0VYErb6b-f-PSWCCt/s1600/P1030730.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Fourth of July - at the Menan parade, of course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TFH2w-bP_5Lkks0hDX2dVuiMeNUjrNT33_vWe2zlcvXrPzMfBn_lJQDtYpYD6r2A9CE2U8p9Zo5YKGEfqdL8P4Vz0HyHWQK2fQ52yMcbcmFvJBoSci6OQt1_E9MAz4wkCC_n68ax/s1600/P1040247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TFH2w-bP_5Lkks0hDX2dVuiMeNUjrNT33_vWe2zlcvXrPzMfBn_lJQDtYpYD6r2A9CE2U8p9Zo5YKGEfqdL8P4Vz0HyHWQK2fQ52yMcbcmFvJBoSci6OQt1_E9MAz4wkCC_n68ax/s1600/P1040247.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Halloween as a kitty (and Dalila is Blueberry Muffin)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dQvNAWAWq-r7iKhD4KTZ2afmw9Y7AhLgZ3YLJmwp-sTcMKKou7LYJ79xqmI8dK00XEptY31RIHutEPdOobkToY3UXLD-3e2cv5T3Zc2eRZ8NHBgPQu7uIiWI6PrGgiS5f1_zJKSJ/s1600/P1040332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dQvNAWAWq-r7iKhD4KTZ2afmw9Y7AhLgZ3YLJmwp-sTcMKKou7LYJ79xqmI8dK00XEptY31RIHutEPdOobkToY3UXLD-3e2cv5T3Zc2eRZ8NHBgPQu7uIiWI6PrGgiS5f1_zJKSJ/s1600/P1040332.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Thanksgiving - with a trip to the zoo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDFO9yY6rNy7zzZDtolviaZy_U-Gbde5ypB7mVGXystzW_zdj8EJGdpaxcJqJ20jdjqeQK_fK1rAQ4O1tLvzIJxRjKHUEZcEpL-jTPjpAd24vaf1glmd3NmG-Z8Yy9JY1ZpJzdR0w/s1600/P1040584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDFO9yY6rNy7zzZDtolviaZy_U-Gbde5ypB7mVGXystzW_zdj8EJGdpaxcJqJ20jdjqeQK_fK1rAQ4O1tLvzIJxRjKHUEZcEpL-jTPjpAd24vaf1glmd3NmG-Z8Yy9JY1ZpJzdR0w/s1600/P1040584.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3HpE2jp_ptwreEP4s6B-AYsd4pbH7Xe5zO3mrqvjUhSed7sBjLS3nyaCX3niTsDzPZ6rtcsX5Mnvr2BuaCSADynJ24zo_NrRg9qvgFxNfe8A3VfbFfKexfRQ7UjEyzvzPiQ85T-B/s1600/Santa+-+2013+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3HpE2jp_ptwreEP4s6B-AYsd4pbH7Xe5zO3mrqvjUhSed7sBjLS3nyaCX3niTsDzPZ6rtcsX5Mnvr2BuaCSADynJ24zo_NrRg9qvgFxNfe8A3VfbFfKexfRQ7UjEyzvzPiQ85T-B/s1600/Santa+-+2013+002.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First visit to Santa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First Food<br />
Avocado - YUM!! And she hasn't looked back since starting solids. This little girl LOVES food!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM4eOm-fBxCYodfahVlrIztBi-LjAwty5FJgnEA-WzJlkvS_17iHm7S4_81FKdU-cMQ4plQyAYpvbWyCKrsLjWbbWbP60DKH_M2EUTSUH2iA8n56Zs5SX2C0K8iB4mtpa2e6jq0sF/s1600/P1040281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM4eOm-fBxCYodfahVlrIztBi-LjAwty5FJgnEA-WzJlkvS_17iHm7S4_81FKdU-cMQ4plQyAYpvbWyCKrsLjWbbWbP60DKH_M2EUTSUH2iA8n56Zs5SX2C0K8iB4mtpa2e6jq0sF/s1600/P1040281.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
First Crawl<br />
Little Capri has been determined to show how mobile she can be from as early as 5 months old. She finally accomplished true crawling at around 6 months old - while I was on winter break! Lucky me!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxEZBdD3ARk9GjZkSaq4LLlobRMH-cWN95gXCoFXuDehlWXvcUqfDDvcohW406mC0d3xWpg69B2K2y_D4b4lw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
First Steps<br />
Little miss mobile wasn't satisfied with crawling (who can blame her with those hard marble floors - ouch!). So she began cruising by 7.5 months. She saved her true first steps for spring break, so I got to witness those, too! What a thoughtful baby!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L0v465HllJGHEc3byPJ2U4qQvEwa2XQpJktRZlVdq0_15G7VR2TIEOKVcleIIunoN5gv_HsHGw-VA3wZmLYf4hKIcmBlhwAvK_E1UyBWrkSzDMl7ZBCbZMCbQJZ_1FaGJPcLyUVc/s1600/P1040819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L0v465HllJGHEc3byPJ2U4qQvEwa2XQpJktRZlVdq0_15G7VR2TIEOKVcleIIunoN5gv_HsHGw-VA3wZmLYf4hKIcmBlhwAvK_E1UyBWrkSzDMl7ZBCbZMCbQJZ_1FaGJPcLyUVc/s1600/P1040819.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstrating our new found mobility by scaling the stairs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyjR7Hsr_ExFjWRcSIg0VUoFcWKoavnuECiA26T05osszQCTWn4xG795PcxFUoNRg1Nrdpb0XCkdtXSSElw3Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
First Hike<br />
Capri got to ride in a pack during a trip to the rock pools in Oman. She LOVED it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizLsfloTo-udcaqddJI4CqVs6eQZ-ReWq6ZtR_KTB9p_9xHzPBVSu84N7D2zmICJs_DfRhikqGTLtGnwIyMjwY0aiTWjfa2SMiVwBTwW_nlhpIQusEeKdxUYIN_dpxxxG-WuxZr0D/s1600/P1050336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizLsfloTo-udcaqddJI4CqVs6eQZ-ReWq6ZtR_KTB9p_9xHzPBVSu84N7D2zmICJs_DfRhikqGTLtGnwIyMjwY0aiTWjfa2SMiVwBTwW_nlhpIQusEeKdxUYIN_dpxxxG-WuxZr0D/s1600/P1050336.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
First Trip to the Beach<br />
ALL she wanted to do was eat the sand. How on earth is sand this delicious!?!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE85PBhEWkGL8D3XJAsT8Ds4EGnB4ltt7F88k2uvBYYmM-obQt0IWBEWf79RvZftknWQOCF_hOjLv3LPvRFOl_V7410e2zvP5xXdrkmLhvDs-_HHDAPzPyZmIla7LZbBVd2Xxz3Sl/s1600/P1050283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE85PBhEWkGL8D3XJAsT8Ds4EGnB4ltt7F88k2uvBYYmM-obQt0IWBEWf79RvZftknWQOCF_hOjLv3LPvRFOl_V7410e2zvP5xXdrkmLhvDs-_HHDAPzPyZmIla7LZbBVd2Xxz3Sl/s1600/P1050283.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm. Crunchy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First Word<br />
We're pretty sure her first word is "go," but have yet to catch this on video. Instead, this is the typical response we get when we ask her to say her first word...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzW3viP2G-KdmZOjgxmL36sbYYUYKA7NP_Bx9t3MplFJaVVY-iOUEBTqd2GzZYkY2Zo0jj6VXpaylSj5B06JQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Tomorrow, Capri is exactly one month away from her first birthday. I can't help it...they grow up SO fast!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-37365214059787928832013-12-23T03:06:00.001-08:002013-12-23T03:06:26.907-08:00The Month in Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here are some highlights since our last post:<br />
<br />
<u>Thanksgiving</u><br />
This was the first Thanksgiving Day that I actually got to spend not working thanks to Dubai winning the bid to host the World Expo in 2020. We know the UAE folks REALLY like their days off and were so happy they announced a day off of school in celebration of winning the bid. The actual Thanksgiving day was spent resting and preparing for our visitors on Friday. We are so fortunate to have some friends from Idaho who moved to Dubai this summer! So, on Black Friday, Dalila, Capri and I enjoyed a fantastic trip to the zoo with them while Jeremy stayed home to make our scrumptious dinner. Lucky me, I know. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5iQtHj50a2EWAzlTxLOjTc2L3SB4zY6nS2eAJReKpMtpFZqjRXob-myoMHdUz_lASUTfG2d_XZiEv-HLiW8q7odzCzkIFyJKaE4Dq-s3xcraienij7vhPXjpkz3lkAV4O1jzV6uc/s1600/P1040326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5iQtHj50a2EWAzlTxLOjTc2L3SB4zY6nS2eAJReKpMtpFZqjRXob-myoMHdUz_lASUTfG2d_XZiEv-HLiW8q7odzCzkIFyJKaE4Dq-s3xcraienij7vhPXjpkz3lkAV4O1jzV6uc/s320/P1040326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making turkey centerpieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6msLOZ2fDDTuq-Iz9wf4_2I9CuHcQqP9eTGGsL0TylCvyoN9bctP5hqpPhnPIAm_4PS_Ju45TbQ2_-omFklrbXde6h7aFhazO5uz3-qMOZHads8Xo0HcoALdZH19S30eu6LLd2Jo/s1600/775721_10153557721680352_1943682988_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6msLOZ2fDDTuq-Iz9wf4_2I9CuHcQqP9eTGGsL0TylCvyoN9bctP5hqpPhnPIAm_4PS_Ju45TbQ2_-omFklrbXde6h7aFhazO5uz3-qMOZHads8Xo0HcoALdZH19S30eu6LLd2Jo/s320/775721_10153557721680352_1943682988_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding the giraffes at Al Ain Zoo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWAASz4KqykaiKwTMmvkhShanv7ug_qEUaVdWO4iQA0JZ9I-FKAPXWs5EUL152h0DclAMFn5A9nu7FZy8h6Krl4772I-R3y731hdYomVJNX17wDzfNgUGTqutvoQrC5S5-iDMb1SU/s1600/P1040337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWAASz4KqykaiKwTMmvkhShanv7ug_qEUaVdWO4iQA0JZ9I-FKAPXWs5EUL152h0DclAMFn5A9nu7FZy8h6Krl4772I-R3y731hdYomVJNX17wDzfNgUGTqutvoQrC5S5-iDMb1SU/s320/P1040337.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lila enjoying a swing with her buddy, Jackson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgp1mMiZ529K1T8tXaYtbmVydIKcDjeJXLG_Bl7wb0_CEGu8oxrLe0C4Xt983-h41V-5Qp0Elm33hmMW_ZETZA_xAIUDLnhoGKgjgMi1tJGTVGyz537DChUgGmWavU1AC2MGKYR3T/s1600/P1040343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgp1mMiZ529K1T8tXaYtbmVydIKcDjeJXLG_Bl7wb0_CEGu8oxrLe0C4Xt983-h41V-5Qp0Elm33hmMW_ZETZA_xAIUDLnhoGKgjgMi1tJGTVGyz537DChUgGmWavU1AC2MGKYR3T/s320/P1040343.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capri is happy to chew on some sunglasses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98upZRlcrCBeFYfGdLTCKw2XfxMFMA9l16Xmn3eEuZ-G2f3CHsKLCSh7yvbAfwpblv-kD48Izbn6iTvO2SW1ncz3dfUd-90-rspxz-JMIDb0BpRTMs6SxP8WIjk0imb6R69unjOVv/s1600/P1040347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98upZRlcrCBeFYfGdLTCKw2XfxMFMA9l16Xmn3eEuZ-G2f3CHsKLCSh7yvbAfwpblv-kD48Izbn6iTvO2SW1ncz3dfUd-90-rspxz-JMIDb0BpRTMs6SxP8WIjk0imb6R69unjOVv/s320/P1040347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our delicious turkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<u>Dubai Christmas Festival</u><br />
Two weeks after Thanksgiving, Dubai held the annual Christmas Festival. We had never attended before, so we decided to give it a try this year. It was PACKED! Not the easiest place to navigate with three adults and five kids, but we made it out alive, and with only a few minor eye injuries thanks to multiple "snow" balls in the kids' "snow" area nailing Dalila's little friend Kennedy right in the eye. Fortunately, the mulled wine was delicious and I hardly even noticed the crowd or the plasticy snow particles after downing a few of those. Perfect way to encourage the Christmas spirit ;)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8WVBXrhybGCV69INQdTYQgNfxPX7FiHEtZqssS96S4tN7INqS3XPZxsexigR_e338qX8MxzVVy4QyoYquXZ1qXNfb0VH7-BQ6S3Bwl3_LK54w9Aqm8_IdSQtR92y6VumhQBR7MoZ/s1600/P1040531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8WVBXrhybGCV69INQdTYQgNfxPX7FiHEtZqssS96S4tN7INqS3XPZxsexigR_e338qX8MxzVVy4QyoYquXZ1qXNfb0VH7-BQ6S3Bwl3_LK54w9Aqm8_IdSQtR92y6VumhQBR7MoZ/s320/P1040531.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kennedy, Dalila, and Jackson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbu-x-vGwQOXJplVxg-LErkg9FWWFUwBYIaQf_MSSapSOwgTfs6Mgmq__xHB7VRChBSTEAVR_bs0LACN-_Ls06Yh216_d0Gx354UFcDfgQcGhkstCO0Xbx7gAriOIB9lmHiME2jPO/s1600/P1040548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbu-x-vGwQOXJplVxg-LErkg9FWWFUwBYIaQf_MSSapSOwgTfs6Mgmq__xHB7VRChBSTEAVR_bs0LACN-_Ls06Yh216_d0Gx354UFcDfgQcGhkstCO0Xbx7gAriOIB9lmHiME2jPO/s320/P1040548.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little cuties dancing to Christmas tunes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z9gy6kaGbdn-4iw4-_z6kVwyj0AuY2vwkrvhCrIKhj_iu_htfYrm63NEsFvN5E6tbGxUmbck4UPhOsn2pU64gBHkD8waqYdtUymPmLVI8jIU96zdkbZKEiL4HZDnPkKWzog8tpyv/s1600/P1040557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z9gy6kaGbdn-4iw4-_z6kVwyj0AuY2vwkrvhCrIKhj_iu_htfYrm63NEsFvN5E6tbGxUmbck4UPhOsn2pU64gBHkD8waqYdtUymPmLVI8jIU96zdkbZKEiL4HZDnPkKWzog8tpyv/s320/P1040557.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nailed in the eyes with "snow" balls - OUCH!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u>A Visit to Santa at Wafi Mall</u><br />
Last year, we discovered the amazing <a href="http://www.allensonadventures.blogspot.ae/2012/12/christmas-2012.html" target="_blank">Santa experience at Wafi Mall</a>, so we were really looking forward to taking Capri there for her first Santa visit. We were mildly disappointed to find that the ginormous Santa grotto of last year had been relegated to a much smaller, far less grand section of the upper floor this year, but we remained steadfast in our mission to give Capri the best possible first Santa experience. While the location was not as awe-inspiring, we were still very pleased with Wafi Mall's Santa. Capri stared at him doubtfully for a few seconds, but warmed up as soon as she saw older sister Dalila climb on the big man's lap like he was a long lost friend. She even gave some of her best squeals and two-toothed grins to Santa, who was no doubt pleased to see an infant smiling rather than screaming in fear. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIoIjGk59_IXxTNrnSW9FqA21Sdo3SEDemYoLrlOSJFX1BDl00fU6ZPXDdUkoY-moS5S-7M3IYEuLwPmpC25J8y7hGPUbQ9swibZAAdXc3kkKnZRD04uNwrLKfDDkylJAymtSY6bR/s1600/Santa+-+2013+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIoIjGk59_IXxTNrnSW9FqA21Sdo3SEDemYoLrlOSJFX1BDl00fU6ZPXDdUkoY-moS5S-7M3IYEuLwPmpC25J8y7hGPUbQ9swibZAAdXc3kkKnZRD04uNwrLKfDDkylJAymtSY6bR/s320/Santa+-+2013+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_PVr6044qIYK7xw2rVrfFy9Ehjn74gjZFkhZYBxMXsfBh7SIQmh7_YkP7ysxg3I1IEZj2asomsOMQA3aAgaXylTediUOR_9vACoeN6tF1FJHLa8Kqqipags47-1_j1zyV3g4edOw/s1600/Santa+-+2013+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_PVr6044qIYK7xw2rVrfFy9Ehjn74gjZFkhZYBxMXsfBh7SIQmh7_YkP7ysxg3I1IEZj2asomsOMQA3aAgaXylTediUOR_9vACoeN6tF1FJHLa8Kqqipags47-1_j1zyV3g4edOw/s320/Santa+-+2013+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66W9mjQDKMQxSs_IjTUdk9UjztmNOBdMMw5KBZaUNUQUO5-hC4zpzNJID_lAX7LQ4pTMMBDcWl82IjlTBCsEfgNlpGfoRV_NFn0toeuv-QEihdsFZ7eD52lkUswGCZtXmFUie_y7I/s1600/P1040607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66W9mjQDKMQxSs_IjTUdk9UjztmNOBdMMw5KBZaUNUQUO5-hC4zpzNJID_lAX7LQ4pTMMBDcWl82IjlTBCsEfgNlpGfoRV_NFn0toeuv-QEihdsFZ7eD52lkUswGCZtXmFUie_y7I/s320/P1040607.JPG" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing some Christmas crafts outside Santa's Grotto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque</u><br />
Jeremy's cousin Josh, a very close friend of his since they were little babies, just moved to Abu Dhabi, effectively ending any excuse we've ever had to not pay a visit to the biggest tourist attraction in the city. So, off we went for a photo-filled visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Honestly, I have no idea how we hadn't visited the mosque yet. When we first arrived in Abu Dhabi - over two years ago - the mosque was the first amazing structure we saw just minutes from the airport on our 2 am shuttle to our hotel. Even in a state of extreme exhaustion, the building struck a chord in us, and we knew we had to explore it. Thus, I was happy to stop making excuses and finally pay this beautiful building a visit. Of course, it's not the greatest place for a wiggly 7 month old or a rambunctious almost-4-year-old, so we didn't spend too long taking in the sights. But our brief visit seemed to be enough to experience the amazing architecture and appreciate the deep devotion it must take to construct such a place of worship. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR1F1xJR6XxnmAto2PCYSldXp8D4PYqQ-62Ib1n90lOov7J4eZCosTBCnZL_0ZX96y4pjkc5I63HwmGBWKAR_3jtjKf9mwobuq7q07e7bhw7w_R-Qdem049sDLRk6xPOSRiaqsLMc/s1600/P1040692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR1F1xJR6XxnmAto2PCYSldXp8D4PYqQ-62Ib1n90lOov7J4eZCosTBCnZL_0ZX96y4pjkc5I63HwmGBWKAR_3jtjKf9mwobuq7q07e7bhw7w_R-Qdem049sDLRk6xPOSRiaqsLMc/s320/P1040692.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family in front of the beautiful mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilz2tYgqQUCW1Q-hMBN_0yywYt3QtMTEfPODXDbBjp7PyApORfM2qKi8LDr7Rlwortyg06trum7ScqxuLGCssCIHSRbf8hyhyKXAR5thl9GDnTdcfSwRJMG5b6x0jUTqkjRf5XWat3/s1600/P1040677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilz2tYgqQUCW1Q-hMBN_0yywYt3QtMTEfPODXDbBjp7PyApORfM2qKi8LDr7Rlwortyg06trum7ScqxuLGCssCIHSRbf8hyhyKXAR5thl9GDnTdcfSwRJMG5b6x0jUTqkjRf5XWat3/s320/P1040677.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila posing with her Uncle Josh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFblpU9IdZvwuBVWb8CzK2m50XnFZbaR35H0C4orT0nEE_0a1wfgYKnIwu8Siw4UNcTro_dlxuhzy1zrGbNEhvxMzd0p7FMEPMsztofKHihk1LZiMs90flEs5CsQcrazV-ExS3P5Y/s1600/P1040693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFblpU9IdZvwuBVWb8CzK2m50XnFZbaR35H0C4orT0nEE_0a1wfgYKnIwu8Siw4UNcTro_dlxuhzy1zrGbNEhvxMzd0p7FMEPMsztofKHihk1LZiMs90flEs5CsQcrazV-ExS3P5Y/s320/P1040693.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How a 4-year-old has fun at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aside from all of these activities, we've done our best to enjoy as many Christmas-y things as possible in Dubai and all across the UAE. We're always so pleasantly surprised to find a random Christmas display at a local store or a scheduled Christmas activity at a place where we would least expect to see one. Our goal is to give our girls the best Christmas experience possible, and I think we're doing just fine.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSO-hWcf5Z1yvDYVAd-0xzNtiO1p9O8KkhzxXnP4PISHw76gcogsOK469BHGCCPWixIj1rgCupCs08G6gy1bk41dqF9yb1n2V5QmOCi_89FVL51ObQTW8lfNqHwgu4NOwJ5vAtL4U/s1600/P1040584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSO-hWcf5Z1yvDYVAd-0xzNtiO1p9O8KkhzxXnP4PISHw76gcogsOK469BHGCCPWixIj1rgCupCs08G6gy1bk41dqF9yb1n2V5QmOCi_89FVL51ObQTW8lfNqHwgu4NOwJ5vAtL4U/s320/P1040584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ALLENS!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-22847049964823013512013-11-15T04:21:00.002-08:002013-11-15T04:25:52.428-08:00The Worst Blogger in the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yep. That's me. I'm terrible. At this point, WAY too many things have happened since my last post...when we welcomed baby Capri, so I will just have to hit the highlights and call it a day. Sorry everyone! I will try to do better, I promise!!<br />
<br />
Summer Vacation:<br />
One word - perfect. We traveled just days after Capri's passport arrived at the embassy. Turns out you can find some fantastic prices on flights when you're able to fly the next day. And how did our little 5 week old do with flying? She was an absolute dream! Capri slept almost the entire way and we only received a few ugly looks from people who thought she seemed too little to be on a plane. Win!<br />
<br />
Our visit with family was everything we hoped it would be and we got to celebrate the 4th of July at home in Idaho again - something we missed terribly the year before. The summer was filled with bar-b-ques, camping, parties, late nights drinking on the patio, fires in the fire pit, family, and friends - exactly what we needed after a tough year away. Summer was a smashing success!<br />
<br />
New School:<br />
I don't want to write much on this one. Basically, the new school building is a dream come true...but the positive points end there. We've combined our girls' school with the nearby boys' school and...it's horrible. I have never seen such horrifyingly disrespectful children in all my life. I'm disgusted by these boys daily and I don't even have to teach them. I guess the best part about the school is that I've been fortunate enough to stay on the girls' side. And I know how lucky I am to be there instead of with the boys. The teachers who have to trudge over to the boys' side of the school every day deserve a medal...a million dollars...a free pass so they never have to work for the rest of their lives...something - ANYTHING - to show them how much they are appreciated and that we all know how hard they have to work just to keep their sanity every single day. This new situation has completely changed my perspective on teaching in the UAE...and...let's just say any positive opinions I once held about the school system here are now completely gone. Thankfully, I am able to focus on my students - my sweet, sweet Emirati girls - and know that at least I can make some difference in their lives. They are the only part about that school that keep me returning every day, and, in that respect, they have their work cut out for them. Fortunately, there's still the matter of:<br />
<br />
Family:<br />
Dalila is the best little girl in the world to come home to after a long day of dodging disgusting little boys at school. She makes the world go round and she is my shining star. She can make her little sister laugh with nothing but a smirk in Capri's direction...and she often has the same effect on me. Thank goodness for my silly, goofy, darling little girl. Every struggle I go through is completely worth it if it means I can give Dalila and Capri a chance at living their dreams when they grow up. And, really, that's the whole reason we're here, isn't it?<br />
<br />
So - let's just count this as the catch-up post and forget the fact that I've not logged on in...oh...five months? Deal? Deal! To make up for my lack of focus, here are some cute photos! Cute photos of darling little girls should fix everything!!<br />
<br />
The Fourth of July!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wSGIVfK3l9kTNWoks7HbU4iZI35lH-nDiXan8FZUr50FezkKMxGla7ZgqU7Dlz_UyRVKtVfDKSd4snBXhFUbGt7IyQW0MOK148wB17Ec49IM0J-tDh_6Ip5Db8W3khNDw46lDJO-/s1600/P1030737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wSGIVfK3l9kTNWoks7HbU4iZI35lH-nDiXan8FZUr50FezkKMxGla7ZgqU7Dlz_UyRVKtVfDKSd4snBXhFUbGt7IyQW0MOK148wB17Ec49IM0J-tDh_6Ip5Db8W3khNDw46lDJO-/s320/P1030737.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the Menan parade with cousins - gotta love small town Idaho on the 4th of July!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4s6qzPVD0a5V5ylnEiWYGjnnV4InMP5AAuNDwQwNMND7taixnBdBcJKCO_IA9QRO7RwSSw0VmeXLqV9oQf6aP2Mmc9cHKlWNQH7UjcN3Og310sM7iU_wlSotrz9gp3lA1sgGyuVW/s1600/P1030764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4s6qzPVD0a5V5ylnEiWYGjnnV4InMP5AAuNDwQwNMND7taixnBdBcJKCO_IA9QRO7RwSSw0VmeXLqV9oQf6aP2Mmc9cHKlWNQH7UjcN3Og310sM7iU_wlSotrz9gp3lA1sgGyuVW/s320/P1030764.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy and Lila in patriotic dresses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdfVs4rCMHF5hrjaQbeUmrRnPUz3UAmR_UtBEf33Ui-jsNo7isKP2K-PCRG-Ii1UJ8f3ui8Wmm1SLASK0UNzKHXybDs51hHIUcrR4DZABc1a_i6Bsr4TPX-z4Go5Iji6Rek20EpLc/s1600/P1030765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdfVs4rCMHF5hrjaQbeUmrRnPUz3UAmR_UtBEf33Ui-jsNo7isKP2K-PCRG-Ii1UJ8f3ui8Wmm1SLASK0UNzKHXybDs51hHIUcrR4DZABc1a_i6Bsr4TPX-z4Go5Iji6Rek20EpLc/s320/P1030765.JPG" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Capri playing horseshoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dalila took swimming lessons while we were home in Idaho!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZazS2TOzWvisgWc7mYfeNTOgq5VMDp5J_bDAsEDl-5HuF4f-LeJ9XlHQaALDehkGCbF8UI0PBgst08uxQWHCBXipEUgBC2TeGKpgpOAGHhZmusDklo79Mx5Ekqa40td8lUSkonu8m/s1600/P1030785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZazS2TOzWvisgWc7mYfeNTOgq5VMDp5J_bDAsEDl-5HuF4f-LeJ9XlHQaALDehkGCbF8UI0PBgst08uxQWHCBXipEUgBC2TeGKpgpOAGHhZmusDklo79Mx5Ekqa40td8lUSkonu8m/s320/P1030785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And here she is on her first tent camping trip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZlQFG4RTy3U7IpGdwLUXVQfWzBz-TXso387FdArAuuRhX4cypiR6joiEtR_V1Slf_nVwO2T5Fd4NlzABMpLJkmbjuurvjNcTVvI46fEaEDbhZWPmy5okgxPoGlloJjmUUMC2r6hF/s1600/P1030815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZlQFG4RTy3U7IpGdwLUXVQfWzBz-TXso387FdArAuuRhX4cypiR6joiEtR_V1Slf_nVwO2T5Fd4NlzABMpLJkmbjuurvjNcTVvI46fEaEDbhZWPmy5okgxPoGlloJjmUUMC2r6hF/s320/P1030815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Experiencing all there is to offer at the Bar J Ranch in Jackson Hole Wyoming<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqGIr-AyezwmVhNPx95yOm-eUgJGyainBOw-P6PMLU9_0X0mnJOl2cJQTCDjHn5OItDsAgc25znbzNzzPsjba5T_xpbCV7bfJXpdM9RggflgodXge8GMkGUUeF46iqXqG67laaxya/s1600/P1030888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqGIr-AyezwmVhNPx95yOm-eUgJGyainBOw-P6PMLU9_0X0mnJOl2cJQTCDjHn5OItDsAgc25znbzNzzPsjba5T_xpbCV7bfJXpdM9RggflgodXge8GMkGUUeF46iqXqG67laaxya/s320/P1030888.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And her first ever haircut, too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtO0sbADitiGwhY5D5mNxNnQPKxLZfGij2r4cifvF0XZQ5p6CDpsv26OjvtISoI8YwvjwBl8gkphPuYTTecvLWqEfZYPtvfUkk3nigtpVDJyNbYasPlXoFDwQ87RkEXD7SPFcGc5f/s1600/P1030908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtO0sbADitiGwhY5D5mNxNnQPKxLZfGij2r4cifvF0XZQ5p6CDpsv26OjvtISoI8YwvjwBl8gkphPuYTTecvLWqEfZYPtvfUkk3nigtpVDJyNbYasPlXoFDwQ87RkEXD7SPFcGc5f/s320/P1030908.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A fantastic time camping in Island Park<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjE2oBAV2HQ4PRJ-fl6OIejeZqZ41W7VnJGoWAbV1yKiYhLJzsUwthTx_fGiJWmSTG9nvm1iHXSMQdBiD4zyvzTQY-dU9NfRiOrLlvoWGZcCOQDW6azH3QUIyCOX-0m4NJ820pljs/s1600/P1030950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjE2oBAV2HQ4PRJ-fl6OIejeZqZ41W7VnJGoWAbV1yKiYhLJzsUwthTx_fGiJWmSTG9nvm1iHXSMQdBiD4zyvzTQY-dU9NfRiOrLlvoWGZcCOQDW6azH3QUIyCOX-0m4NJ820pljs/s320/P1030950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And her first time fishing - in a tutu, of course!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMs4b6wJqXHrMqXNQ3rj7YdRdfMpNmmdCQyzQcYOB0Kgu2dDOUEWVkKhsR-hYOnsIxdYThebgXPWorw0OxfrOVw4nrH8VE6hfFn0AlRPhVbeBCkmH43RhAvRVp1EzPRq4d9_6wwmu/s1600/P1040001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMs4b6wJqXHrMqXNQ3rj7YdRdfMpNmmdCQyzQcYOB0Kgu2dDOUEWVkKhsR-hYOnsIxdYThebgXPWorw0OxfrOVw4nrH8VE6hfFn0AlRPhVbeBCkmH43RhAvRVp1EzPRq4d9_6wwmu/s320/P1040001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Plus - a surprise baby shower for little miss Capri<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeWUicUkMbTIupUExq2d8wg60_HTOprxs_LAHbUxcPWepRB3s_gn90IvwpV3RTH4-LkbqktugdJxY5go51xTBs32KLNQ6d68q7_WVxf1jJ9890ddKfenwe4gWaMvI_9jxSN6UOSqc/s1600/P1040012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeWUicUkMbTIupUExq2d8wg60_HTOprxs_LAHbUxcPWepRB3s_gn90IvwpV3RTH4-LkbqktugdJxY5go51xTBs32KLNQ6d68q7_WVxf1jJ9890ddKfenwe4gWaMvI_9jxSN6UOSqc/s320/P1040012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGcAfVR7z3_1_AFFanE7a7HzKb5Z8Digmy7nt9_AehKUV1mcACBRV40P77OCM_B47r7r7Dofvrwcoc5mYhjBHO6PKW7DKowGTzK7DqCoKVu1fWknyGWvyqT6_iLdvNHUybGEWhEx1/s1600/P1040037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGcAfVR7z3_1_AFFanE7a7HzKb5Z8Digmy7nt9_AehKUV1mcACBRV40P77OCM_B47r7r7Dofvrwcoc5mYhjBHO6PKW7DKowGTzK7DqCoKVu1fWknyGWvyqT6_iLdvNHUybGEWhEx1/s320/P1040037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sneaky hosts of our surprise baby shower!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And the best Halloween ever, with these two little sweeties.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihP8_ZiQdAjV0Y1gfoTFeBi7YA680wMAjlNHE8zt8Yyrgyng0zFE21Z4MyGU-oEZtiri1BBmF2j-Bt-ZojhAPzGv6Bdoi9uVbyeZGNwSMaQ0yPlpw3M3VAjR_Kt2EYAqk3pYDFdNuu/s1600/P1040248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihP8_ZiQdAjV0Y1gfoTFeBi7YA680wMAjlNHE8zt8Yyrgyng0zFE21Z4MyGU-oEZtiri1BBmF2j-Bt-ZojhAPzGv6Bdoi9uVbyeZGNwSMaQ0yPlpw3M3VAjR_Kt2EYAqk3pYDFdNuu/s320/P1040248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little Blueberry Muffin and kitty cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
There - I now declare this blog - UPDATED!!! (that should make it official, right? Right!)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-15355496418444355992013-06-06T03:25:00.000-07:002013-06-06T09:40:58.171-07:00Welcome Baby Capri! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are so happy to welcome our newest addition - Capri Patricia Allen!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkrvwu1t2qpz9CuO6bc5CvkqPPMk7ZOnel_Nxgbe8NKhkxDAvG-Jc4nCQMxeHv_yFMGlRN0iaA1_PjZBpS_3coo0Resat3QtsHUUHOptjtyiFqLi8AKlblNchWJvOrSBT_REyVIu3/s1600/P1030554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkrvwu1t2qpz9CuO6bc5CvkqPPMk7ZOnel_Nxgbe8NKhkxDAvG-Jc4nCQMxeHv_yFMGlRN0iaA1_PjZBpS_3coo0Resat3QtsHUUHOptjtyiFqLi8AKlblNchWJvOrSBT_REyVIu3/s320/P1030554.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aww - our precious little peanut!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She was born on 20 May, 2013 at 11:12 p.m. She weighed 2.8 kilos (6 pounds, 5 ounces) and was 52 cm (20.5 in) long. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCuh53ZAdAtOP49wJBEtzVYAs3CX1UyRbqHoBio_pLF1iEAp1wo077tKDQpmkWLEZPb1cQ-nD9lrHFWXhwyBr-SJ_odSyPhT5ahQbz5UeVfnottuH2MLomeIRghYWue72MIAjCXXG/s1600/P1030574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCuh53ZAdAtOP49wJBEtzVYAs3CX1UyRbqHoBio_pLF1iEAp1wo077tKDQpmkWLEZPb1cQ-nD9lrHFWXhwyBr-SJ_odSyPhT5ahQbz5UeVfnottuH2MLomeIRghYWue72MIAjCXXG/s320/P1030574.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The VERY proud big sister, Dalila.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u>A U.A.E. Birth Story:</u><br />
<br />
I had Dalila when we were living in Idaho, so I thought a little summary about our experience having a baby here in the U.A.E. might be interesting to those who aren't familiar with the medical care in Abu Dhabi. First of all, almost all of the medicines and techniques available in the U.S. are prevalent here as well, so there was no issue of insufficient medical care to worry about. In fact, with doctors from all over the world coming to the U.A.E. to work, there may be even more options for different types of care and delivery available to pregnant women here - especially in comparison to the small, one-hospital town we come from. <br />
<br />
My doctor is a wonderful woman from Jordan who is extremely personable and loves to give ultrasounds. We were able to see our little peanut almost every time we went to the doctor - at no charge, as our insurance is AMAZING!! Each appointment cost 30 dirhams (US $8.16) and we could have gotten away with paying ONLY that amount for the entire pregnancy (if I wasn't a wuss who insisted on an epidural). So - an incredible doctor, numerous ultrasounds, and little money from our pockets equal positive experiences 1, 2, and 3.<br />
<br />
In truth, most of my experience with the medical care during the entire duration of my pregnancy was very positive. However, there were a few exceptions. Due to the lack of doctors here, early labour in the hospital was less than pleasant. Let me explain. I came in to be induced and was sent up to my room where a drug was administered to help start contractions (NOT pitocin - yay!!). The ladies who came in to administer the induction drugs spoke to me in Arabic and sighed audibly when I didn't understand. Then, they spoke a total of about 4 words to me in English ("wait for 30 minutes"), carried on a full conversation in Arabic while their hands were in uncomfortable places and I had no idea what they were doing, then promptly left the room. They never identified who they were - midwives, nurses, doctors, random people off the street? - no clue! So I proceeded to wait as ordered. Thankfully, it was at this time we discovered another positive difference from my experience stateside - I got to eat!! Remember those flavoured ice chips that make up your diet for the duration of labour in the states? Not so here - I got a full meal for lunch AND dinner - and it was pretty tasty, too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOBR2iHuwKxG4guLkFNfa75wXi2LzaAPVHm6fj-HD2I0quot0IobMVvRCLOaEGyXZWi0ppNNei7_QucaFZZV558lY_RNVts3UxIjIYOytSgfCDAyEw3EM1jPvn2HrMhcZFwXzoQDU/s1600/P1030519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOBR2iHuwKxG4guLkFNfa75wXi2LzaAPVHm6fj-HD2I0quot0IobMVvRCLOaEGyXZWi0ppNNei7_QucaFZZV558lY_RNVts3UxIjIYOytSgfCDAyEw3EM1jPvn2HrMhcZFwXzoQDU/s320/P1030519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hangout for the first 11 hours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTMwrQ3SVmfiRY6uCT1q6miWUTaOYRxiFjq4TBsVguLJRWrMEI9jauOw7hSUBgwCGP5hTOwFWrRuwuTuwNvNrXppuT9a0q_CQjggPO7K4LITz8Yp-6sh8X0rDVmFs8cnjb9wndoAH/s1600/P1030521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTMwrQ3SVmfiRY6uCT1q6miWUTaOYRxiFjq4TBsVguLJRWrMEI9jauOw7hSUBgwCGP5hTOwFWrRuwuTuwNvNrXppuT9a0q_CQjggPO7K4LITz8Yp-6sh8X0rDVmFs8cnjb9wndoAH/s320/P1030521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last belly shot!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon, a much more informative nurse came in to see to my comfort and provide better instructions. After waiting 30 minutes, I was to walk around and move as much as possible to help jumpstart my labour. Ok. I can do that. I even got an exercise ball for bouncing on that Jeremy and I quickly discovered made a fun soccer ball (sorry to any patients next door!). The nurse explained that the drug could be administered again if I hadn't made much progress in another 6 hours. SIX HOURS!!! Ugh. We were ready to wait and wait and wait - certain at this point that we wouldn't get to meet our little girl until the next day. <br />
<br />
Eventually, labour started to move along, and, after another 4-5 hours had passed, I was certainly starting to feel some pain. A wonderful midwife came in next and identified herself plus gave an explanation of what she was there to do - check my progress and decide if I was ready to move to labour and delivery. Her verdict was that I was at a 5 and could go to labour and delivery to have my water broken and get the epidural. Here is where another negative experience rears its ugly head. The dynamic duo returned shortly after my meeting with the sweet midwife to mutter in Arabic to each other and speak 5 more words to me ("you are only a 4.") HUH!?! So they made me wait in my room to labour a bit longer. But wait!! Only 3 people checking me certainly wasn't enough - so along came ANOTHER pair of Arabic ladies to check me and give their verdict - 4-5. Thanks, another set of hands was just what I was missing at this point. <br />
<br />
FINALLY, things started progressing and I was feeling some intense pain. I gave in and buzzed the nurse to let her know I'm a pansy and I REALLY want that damn epidural, pretty please. And the most amazing thing happened - my own doctor came to see me!! Hooray!! So this is where things started to move much faster. When she checked me, she was very surprised to find I was at a six. She was just explaining that we can move upstairs to labour and delivery when, whooosh, my water broke. OUCH!! So, we quickly moved upstairs. How do we move up to the labour and delivery wing? Riding on the nice comfy hospital bed? Perhaps in a less comfortable but equally efficient wheel chair? Nope! I walked! Hunched over every minute from wickedly painful contractions I rode that elevator and waddled down the hallway in my hot hospital gown. <br />
<br />
When we reached the room, I was happy to find that nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is perched by each bedside to use as needed during contractions. Hooray again!! I happily (and quite greedily) partook as waves of contractions washed over me and a nurse chose to ignore my beautifully blue veins on my hand and jab my IV needle into a vein just below the joint on my right thumb. Ouch again! That was the part that made me the most angry - out of everything. Really though, you should see these veins on my hand - a thing of beauty for most nurses, and they were passed up for a tiny little vein I couldn't even see in the most awkward place! Then, I waited and waited for that epidural to come save me. Another interesting note here that differs from my birth experience in the states was that we were required to pay for the epidural before it was administered. This is not covered by insurance unless it's for a c-secton and it cost 1500 dirhams - or US $408. Jeremy went to go pay the tab, but discovered that the administration staff had already left for the day. Fortunately, the drug could still be given, but we did have to settle that bill before leaving the hospital.<br />
<br />
When the anesthesiologist was finally able to administer my long-awaited savior, she began to express a bit of concern over how late the epidural was being given. It took several contractions before it finally kicked in and we were all a little worried it was too late. Her explanation? "It's best to give the epidural when you are at a 4 or 5." YEP!! I knew it! Those darn unidentified ladies who couldn't be bothered to explain anything to me must have had it out for me. Oh well - I win - the epidural finally took and the rest of labour was a breeze. When my doctor was finally free to come and check me again, she was shocked to find that Capri was ready to make her appearance. I had laboured all the way to a 10 on my own before the epidural took! I loved being able to laugh with the doctor and enjoy watching Jeremy be the best birth coach around, so I was very happy with my decision to get the epidural. Jeremy learned to watch the monitor for contractions and instructed me on when to push even when the doctor was out of the room. Best birth coach ever!<br />
<br />
So - after a bumpy start and some irritating moments (all of which could arguably happen in any city, state, or country), we had our beautiful baby Capri! Hospitals here can boast another positive over hospitals in the states in that they want to keep mother and baby for a full 2 days after birth! I had to beg my doctor to let us go home to my soft, comfy bed after one full day in the hospital following Capri's birth, and she only agreed to let us leave because she said she knew that my wonderful husband would be there to help. There you have it - a U.A.E. birth story. Not so different from any story in the states and the end result was just as blissful! But a WHOLE lot cheaper, too!! I'm now home with my sweet little family enjoying my 60 full days of paid maternity leave - another perk that is practically unheard of in the states.<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-62610099534520320612013-05-17T06:14:00.001-07:002013-05-17T06:14:33.977-07:00How to Introduce Friends to the UAE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This spring break made for one of the busiest, most memorable vacations we've ever had...and we didn't even have to leave the country! We were ecstatic when we heard two of our very best friends, Jeremy and Ginny Croft, planned on hopping a plane from Idaho to come out and visit us!<br />
<br />
My Jeremy started on the itinerary as soon as their flights were booked with the intent of filling every last minute of the Crofts' visit with something different and exciting, and he certainly didn't disappoint. Here are the highlights of our spring break with our best friends:<br />
<br />
1. Ras Al Khaimah<br />
One of our favorite destinations when we want some time away is a short 90 minute drive into the Northern Emirates to a smaller city called Ras Al Khaimah. We love to stay in a high rise right on the beach where a walk down to the water takes about 10 minutes and boasts some of the best seashell hunting you can find in the UAE. An extra bonus is the sparse number of people occupying prime spots along the grainy yet natural sand. When compared to a stop at Jumeriah beach in Dubai, where thousands of people flock to a small strip of sand that's been shipped in from elsewhere to form a man-made beach, the location in Ras Al Khaimah is far more enjoyable for our little family. Our friends were in complete agreement and seemed to love our quiet hours spent at the beach. Possibly the biggest highlight of this little trip was an unexpected storm the first night in RAK. We all stayed up late to enjoy the howling wind, flashes of lightning, and booming thunder - a huge treat for Jeremy and I who hadn't seen a thunderstorm since we'd moved out to the UAE (they are extremely rare in this desert locale). Top these highlights off with a short hike through some amazing ruins and an unforgettable dinner at a Leabanese restaurant where our little spotlight thief, Dalila, honed her dancing skills for an appreciative crowd, and our trip to RAK was everything we hoped for and more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf5WkBA5Tounkyc9u50037XmnAErG8y0Pqd-05cm0ZK_Xivs1iwDyL9avjpZ0A7qcunRa0W9z0QwGU5wjq1m9JiX7tH1PikVz9bDM3xXecPtlGm0o9jPgVTtErdBZRDUGcVgjv5vo/s1600/P1030046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf5WkBA5Tounkyc9u50037XmnAErG8y0Pqd-05cm0ZK_Xivs1iwDyL9avjpZ0A7qcunRa0W9z0QwGU5wjq1m9JiX7tH1PikVz9bDM3xXecPtlGm0o9jPgVTtErdBZRDUGcVgjv5vo/s320/P1030046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACubEOaAIhCGflRzm48KWd_jiTtWv8xF12NTmUD_vBxGrxRan1ldVeUxmGNMHsxvq3uPuD27YVYCzBbfyRJ9wpuESRUZHnj9d5SGWcdYXG3EuMESyqhJIkvAmCbTO4Mns3Q7KihQm/s1600/P1030049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACubEOaAIhCGflRzm48KWd_jiTtWv8xF12NTmUD_vBxGrxRan1ldVeUxmGNMHsxvq3uPuD27YVYCzBbfyRJ9wpuESRUZHnj9d5SGWcdYXG3EuMESyqhJIkvAmCbTO4Mns3Q7KihQm/s320/P1030049.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IiIJPvWz1cHFLNGGEQudcSKW0hDKRuekAX6zjzkfG2gMPZuLHnFq7tW0m4_ws5NbJu1N-E9WPHXEDw3nCXLtXDv98DtUyxwtArhREA6ujzxGayroGa98cqKsxcAEOI1USrObTIJB/s1600/P1030063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IiIJPvWz1cHFLNGGEQudcSKW0hDKRuekAX6zjzkfG2gMPZuLHnFq7tW0m4_ws5NbJu1N-E9WPHXEDw3nCXLtXDv98DtUyxwtArhREA6ujzxGayroGa98cqKsxcAEOI1USrObTIJB/s320/P1030063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_IiVW_hg38V48n9Rk3-5yteEfDu2hsA9VY1pPmYgOFxRsL1C20vG8PRi6EWls3jRZ-mNevc5HBVhQfBSHTUAR6Px2Q5ECpmb1xvyqn6kavu10YaA9_WeRvHRBtPPIrbxkQUEuAz9/s1600/P1030066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_IiVW_hg38V48n9Rk3-5yteEfDu2hsA9VY1pPmYgOFxRsL1C20vG8PRi6EWls3jRZ-mNevc5HBVhQfBSHTUAR6Px2Q5ECpmb1xvyqn6kavu10YaA9_WeRvHRBtPPIrbxkQUEuAz9/s320/P1030066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT1zas6vItlBw45fx-Rfs4hcPqEENK4WSjUvhKgYDIF404C4jbGPDBDeDRq8sTTDx4CdU6r4JAao2HYiH1inE5KGraZWSeq9bn2ndyGSnAeu17BomMaaR0TQ_LtHd3EgmyP8DwlR5/s1600/P1030069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT1zas6vItlBw45fx-Rfs4hcPqEENK4WSjUvhKgYDIF404C4jbGPDBDeDRq8sTTDx4CdU6r4JAao2HYiH1inE5KGraZWSeq9bn2ndyGSnAeu17BomMaaR0TQ_LtHd3EgmyP8DwlR5/s320/P1030069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhQcI8pVKBtNn9TfHIRgxmmvAiFhpHVchdJesJrB6tfvYIKoWH7JnH9VRQLDW_qJ0R5_Q9N7c6v11mWfMI3CNj1ljbPqJ3IBS6BX0fW5g851ptQAELP5aoApqllh8oVpj7XBl92Tm/s1600/P1030090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhQcI8pVKBtNn9TfHIRgxmmvAiFhpHVchdJesJrB6tfvYIKoWH7JnH9VRQLDW_qJ0R5_Q9N7c6v11mWfMI3CNj1ljbPqJ3IBS6BX0fW5g851ptQAELP5aoApqllh8oVpj7XBl92Tm/s320/P1030090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQGFUrj4rh9kznG5vsiYsVaU9jH7vz2bDRe0dUR45aF-fbDkAqLhldC3w2abIiPSxSAcCFZRz0VNdW21-npcd-OQsepkZRL1NOPZamkeRpu_kzifRN5wyfOGd6h_3C4Zuqj2dBVM2/s1600/P1030092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQGFUrj4rh9kznG5vsiYsVaU9jH7vz2bDRe0dUR45aF-fbDkAqLhldC3w2abIiPSxSAcCFZRz0VNdW21-npcd-OQsepkZRL1NOPZamkeRpu_kzifRN5wyfOGd6h_3C4Zuqj2dBVM2/s320/P1030092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving her time with her Auntie Ginny on Ginny's birthday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SAlFSKSQdqqfUjREDwBNU1BY1WRLDEmn4imkWrs05ZYqJZXWsfNHQjN26RQuTfmP9KGs6hyphenhyphenhIyBW_Cxn3RturgERxsxpbVBv5reuZ6IttiddfLYLEwVAvMHyAnYX33WaiCZ7Od3B/s1600/P1030107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SAlFSKSQdqqfUjREDwBNU1BY1WRLDEmn4imkWrs05ZYqJZXWsfNHQjN26RQuTfmP9KGs6hyphenhyphenhIyBW_Cxn3RturgERxsxpbVBv5reuZ6IttiddfLYLEwVAvMHyAnYX33WaiCZ7Od3B/s320/P1030107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with her Uncle Jeremy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m4PMzBgUQFeO-DWBCSC6s1NzLvZ-NQiBzMIMbGn8V84nLxIHwoGhknF5mKvHXA35GnxqQm_qbsEVIzTet_z-R-fAkqQZiT5qc5ZKxY3mL6PSERImwr1CCRYFZBEffIG30zEzR8RH/s1600/P1030116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m4PMzBgUQFeO-DWBCSC6s1NzLvZ-NQiBzMIMbGn8V84nLxIHwoGhknF5mKvHXA35GnxqQm_qbsEVIzTet_z-R-fAkqQZiT5qc5ZKxY3mL6PSERImwr1CCRYFZBEffIG30zEzR8RH/s320/P1030116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely impromptu ballet routine on stage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And here is where Dalila got REALLY confident with her dancing:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2f93KdbDfrK75wlsv5EZJQbup5xmw-IN3J7A6VGE5TijXzyX_yfdosvD25ONqG501Ws9lseMxQH3vEsjn3rg-Z9elhIt96wpdKDiMc1oBJzcTCeNpDvd_1uy0SXlM6jnJZgSDQA0/s1600/P1030121.MOV"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Df8f30ffa8a193faf%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1371381170%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D578B24E2F7924416E9E27724606BAEEFF2D1FE89.224431FAB829B444E213A8B7EFEA4CA1031D9A31%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Df8f30ffa8a193faf%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1371381170%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D578B24E2F7924416E9E27724606BAEEFF2D1FE89.224431FAB829B444E213A8B7EFEA4CA1031D9A31%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
2. Numerous trips to Dubai<br />
<br />
A visit to the UAE could never be complete without lots of time spent enjoying all the glitz and glam Dubai has to offer. Our first stop was at the Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah. While we weren't committed enough to spend a whole day there at the water park, we knew the Crofts would love the beautiful drive to the hotel and a stroll through the property there. So the problem became...how do we sneak into the hotel with all of the security stationed around the perimeter. Leave it to my Jeremy to arrive prepared with a fool-proof plan. He ripped a coupon for a restaurant at Atalantis from our Dubai coupon book (BEST investment when showing friends around the country!) and flashed it to the security guard standing at the garden entrance to the hotel with a very confident, "We have reservations." The guard immediately let us through and we were free to explore the magnificence that is the Atlantis hotel!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PYcK3x49paUx76l12L4peuSr41SDbi2gadgveNQdjdJZue4MoLyilROodVBjTqy5lp8eecDh0xKhE64g-5EUFdX9i9Wsq69xYIAcPb5rUQdfYBC496SwUqF7JtvkUYr6w1ml9WV7/s1600/P1030133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PYcK3x49paUx76l12L4peuSr41SDbi2gadgveNQdjdJZue4MoLyilROodVBjTqy5lp8eecDh0xKhE64g-5EUFdX9i9Wsq69xYIAcPb5rUQdfYBC496SwUqF7JtvkUYr6w1ml9WV7/s320/P1030133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the beautiful fish in the aquarium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fbwpTeFQ11EDScQOXZ9x-VEkCkI2swh9lDdqNzDUBi0IVhblTktCNqgLi16K3LHZBUt6PlZIJZT9U7p7ahFiguGYk_gXzbIZmG3EKx4x5x36xNFHNsknV9PB3rPysn1zq_OlSJVJ/s1600/P1030148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fbwpTeFQ11EDScQOXZ9x-VEkCkI2swh9lDdqNzDUBi0IVhblTktCNqgLi16K3LHZBUt6PlZIJZT9U7p7ahFiguGYk_gXzbIZmG3EKx4x5x36xNFHNsknV9PB3rPysn1zq_OlSJVJ/s320/P1030148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting by herself like a big girl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7-9WtQrNf7vpOYlhCxrLDe0cEM0tRESv5t52pE67HumQuU4IF0ZUdHUC75Qn6lxiyrwk28cBvS4elFg5Td56U-khuSPk8SL33nvcstT8TDvCuw-08QAnXEdRjgPJ4_7vAJ7NwI5X/s1600/P1030151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7-9WtQrNf7vpOYlhCxrLDe0cEM0tRESv5t52pE67HumQuU4IF0ZUdHUC75Qn6lxiyrwk28cBvS4elFg5Td56U-khuSPk8SL33nvcstT8TDvCuw-08QAnXEdRjgPJ4_7vAJ7NwI5X/s320/P1030151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The next stop in Dubai was the Dubai Mall complete with a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa and a visit to the Dubai Aquarium.<br />
<br />
Taking the elevator up 125 floors to the top of the Burj Khalifa is an absolute must when visiting Dubai. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw78km279n1bOYHxqAE8XaTtfZsIfXTpQRg9dpaQK_9_Lei8Sg7ihBqucCYyqMgf3wpF5CGZDCRgOo4SXoYuHC0AgMtwSic420TT6h_sMzH27hJnOhuFiAe-Pl3Za-L4njmc3YQ69Z/s1600/P1030165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw78km279n1bOYHxqAE8XaTtfZsIfXTpQRg9dpaQK_9_Lei8Sg7ihBqucCYyqMgf3wpF5CGZDCRgOo4SXoYuHC0AgMtwSic420TT6h_sMzH27hJnOhuFiAe-Pl3Za-L4njmc3YQ69Z/s320/P1030165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the famous fountains from the top of the Burj</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAD3uzObgi2X2dsXYWPZWT6896dgujiTejN6ZjXmlDVuKnzs6IfAW5N6205Coq_OJ0VPOcYfzlYyjaNvRYtuuLYgeCFRk8o7jQ5r0etwVEScYiyVAyUcPC4ZMGCVKRr4i1421La10/s1600/P1030167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAD3uzObgi2X2dsXYWPZWT6896dgujiTejN6ZjXmlDVuKnzs6IfAW5N6205Coq_OJ0VPOcYfzlYyjaNvRYtuuLYgeCFRk8o7jQ5r0etwVEScYiyVAyUcPC4ZMGCVKRr4i1421La10/s320/P1030167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7uMMYRzDF2Kq3ojmxA-WAhJlUsTnld1JCkiq9EtKIxMxdztbLH7sxa8MRcuDktTKdmfTiW3RKB_yJL1ZxDDQmnXUkD_oh-wtRo3wwX8XnLDdDT5q2d5rKaFVb5ylpD3KtW7B7imH/s1600/P1030177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7uMMYRzDF2Kq3ojmxA-WAhJlUsTnld1JCkiq9EtKIxMxdztbLH7sxa8MRcuDktTKdmfTiW3RKB_yJL1ZxDDQmnXUkD_oh-wtRo3wwX8XnLDdDT5q2d5rKaFVb5ylpD3KtW7B7imH/s320/P1030177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hard to believe the Dubai Aquarium is all located inside of the Dubai Mall!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSV6KeJrdvjiwTfYPHpf8tsZ675yoCuh3bQUkfegPf0NfYzWeHj5raZ78VRuY2LM4yWowy5eUseJ_kGgikzEk4Un7ux-uqwO5H1h7200Zgr1MfkyYmaQHaMGdcNOF13wcWDmowIVi/s1600/P1030252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSV6KeJrdvjiwTfYPHpf8tsZ675yoCuh3bQUkfegPf0NfYzWeHj5raZ78VRuY2LM4yWowy5eUseJ_kGgikzEk4Un7ux-uqwO5H1h7200Zgr1MfkyYmaQHaMGdcNOF13wcWDmowIVi/s320/P1030252.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila found the penguins at the aquarium!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Poor Dalila and I had to skip the boat ride since I was pregnant and she was only three. This left Mommy with a very grumpy girl who just wanted a boat ride! She cried about the injustice of it all for the entire time Ginny and the Jeremys were on their 10 minute boat ride around the aquarium.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gLpWYUsN2rYFjmCfxtstWWhCtLrXpvJFs5syV6slGKxtj3I-2p6SIJXTmxEeRRZl7q5s4uAHw9TWBF8gnLr1LdyokHtXxJR-zzqgOucdbTWzo1qyENEsYLbKy4ra-90VxOHPIV-N/s1600/P1030260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gLpWYUsN2rYFjmCfxtstWWhCtLrXpvJFs5syV6slGKxtj3I-2p6SIJXTmxEeRRZl7q5s4uAHw9TWBF8gnLr1LdyokHtXxJR-zzqgOucdbTWzo1qyENEsYLbKy4ra-90VxOHPIV-N/s320/P1030260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4ON9J2Jn-Yahe9MsaN93nvM72lAeN1bbCyTKtxVqvkx7B6NeDSgWxtMpQFROctB1bpG_sZbESzzQbZPB5MHl5KkLo1e2wcNwuQfKtTPaJ9M1ifnYjoA_ijqjUxFrRTMA4KSqiSX_/s1600/P1030262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4ON9J2Jn-Yahe9MsaN93nvM72lAeN1bbCyTKtxVqvkx7B6NeDSgWxtMpQFROctB1bpG_sZbESzzQbZPB5MHl5KkLo1e2wcNwuQfKtTPaJ9M1ifnYjoA_ijqjUxFrRTMA4KSqiSX_/s320/P1030262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
...So, how did Uncle Jeremy and Auntie Ginny make it up to her? By booking a Dhow cruise around the lake in front of Dubai Mall to watch the famous dancing fountains from a VIP perspective! Dalila - you are so loved! And this was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkwz4U1nO0mjhs_binGwBwW9p4r4QiQ1Ym77YPoQiP7K_15srqC1OcUicmw2bpFqHzEoQrZwY1MSlCN4NENA4cy_Aoa9y5eknit40orvcPEt_rhbwOJ7yCB0apsWGgrICHNCMin9G/s1600/P1030296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkwz4U1nO0mjhs_binGwBwW9p4r4QiQ1Ym77YPoQiP7K_15srqC1OcUicmw2bpFqHzEoQrZwY1MSlCN4NENA4cy_Aoa9y5eknit40orvcPEt_rhbwOJ7yCB0apsWGgrICHNCMin9G/s320/P1030296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR9xpGO5x_Na8nQa5n3DLBAUmLWlQcRUlgQq_kmO7PyG0o34o4F0iDho0LC61C90LeLAzc6DknFr-XMwSlo9pUurtd8fjRogDyZyhJdx3WPNLWhqntAGGdz0JfLoZwsdo7VJ-HKdm/s1600/P1030300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR9xpGO5x_Na8nQa5n3DLBAUmLWlQcRUlgQq_kmO7PyG0o34o4F0iDho0LC61C90LeLAzc6DknFr-XMwSlo9pUurtd8fjRogDyZyhJdx3WPNLWhqntAGGdz0JfLoZwsdo7VJ-HKdm/s320/P1030300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGRJ0LowX6sKZscLbMzEmUL_A2DZflxP804_qwMnyuwNJbJWldzdNhJUpmCwvw2MwtoSQw9FdlQ_V9a5-IGzA3bA8qFX6FNYfBXTjJHjt4BXb5VTph_fooFiiR6f7SQgucAgW8OzX/s1600/P1030305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGRJ0LowX6sKZscLbMzEmUL_A2DZflxP804_qwMnyuwNJbJWldzdNhJUpmCwvw2MwtoSQw9FdlQ_V9a5-IGzA3bA8qFX6FNYfBXTjJHjt4BXb5VTph_fooFiiR6f7SQgucAgW8OzX/s320/P1030305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the view from the dhow boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_frR8tRpbLDvSQcxPlDwEcYhnyIBaKYaeaBYmv51vVr9xO8TsBLleyO0Nrv0ZiKsswmrVpLmphgAdUdYwQZc1G7vE7_M54akbKz_yoFXLN9hfS0XyeIpD0psDPLFffbFWQWP44SUg/s1600/P1030306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_frR8tRpbLDvSQcxPlDwEcYhnyIBaKYaeaBYmv51vVr9xO8TsBLleyO0Nrv0ZiKsswmrVpLmphgAdUdYwQZc1G7vE7_M54akbKz_yoFXLN9hfS0XyeIpD0psDPLFffbFWQWP44SUg/s320/P1030306.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila finally got her boat ride!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. A Desert Safari!!<br />
<br />
By far the most tourist-y event on our itinerary, this was the only part of our planning that Jeremy and I had never experienced personally, so we weren't sure what to expect. Staying true to his label as the expert planner, Jeremy researched different safari companies for weeks before finally selecting what he thought was the perfect group. They offered off-roading in safe and well-maintained vehicles, camel rides, sand boarding, henna, shisha, a delicious Arabic meal and a show with belly dancing. I was skeptical about the off-roading portion and had decided I would just skip it and head to the camp to meet up with the rest of our party later until we met up with our driver. He rolled up in a big black Hummer and stated that his wife was also 8 months pregnant and I would be fine. I trusted him and I'm SO glad that I did. We were the only ones in our group of 50 vehicles with the Hummer and the envious stares we received from the rest of the safari goers certainly proved that we were the lucky ones on this trip! The off-road trip itself was a blast! Our driver was clearly well-trained and explained that he drove this route 7 days a week and loved his job.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uw6NLbhOddotrVD1pWgsQxV3JBBL05-83-w557ZvCONDj1C7HrKu-gTMaxtm3XuKUYGzZLL7xwxuCqvD6l7FDq-sfth3drMPtTaiUznICnjfkyLFXhKEId8ubNrewsS2D4Y77BGB/s1600/P1030345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uw6NLbhOddotrVD1pWgsQxV3JBBL05-83-w557ZvCONDj1C7HrKu-gTMaxtm3XuKUYGzZLL7xwxuCqvD6l7FDq-sfth3drMPtTaiUznICnjfkyLFXhKEId8ubNrewsS2D4Y77BGB/s320/P1030345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7XmXnx1lQtDs3RUI1U69xhaiv00JrngU6Pe98CxWuZTgiSXw3Ba1-QGGqybB0SXSRTB1p73wuKyQ1SF5gvJEfpBgedSuT6YNNbpUcrbFQgRORgXHb-tAZW9XGcZuHvL0rFgYyU62/s1600/P1030356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7XmXnx1lQtDs3RUI1U69xhaiv00JrngU6Pe98CxWuZTgiSXw3Ba1-QGGqybB0SXSRTB1p73wuKyQ1SF5gvJEfpBgedSuT6YNNbpUcrbFQgRORgXHb-tAZW9XGcZuHvL0rFgYyU62/s320/P1030356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr0FQNFJRzFnJVHQtLw3QlTtvqd9tuZlDzAIU9RcJoPvWGQGK0H61xfOsPR0rxb5B-9_lC0s5vAuZRpaot0R_Ud7kvuYLXChQDamCHFB8pJC81UCgAvcc1qAGiD2AVDrEHYE1lLUH/s1600/P1030366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr0FQNFJRzFnJVHQtLw3QlTtvqd9tuZlDzAIU9RcJoPvWGQGK0H61xfOsPR0rxb5B-9_lC0s5vAuZRpaot0R_Ud7kvuYLXChQDamCHFB8pJC81UCgAvcc1qAGiD2AVDrEHYE1lLUH/s320/P1030366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The convoy of white Land Rovers dune bashing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitxdNksx3KvdDSBVDgjFJSJgUZjthDSwiJeEHJltHp2mB7fLQCLQBZHm4WGOrxE5skfoTjvIODlcdWGfg9PKQPancg-TBH9myovzyz9HQlTEem3Xi2YFqv5KkiEe56h7_ER6C9jtD/s1600/P1030374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitxdNksx3KvdDSBVDgjFJSJgUZjthDSwiJeEHJltHp2mB7fLQCLQBZHm4WGOrxE5skfoTjvIODlcdWGfg9PKQPancg-TBH9myovzyz9HQlTEem3Xi2YFqv5KkiEe56h7_ER6C9jtD/s320/P1030374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMUZJJMYLGpeBXXq3uVQ7RFycEI2XPQXOIFK4Tb1qNM3Dah8B8jjiUrifvKPrgpd5JtQKaZdeGeg6Fgpyl8ZabbgA5YA1QClS5jdJBPC-3pRsYkJSzsG52woIdLQiNYRxSExkiJ0Y/s1600/P1030360.MOV"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D281031106db0f815%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1371386386%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D5F77F0060FC5C3ECA5D7225DB12410CCFB271A81.B703950256757D1D1D46314D1DFBEC5344BB6A2E%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D281031106db0f815%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1371386386%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D5F77F0060FC5C3ECA5D7225DB12410CCFB271A81.B703950256757D1D1D46314D1DFBEC5344BB6A2E%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's a little video I shot of our off-road adventure.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
When we arrived at the camp, the only disappointment we faced was the sand boarding...which was slightly less than exciting. Due to the rain soaked sand, the boards hardly moved, but they made for some great pictures. Dinner was fantastic and the show was better than I ever could have hoped for. Diving into a tourist trip that we never thought we would do ended up being my favorite part of the vacation with our friends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhtkUDR2awm9Dkv3ksalXdyefdqD1QRYq1Z2P0Ic3OLR829g0ngw76_dZJ0T6kB06QyBnHXjg6e-Ky48ddin2Zt2TWrBQk0QfSA23ZNixfyVBH0290AUfnM3KLOT0Iuv_z21jZFec/s1600/P1030390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhtkUDR2awm9Dkv3ksalXdyefdqD1QRYq1Z2P0Ic3OLR829g0ngw76_dZJ0T6kB06QyBnHXjg6e-Ky48ddin2Zt2TWrBQk0QfSA23ZNixfyVBH0290AUfnM3KLOT0Iuv_z21jZFec/s320/P1030390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9uHvk5pAfv3AWJpUGXoPjEkA6bTHCLcDR3KRQJgr5ueZ17oV-a5fxs1K-Kj-Ow8cA2CSIQgeimV8MdSKFAMu0kGvnKSEid41Mna2D8Lt1Q-yKwKVTXC8CjQydeM1g_t4ZhCYNADi/s1600/P1030392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9uHvk5pAfv3AWJpUGXoPjEkA6bTHCLcDR3KRQJgr5ueZ17oV-a5fxs1K-Kj-Ow8cA2CSIQgeimV8MdSKFAMu0kGvnKSEid41Mna2D8Lt1Q-yKwKVTXC8CjQydeM1g_t4ZhCYNADi/s320/P1030392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpV_SGYt6IGCalRZsfX5ZDqKXLZoTFcunFNO5GD5PbgLdnTKZLDT8yqmSJ3H1b0z5ajnOfHC31pdpOUsA0yLTgdOHcVUPXW0dVKaIMHwaSK-6KViVVZ_CDTNDBy9IND9aIS4UiVKy/s1600/P1030393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpV_SGYt6IGCalRZsfX5ZDqKXLZoTFcunFNO5GD5PbgLdnTKZLDT8yqmSJ3H1b0z5ajnOfHC31pdpOUsA0yLTgdOHcVUPXW0dVKaIMHwaSK-6KViVVZ_CDTNDBy9IND9aIS4UiVKy/s320/P1030393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-CcDiXuOw4IlR6pWBEE-8jl-NYFopFp0cgz3b_h52XQZ8bE_3EhN8ujtML_WTc6781j_IE9Eg63ZRcEnnnMifQEH9F6AZ3qreMoeibU0L-OwCrpVtM2-JEN4vTnT2MZmd9dYy9S8/s1600/P1030403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-CcDiXuOw4IlR6pWBEE-8jl-NYFopFp0cgz3b_h52XQZ8bE_3EhN8ujtML_WTc6781j_IE9Eg63ZRcEnnnMifQEH9F6AZ3qreMoeibU0L-OwCrpVtM2-JEN4vTnT2MZmd9dYy9S8/s320/P1030403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h-qAceq4aAna7acX-8_2yQUHakcss2rSBLKV4DAn5tfPkXEj9UQnfWkkHCSmqcfVfum-HrPj_BxbnDeNIpDR3iXsFk5pMUzGek1JnW-D3d9ieFDgRQ42zKlA4uj2qg7h3Ua0h-yA/s1600/P1030407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h-qAceq4aAna7acX-8_2yQUHakcss2rSBLKV4DAn5tfPkXEj9UQnfWkkHCSmqcfVfum-HrPj_BxbnDeNIpDR3iXsFk5pMUzGek1JnW-D3d9ieFDgRQ42zKlA4uj2qg7h3Ua0h-yA/s320/P1030407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clever solution to the disappointing lack of speed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKY55STlQW-Shh8re8d62iOAvXDxyd0j74ZxyL898TBUb_F3Opm4iAoRkkkn6m1SItILCHpEFvUfWxL7nhZSpR48addHuxb8OJ2PPGL4vNQg9rHfn01ul8XuftgBFQy3N8vxNOHy4/s1600/P1030409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKY55STlQW-Shh8re8d62iOAvXDxyd0j74ZxyL898TBUb_F3Opm4iAoRkkkn6m1SItILCHpEFvUfWxL7nhZSpR48addHuxb8OJ2PPGL4vNQg9rHfn01ul8XuftgBFQy3N8vxNOHy4/s320/P1030409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow sand meant I could try it out - pregnant and all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlq2IX4GFPWxE_Nrfa5y56cN7s6oM1irZ2za2p1awjLLXEH_nNAYJRA384-kWe6c2jebkJJdxkjNXRjQaY5BFHHs0xWvbeuflVpdgZgNPr3iG0qyj_0JuDtFW6C7e7YuZqSOvd9It/s1600/P1030411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlq2IX4GFPWxE_Nrfa5y56cN7s6oM1irZ2za2p1awjLLXEH_nNAYJRA384-kWe6c2jebkJJdxkjNXRjQaY5BFHHs0xWvbeuflVpdgZgNPr3iG0qyj_0JuDtFW6C7e7YuZqSOvd9It/s320/P1030411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g31rwMOfYkG_vPf-bsvonfiaKCsJHdmnr2fUYnqFZsoomkHUHzKFW9dMT60J_9U64sFQabK1XW4wcKOaQdOrziCLuSvK8G2N9KIygDkNPpeUf3xfkazePdaqDlt2sI-N1nZW9NMF/s1600/P1030412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g31rwMOfYkG_vPf-bsvonfiaKCsJHdmnr2fUYnqFZsoomkHUHzKFW9dMT60J_9U64sFQabK1XW4wcKOaQdOrziCLuSvK8G2N9KIygDkNPpeUf3xfkazePdaqDlt2sI-N1nZW9NMF/s320/P1030412.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHV4zyPwpsvH50pRAb0AmvOwgAlZuMVClge4G_alvCiGYCcJyqK1UKGy-HxO7L5xMUdJMSJp-G-doFKdM68Q7TANDLnaCXLigsWe-P6Qv9aPDrSdiXa59MAZVjPorTLswba1UBYjx/s1600/P1030422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHV4zyPwpsvH50pRAb0AmvOwgAlZuMVClge4G_alvCiGYCcJyqK1UKGy-HxO7L5xMUdJMSJp-G-doFKdM68Q7TANDLnaCXLigsWe-P6Qv9aPDrSdiXa59MAZVjPorTLswba1UBYjx/s320/P1030422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWAZtiM9oXnaqHmV4WTRwTIwKP2FMkLNk0oICdgU_1O6vZsCykz8XMGAXZiTwKXqiSCZf2kvOXNvoK_Ao-z0EyuB89VsEep8hQj6OkQpxeSPDqmBUj60NP3WPHajmwGikTR_TnV1L/s1600/P1030447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWAZtiM9oXnaqHmV4WTRwTIwKP2FMkLNk0oICdgU_1O6vZsCykz8XMGAXZiTwKXqiSCZf2kvOXNvoK_Ao-z0EyuB89VsEep8hQj6OkQpxeSPDqmBUj60NP3WPHajmwGikTR_TnV1L/s320/P1030447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jeremys and their manly henna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gw9hb4DB2gxQ1yVN7sdq_CpE5r2WZXDIdGs1u1MpVvNTD35kmgcJ8Y9ye547RodoINpZg-mL9ogvBLcErfkgMo4kKyt14n-orxeiGk9_2bQps7p0RSoXKUirs_W0z0ubF3Bb54s2/s1600/P1030458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gw9hb4DB2gxQ1yVN7sdq_CpE5r2WZXDIdGs1u1MpVvNTD35kmgcJ8Y9ye547RodoINpZg-mL9ogvBLcErfkgMo4kKyt14n-orxeiGk9_2bQps7p0RSoXKUirs_W0z0ubF3Bb54s2/s320/P1030458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeE47dUkFv7aireoWAUayG4RqW50QiOk538besEnt03taa07OUCgbPVeQwgSKb5F0xMg14GQDNRIAeRSpAKE8yhb2Mz435Z5dvxwVQ7Xdyf0yDzJzB_Vpl6GyPvD4pG6Ge1bkmLYT/s1600/P1030462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeE47dUkFv7aireoWAUayG4RqW50QiOk538besEnt03taa07OUCgbPVeQwgSKb5F0xMg14GQDNRIAeRSpAKE8yhb2Mz435Z5dvxwVQ7Xdyf0yDzJzB_Vpl6GyPvD4pG6Ge1bkmLYT/s320/P1030462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Jeremy and I have lived in the UAE for nearly 2 years now and may have started taking for granted all of the amazing opportunities for unforgettable experiences we have within hours of us now. We're so grateful to our good friends the Crofts for letting us show them our new home and being so open to all of the incredible adventures the UAE has to offer. We have the Crofts to thank for helping us remember how to live and love life in our new home!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-59474943735506115222013-05-10T02:47:00.000-07:002013-05-10T02:47:22.511-07:00What did we do for Easter?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know, I know. VERY late on this one. But we had a fantastic Easter and I want to make sure I don't just skip the post, so here we go:<br />
<br />
This was our first year coloring eggs with Dalila and she couldn't contain her excitement. Coloring kits are a little tough to find here sometimes, so my resourceful and creative hubby made his own egg dyes. They worked great...until we hid the eggs and noticed that they dripped. A LOT! Oh well, luckily they only dripped on our dark furniture and we noticed pretty quickly. Anyway, back to the coloring process. Here's a few shots of Dalia working her artistic magic on her Easter eggs. (Sorry for the topless photos - that's how three-year-olds color eggs on a hot March afternoon!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCb-jvnJ-QYovpzEQmHU3Z6yQMPYgOqR56aUI3SHcOXOG1UjSAWC2rcM0qG2T7dn7NGA0OeFPxPFQ3mSp_KBUaWAhtUm9rlnkKpvgSi470wj7kubLhtXzK75BXQ7B0ufHV8eV07D9/s1600/P1020902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCb-jvnJ-QYovpzEQmHU3Z6yQMPYgOqR56aUI3SHcOXOG1UjSAWC2rcM0qG2T7dn7NGA0OeFPxPFQ3mSp_KBUaWAhtUm9rlnkKpvgSi470wj7kubLhtXzK75BXQ7B0ufHV8eV07D9/s320/P1020902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIN2T45ceAPmNrJqAnG5LJ39CJKAeqErMHqLh_rk4cWQbM7vyUzCjd-eEas2814ydVIPX6P0nHBQ4Sx8AwvH7mNByKpKkG8pADEL30lICblx0Pl4kxiymlrM-26S12fxNKfQq2jFa/s1600/P1020910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIN2T45ceAPmNrJqAnG5LJ39CJKAeqErMHqLh_rk4cWQbM7vyUzCjd-eEas2814ydVIPX6P0nHBQ4Sx8AwvH7mNByKpKkG8pADEL30lICblx0Pl4kxiymlrM-26S12fxNKfQq2jFa/s320/P1020910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Next came Easter bunny time!! All Dalila wanted for Easter was a "jumpin' rope." She was SO happy to find that the Easter bunny had heard her pleas and surprised her with some cute clothes and goodies along with her very own jumpin' rope. Here she is posing with her loot right before she was set loose to find her hidden eggs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEHX4fcW_G9ScwjtqShPuKRoqW-cqqI0wQgMmpQCPpEshw3r60WoVsgJTRo_MUfDvqmaHK09KUiTtOFrXFDbh988Gj9OL0d7sGBCj_ttoJgjOwZ9KCwzbMxor9J7E5NcwrVi1_SdE/s1600/P1020917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEHX4fcW_G9ScwjtqShPuKRoqW-cqqI0wQgMmpQCPpEshw3r60WoVsgJTRo_MUfDvqmaHK09KUiTtOFrXFDbh988Gj9OL0d7sGBCj_ttoJgjOwZ9KCwzbMxor9J7E5NcwrVi1_SdE/s320/P1020917.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor girl - I caught her with the just-woke-up face.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jeremy worked on an amazing meal of roasted quail and potatoes that we hoped to devour before heading out on the next leg of our Easter fun, but the darn quail wouldn't cooperate, so we had to put off our dinner until late in the evening. Thankfully, our Easter egg hunt with Dalila's best little buddies made up for a late dinner and there was plenty of candy for her to nibble on and avoid hunger.<br />
<br />
Our wonderful friends seem to know everyone at our local golf club and were able to reserve a portion of the academy course for us to hold our Easter egg hunt, just for the four toddlers. The dads all took off on their golf carts with the eggs and candy to play Easter bunny, then returned to pick up the moms and kiddies for egg and candy-finding fun. One of Dalila's favorite parts of the whole experience was the ride on the three-seater golf cart that she called the choo-choo. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG2xezr5t4YowbonbDRRBWFH-mHESeorbtAM5vlE3qBDrMZW5fIGJh53NBrh7ujZrA9S8ul5bKwgiT2KX4TsSPY8c-WlNIw-iKXpN1WjnFTigDxw1UtYFn7LYljVzG0OGclb1tfTz/s1600/P1020927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG2xezr5t4YowbonbDRRBWFH-mHESeorbtAM5vlE3qBDrMZW5fIGJh53NBrh7ujZrA9S8ul5bKwgiT2KX4TsSPY8c-WlNIw-iKXpN1WjnFTigDxw1UtYFn7LYljVzG0OGclb1tfTz/s320/P1020927.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her favorite way to swing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2_7NV-frxZ4fAnqD4DD1YlkqCEA6kxC0pl9vdJztPrfp_1KmqN1uwqJPJ7_q9THxQ9qJpxrzm8qoMmAa1sGjkTXuixCuurXdHU2bV11haNIVZ8LgA72O_WXBovRZWVP0-bncYyTp/s1600/P1020932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2_7NV-frxZ4fAnqD4DD1YlkqCEA6kxC0pl9vdJztPrfp_1KmqN1uwqJPJ7_q9THxQ9qJpxrzm8qoMmAa1sGjkTXuixCuurXdHU2bV11haNIVZ8LgA72O_WXBovRZWVP0-bncYyTp/s320/P1020932.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila in her darling Easter dress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWst3KQyEUAPg5o6xEYp54rPROmoOa78RQ9Sp2HKfyZhyphenhyphenXrnHl4cwj8hw9a6UqOuVOgla6uQXvT_KL_bfue_eA21y8-Y__aP_3lXyfa_5R3EULs5MnhhyphenhyphenT4wp0RkHtIRSd4ACUixd/s1600/P1020940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWst3KQyEUAPg5o6xEYp54rPROmoOa78RQ9Sp2HKfyZhyphenhyphenXrnHl4cwj8hw9a6UqOuVOgla6uQXvT_KL_bfue_eA21y8-Y__aP_3lXyfa_5R3EULs5MnhhyphenhyphenT4wp0RkHtIRSd4ACUixd/s320/P1020940.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouncing with her best buddies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsewkx7gDwgerbmCJkLidyvkr20DKHFCEGNWGSEpoVmfFFdrA5jPZcipV09Z3QznQnhDznObBd2znx1CAssVU8DAWB_ZNUHFkJcq_e3tIUHA5vf7-71w2a15uH63GrfmizYAbX1Hmp/s1600/P1020946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsewkx7gDwgerbmCJkLidyvkr20DKHFCEGNWGSEpoVmfFFdrA5jPZcipV09Z3QznQnhDznObBd2znx1CAssVU8DAWB_ZNUHFkJcq_e3tIUHA5vf7-71w2a15uH63GrfmizYAbX1Hmp/s320/P1020946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little practice before committing to a design for their eggs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VJx9wIlrucsj57Ggzrkm44SU5yTMqFRF8jytFx2M2oRS_WpOebPy6B43xyaTCCfINRrIbxsadj1SMdP2q7onBB8usiAloHkCOVTi6GYRRt6q-ypQt9Iw0XR-G8jq5cg025YvKZB5/s1600/P1020953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VJx9wIlrucsj57Ggzrkm44SU5yTMqFRF8jytFx2M2oRS_WpOebPy6B43xyaTCCfINRrIbxsadj1SMdP2q7onBB8usiAloHkCOVTi6GYRRt6q-ypQt9Iw0XR-G8jq5cg025YvKZB5/s320/P1020953.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petting the mommy pony at the equestrian club, right next to the golf club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WaqzQcCCb7kUWcx3ZZr5QzJdmw0G-OcQlolbPLoxUv1_Uth3kGE7C27aPi8-irZZaTAVAScBU-T2NJfaEEMLP70X576DNEnonpdNeIs9h2BXPr9a-AtY3oDyi8cMB5HKm_M3CAQQ/s1600/P1020956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WaqzQcCCb7kUWcx3ZZr5QzJdmw0G-OcQlolbPLoxUv1_Uth3kGE7C27aPi8-irZZaTAVAScBU-T2NJfaEEMLP70X576DNEnonpdNeIs9h2BXPr9a-AtY3oDyi8cMB5HKm_M3CAQQ/s320/P1020956.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy pony with her little colt - Awwwwww.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEdmJwFgP5RSxzDSob5OQ7y7EoYLfba6yGwUMI_IbZyxSazE4pb-zYXsVanWeJ7EnzHEWrSVxvMtIRs7H5IlOIxfci5v1JAmfiHRdusfqSCdbvblUWNs9UwdMGRJr3SqbiyU1JgS9/s1600/P1020959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEdmJwFgP5RSxzDSob5OQ7y7EoYLfba6yGwUMI_IbZyxSazE4pb-zYXsVanWeJ7EnzHEWrSVxvMtIRs7H5IlOIxfci5v1JAmfiHRdusfqSCdbvblUWNs9UwdMGRJr3SqbiyU1JgS9/s320/P1020959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oooohing and Awwwing with Daddy over the cute little colt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoDti4zjY3U7-e7iQIhrf07ItoJUWGPVVSn1JdfUpWPFvUYOyWgcA4kWIJfFer_uF_I8q_swIWo4su9eQl0iScw3Xvtzx19q0fTCzsBTP6t6Fqj98jcfib72k6i2IeCJobZYlhPTe/s1600/P1020969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoDti4zjY3U7-e7iQIhrf07ItoJUWGPVVSn1JdfUpWPFvUYOyWgcA4kWIJfFer_uF_I8q_swIWo4su9eQl0iScw3Xvtzx19q0fTCzsBTP6t6Fqj98jcfib72k6i2IeCJobZYlhPTe/s320/P1020969.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to ride the golf cart out to her egg hunt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqDHA5L2R-DCw2TG8fP398ldwFC_EDtuEI136aj0YZ1BXURFFAuFh3tXQHfhEqZ7N_F3iLHz-8kybBRgb_wdVGrLeuOteM9CB05azGxXuOikfny2rLA3E9KV7KFc2rGjkAQBlvW-o/s1600/P1020977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqDHA5L2R-DCw2TG8fP398ldwFC_EDtuEI136aj0YZ1BXURFFAuFh3tXQHfhEqZ7N_F3iLHz-8kybBRgb_wdVGrLeuOteM9CB05azGxXuOikfny2rLA3E9KV7KFc2rGjkAQBlvW-o/s320/P1020977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_dUxeZxbugV5dNKwKRN6ETcLfaHcLnce2lg5YjbiKf0AxhMI0jbIVzm5JPsOLnHNk0wB9Xjtj5xg3Pvxhlk5Eku2il3GZYr7PYkzI82vQ9OzAK844F_lAAUwFHcnarwwS26CxN44/s1600/P1020978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_dUxeZxbugV5dNKwKRN6ETcLfaHcLnce2lg5YjbiKf0AxhMI0jbIVzm5JPsOLnHNk0wB9Xjtj5xg3Pvxhlk5Eku2il3GZYr7PYkzI82vQ9OzAK844F_lAAUwFHcnarwwS26CxN44/s320/P1020978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFk0e4gjYNB3ddn8GxIolgekwg0uacyfAmrcPa3fIsyuxXIj5q3q0npKG7bwJIxrFcOAziEZWfb6yDvqanb2trlDM6cFOpZ-OSWuE21TNz04oAflJXD-z2g7BgrOSvhUIDkXKfwGqv/s1600/P1020995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFk0e4gjYNB3ddn8GxIolgekwg0uacyfAmrcPa3fIsyuxXIj5q3q0npKG7bwJIxrFcOAziEZWfb6yDvqanb2trlDM6cFOpZ-OSWuE21TNz04oAflJXD-z2g7BgrOSvhUIDkXKfwGqv/s320/P1020995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding some hungry fish who live in one of the water hazards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While Easter may have lacked the usual family time we so enjoy when we're home in Idaho, I think we were quite successful in building some lasting memories for Dalila to treasure.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-6598639271078464952013-04-04T04:47:00.000-07:002013-04-04T04:47:19.837-07:00How is Dalila Three Already!?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hard to believe our little lady is just that now, no longer a baby at all, but a sweet young lady...with a huge dash of mischief mixed in. For her third birthday party, Dalila had her choice of themes, but finally ended up going with her latest obsession (one of many) - Minnie Mouse. Once the theme was decided, off we went to find EVERYTHING Minnie Mouse this place has to offer. And in a country where copyright laws are practically nonexistent, we had no trouble catering to the Minnie-obsessed birthday girl's every whim.<br />
<br />
Preparations began with a special trip to Dubai to locate anything and everything Minnie Mouse-themed that the birthday girl could envision. She happily plucked every party favor offered in her chosen theme from the lowest hanging shelves and tossed them into the cart. Here's a photo of the main table, pre-party, in all of its Minnie Mouse splendor:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgKNWBOwJbOGs_ov7WGa_7SXCgejRSN2b1cS98ZorOVN4OMHNtJ4Gd8IFEyakjm2ODBoUuTszFLYDUgI9NegVMXpxWDY2nqL12PK9atXkT7ulSD7krzQ-V88ELS4qAX6tm1Z-7jzV/s1600/P1020574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgKNWBOwJbOGs_ov7WGa_7SXCgejRSN2b1cS98ZorOVN4OMHNtJ4Gd8IFEyakjm2ODBoUuTszFLYDUgI9NegVMXpxWDY2nqL12PK9atXkT7ulSD7krzQ-V88ELS4qAX6tm1Z-7jzV/s320/P1020574.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
...And this is the gift and favor table, ready and waiting for the birthday girl's gifts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhbrd2ASx6X9wHjqnD-1_m-GXMBqKtC2H9TBOzF0QP0AmSVINVLXSkPqptajC-KZzKwyrYGoIL3FkEQAxBaxGVqkypOr8yTjugq1D4wDd1EA-Gi2mwUOi1cyqQkJw87b14vgBx36t/s1600/P1020575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhbrd2ASx6X9wHjqnD-1_m-GXMBqKtC2H9TBOzF0QP0AmSVINVLXSkPqptajC-KZzKwyrYGoIL3FkEQAxBaxGVqkypOr8yTjugq1D4wDd1EA-Gi2mwUOi1cyqQkJw87b14vgBx36t/s320/P1020575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next came a cake hunt on Pinterest. Our location of choice was, once again, our local golf club where <a href="http://www.allensonadventures.blogspot.ae/2012_02_01_archive.html" target="_blank">last year's party</a> was such a huge success. One of the perks offered by the Al Ain Golf Club is an in-house pastry chef who prepares any requested cake for guests. Fortunately, the pastry chef this year was new...and understood what Minnie Mouse looks like a bit better than last year's chef's vision of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3R0ilJtgnMYvhAuvJ8y8iT4lUFYSgvvOwtda55hgMR7RZSEz0xzQis-BkR2qB8wQo16W2gopQ_1Ao7M22OAtdH5wPag0DO0IC203t-wNpavD7hIqn05fHDjVezec5dUWTsyq2WZv/s1600/P1020682.JPG" target="_blank">Mickey Mouse</a>. Dalila pondered her choices and finally selected a few Minnie cakes that she loved, and the results were quite satisfactory:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjz2dsUW_r2mciTPkKeRQqrQe3DN2XOcxpLXAfmh76yIvPLYS8Oc2rZcc90x2TuqfXXfaeA8Jnog07Pci7Nrr0DM27qXXnYxzPaUb7FQXxtQacFG5UthN_mr0YrfOLbEOYEK4F5WS/s1600/P1020584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjz2dsUW_r2mciTPkKeRQqrQe3DN2XOcxpLXAfmh76yIvPLYS8Oc2rZcc90x2TuqfXXfaeA8Jnog07Pci7Nrr0DM27qXXnYxzPaUb7FQXxtQacFG5UthN_mr0YrfOLbEOYEK4F5WS/s320/P1020584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
(Never mind the fact that the chef took our image VERY literally and used a "2" instead of a "3." The birthday girl didn't care, so why would we!?)<br />
<br />
The final ingredient to the perfect birthday for our awesome little lady? A big girl bike!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM6294i_gqtkAfO8wAxUMnLmIo_lgkOQE3lt7FZEQuMyIlBiixloA9Fg3LbjEPHpiX-8cqmHO3SYeScTi5nm9fQaUWJfN_6_6QLSKSVJ-fg0czzHvrUgZWknXuk8mfpc_M_ScNKez/s1600/P1020610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM6294i_gqtkAfO8wAxUMnLmIo_lgkOQE3lt7FZEQuMyIlBiixloA9Fg3LbjEPHpiX-8cqmHO3SYeScTi5nm9fQaUWJfN_6_6QLSKSVJ-fg0czzHvrUgZWknXuk8mfpc_M_ScNKez/s320/P1020610.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Here's her face as she took in the excitement (disbelief, perhaps?):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pDRnUXE37o8OZTv9XvmY1SHDtf8SlWUPx04-KwgZE_f0a7eit9mDLxdSoenQaZCkzYrH5bGppQ95x1RJqLRy1JfMpsyK5ic77LQxcLgnZ7HVF-7blp_RlQJXAR1Uz6fNqxUInR3d/s1600/P1020611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pDRnUXE37o8OZTv9XvmY1SHDtf8SlWUPx04-KwgZE_f0a7eit9mDLxdSoenQaZCkzYrH5bGppQ95x1RJqLRy1JfMpsyK5ic77LQxcLgnZ7HVF-7blp_RlQJXAR1Uz6fNqxUInR3d/s320/P1020611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now for some photos of Dalila and her guests enjoying her big day:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPx6wTJ488hyq7TsqIkq43o4FzqdqDfbezcIooxr9BRg-nzGv1nqpZtwDPj9RpDxQjtrHp9qdF8LDCjbZX7pwhDt-EjKwTBvtKeQtwbL9rzB158d6WQ7NVVydEjDhb6hXx84uLjFj/s1600/P1020583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPx6wTJ488hyq7TsqIkq43o4FzqdqDfbezcIooxr9BRg-nzGv1nqpZtwDPj9RpDxQjtrHp9qdF8LDCjbZX7pwhDt-EjKwTBvtKeQtwbL9rzB158d6WQ7NVVydEjDhb6hXx84uLjFj/s320/P1020583.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids assemble for some coloring and treats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZwW3PR-DcY0hoQWMiK_C4xh0oU5kVJh-Qmai8kaZhov6dLmYgXqLviOO_r2P1ZU0drDHsU4MxykONxxtzKlt3OxR-Q4-2RTSBG0Wj4g2dIl9qRDcMzSJbIo2hWdwB-qK1TEUO4AO/s1600/P1020585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZwW3PR-DcY0hoQWMiK_C4xh0oU5kVJh-Qmai8kaZhov6dLmYgXqLviOO_r2P1ZU0drDHsU4MxykONxxtzKlt3OxR-Q4-2RTSBG0Wj4g2dIl9qRDcMzSJbIo2hWdwB-qK1TEUO4AO/s320/P1020585.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila models by her lovely cake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTcr76dxHNCff86SfvKuw6X7Pom3KvhWR7iBOPiE6UZvtg9IZwKKX0D61CY3b2Uvxys9QtFjQ0twyYmYtR61LArd-LW2jwDslS1T9UHsDySu4w-ExHVpN4gBfELICUZxF7_c4Io9Y/s1600/P1020587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTcr76dxHNCff86SfvKuw6X7Pom3KvhWR7iBOPiE6UZvtg9IZwKKX0D61CY3b2Uvxys9QtFjQ0twyYmYtR61LArd-LW2jwDslS1T9UHsDySu4w-ExHVpN4gBfELICUZxF7_c4Io9Y/s320/P1020587.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It just wouldn't be a party without best buddy Dara!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyICFfW2OvMk886Fb8pgfaiVb09FXlBNoTQvibQECeMpkqUaghEFanudU6aRZV_R0bpogKLx_CBLbDumGObGZG8yD7fglZyXzv5GleOHZ-8bO70eTfB1_-xMWVQj1etB91Nr_Rewys/s1600/P1020605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyICFfW2OvMk886Fb8pgfaiVb09FXlBNoTQvibQECeMpkqUaghEFanudU6aRZV_R0bpogKLx_CBLbDumGObGZG8yD7fglZyXzv5GleOHZ-8bO70eTfB1_-xMWVQj1etB91Nr_Rewys/s320/P1020605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some helpful party guests assist in the present opening.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3Qod_XM-h4DGwLEIOsBN2G56Q0L_GZEvlup2naoLcMOH2rEiE5RMdWqQtUPIDz6IUvDLjABEYtQuKuMFvJsmGqmj1H57Nls7eTktYsAjPXlHc6_hhtx8Ixp1GT6d9hh__0QjE9-_/s1600/P1020615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3Qod_XM-h4DGwLEIOsBN2G56Q0L_GZEvlup2naoLcMOH2rEiE5RMdWqQtUPIDz6IUvDLjABEYtQuKuMFvJsmGqmj1H57Nls7eTktYsAjPXlHc6_hhtx8Ixp1GT6d9hh__0QjE9-_/s320/P1020615.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golf Club even set up a bounce house for the occasion!...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-KdFeTSPQrnKX_UqxneoVwn0lRcSg0dTlS4XrGwFlZeVsmOA6ZnRhALY8RFbF_TID3kk7wMKrb7fPlxlTWXmE2nI51JtRWWl6iJ5mQgs7e6o3iHyY3cJDtloew2yjcLUmrAJceaz/s1600/P1020618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-KdFeTSPQrnKX_UqxneoVwn0lRcSg0dTlS4XrGwFlZeVsmOA6ZnRhALY8RFbF_TID3kk7wMKrb7fPlxlTWXmE2nI51JtRWWl6iJ5mQgs7e6o3iHyY3cJDtloew2yjcLUmrAJceaz/s320/P1020618.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...but Dalila spent most of her time enjoying the sand instead of bouncing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVhzpjNRVid7OxK51WnDPf6fEi72YamvdkO6TRNMsxlvIgU4iHAiB1PLEh3HErmDJbs1eykof6bnqB8rSxrHkEywmKSD2PvqT8MVGzWbEBJATqn0_K4A6bAnZxU-llLU-cZ21ifyA/s1600/P1020620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVhzpjNRVid7OxK51WnDPf6fEi72YamvdkO6TRNMsxlvIgU4iHAiB1PLEh3HErmDJbs1eykof6bnqB8rSxrHkEywmKSD2PvqT8MVGzWbEBJATqn0_K4A6bAnZxU-llLU-cZ21ifyA/s320/P1020620.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila and Dara - partners in crime - try to<br />devise a way to get to the roof of the playhouse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TDgpxLlp1kPRnYP56Za5iWtbR-R1YoWOL3vjNKcJ0O_tlm1nTUmcgCFCBoIC-IZqZQKM0WNsMGrRNNmyBQpch7U54q9_zTxA1Y4y_IoM39bMGX05Slefqwarx08UWQs3g778zCVz/s1600/P1020623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TDgpxLlp1kPRnYP56Za5iWtbR-R1YoWOL3vjNKcJ0O_tlm1nTUmcgCFCBoIC-IZqZQKM0WNsMGrRNNmyBQpch7U54q9_zTxA1Y4y_IoM39bMGX05Slefqwarx08UWQs3g778zCVz/s320/P1020623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the birthday girl rode off into the sunset<br />after a successful party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-35576792197176153492013-02-01T02:25:00.001-08:002013-02-01T10:07:09.717-08:00Christmas in Paris!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Finally - the Paris Christmas post!! My sincerest apologies for the long wait.<br />
<br />
We were SO lucky to take this incredible trip at a time when we wanted to be with family but couldn't. Jeremy and I continuously marveled at the fact that we couldn't believe we were actually in Paris for Christmas - something we never imagined we'd be able to do. And Dalila was just as happy to be there as us. In fact, she's now started calling all large buildings she sees "the Eiffel Tower" - including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. <br />
<br />
We arrived in Paris in the middle of the day, but spent about 2 hours riding in our hired car with a driver who spoke NO English (though the site we booked through promised all drivers could speak English), searching for our rented flat...which turned out to be a little less than desirable, with walls that may has well have been made of glorified cardboard and ceilings to match. The highlight each night was the earthquake-esque rumbling from the metro running directly below our second story flat that ended around 12 A.M. and began promptly at 5:30 every morning. Top that off with the rotten eggs in the refrigerator that I was afraid to move in case the owner of the flat was conducting some highly scientific experiment of sorts and the shattered pieces of glass littering the floor which poor Jeremy found lodged in his toe weeks after we left Paris, and we can safely say the flat wasn't what we hoped for. But, OH - the location!! So many travelers live by the motto "It's all about the location" and this was certainly the case for us. We were a 5 minute walk from the Champs Elysees and about 10-15 minutes (with an easily distracted toddler in tow, mind you) from the Arc de Triomphe. Yes, the location made up for every little downfall of the apartment itself and our troubles in finding it.<br />
<br />
Once we finally settled in on our first evening, we spent a very chilly, wet evening at the Christmas market and called it a night. So the photo highlight reel will begin with our first full day in Paris:<br />
<br />
Day One<br />
<br />
Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomple and Christmas Market<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr8mKxxmv-NrsNxnFX3zRYmroRvs9F5_aSUwY6tLdapwbMf2CQtZYGj0s1blZtYRKp_ZhCkYiet862_2cYFJW4qUSOg5ur6ml-vs1k1EDGkzy1jss3TNL_-AQKOMiVNzk0dYOhYrk/s1600/P1020021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr8mKxxmv-NrsNxnFX3zRYmroRvs9F5_aSUwY6tLdapwbMf2CQtZYGj0s1blZtYRKp_ZhCkYiet862_2cYFJW4qUSOg5ur6ml-vs1k1EDGkzy1jss3TNL_-AQKOMiVNzk0dYOhYrk/s400/P1020021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family at Champs Elysees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NgVmG513OeU6MazYVSlrBZ535s3T5hk5sKNvdgODNGRX55MnKYz95B09NAwwzM3bDRqU0ioCYGOwaLHEBa3ePDigGHT09uHqtLBqI_3lmwZ4Okx3m3aafHnbfIZUokhWuyWK_ftt/s1600/P1020022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NgVmG513OeU6MazYVSlrBZ535s3T5hk5sKNvdgODNGRX55MnKYz95B09NAwwzM3bDRqU0ioCYGOwaLHEBa3ePDigGHT09uHqtLBqI_3lmwZ4Okx3m3aafHnbfIZUokhWuyWK_ftt/s400/P1020022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lady wanted a picture with Dalila SOO badly, but the only way <br />
Dalila would cooperate was when she showed pictures of her grandson. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr805PbtHgrcVONnITe3RQwYXuLLKxhhA7elHc2W6YEbzZtUEvOLwYrc4FQWyHZ5hQ3vha9HkIUHUeQs-2KvRqttrub1UzDWsSCIvzzgn143yDogouI5GdAHQnFC1oGNNIVJX_lJJY/s1600/P1020093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr805PbtHgrcVONnITe3RQwYXuLLKxhhA7elHc2W6YEbzZtUEvOLwYrc4FQWyHZ5hQ3vha9HkIUHUeQs-2KvRqttrub1UzDWsSCIvzzgn143yDogouI5GdAHQnFC1oGNNIVJX_lJJY/s400/P1020093.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Christmas market before noon - BEST time to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8quKajHEUX6odJuwlNQN08oQDrmny4myp9YPWmKldnEaSrEpcSaDdSNdOngT69HUFR_mEuLNTx2LP0yEfeU3v1fdCDGrQBdP0oAQfXlV83aKzR2t2ZGg3E8a0bzwBT_FuaytU7CNO/s1600/P1020097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8quKajHEUX6odJuwlNQN08oQDrmny4myp9YPWmKldnEaSrEpcSaDdSNdOngT69HUFR_mEuLNTx2LP0yEfeU3v1fdCDGrQBdP0oAQfXlV83aKzR2t2ZGg3E8a0bzwBT_FuaytU7CNO/s400/P1020097.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying pork-related items on the street side<br />
at the Christmas Market! Something that is<br />
frowned upon in our Middle Eastern home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, we met up with some good friends at a park near the entrance to the Louvre. A brood of small children made entering the Louvre and actually enjoying it impossible, but the walk to it and the photo ops outside provided plenty of entertainment, minus the risk of destruction of priceless artwork.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB1ZJD7LDB_oe2FmdRKC6lZ-ZE2zXYI5SQr7hrjrYHQ95sdjJ_2Zw6MASBM2LVVi2Cu2bsEsy13cC4FJM3EK0Ut-ZaQ2xs_IygqXqX9HiBKSjul2BjTgugylgtRANuPpHnzCvuzkv/s1600/P1020163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB1ZJD7LDB_oe2FmdRKC6lZ-ZE2zXYI5SQr7hrjrYHQ95sdjJ_2Zw6MASBM2LVVi2Cu2bsEsy13cC4FJM3EK0Ut-ZaQ2xs_IygqXqX9HiBKSjul2BjTgugylgtRANuPpHnzCvuzkv/s400/P1020163.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila and friends enjoying the view of a freezing cold <br />
fountain and pond.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_CR2tp9qCOB87VyHt2D2OH2mwLWM2Yjo1hNFu7tLAEJPMoatCmE2sSJv_r2k76yLWaeQTuEyfoKDnYq9olVty6IA4Q2HaoH7LmnoR4wBIDBSp5dET4KLngQfiC13Adj8AJ9tJxnK/s1600/P1020184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_CR2tp9qCOB87VyHt2D2OH2mwLWM2Yjo1hNFu7tLAEJPMoatCmE2sSJv_r2k76yLWaeQTuEyfoKDnYq9olVty6IA4Q2HaoH7LmnoR4wBIDBSp5dET4KLngQfiC13Adj8AJ9tJxnK/s400/P1020184.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family outside The Louvre!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLesAsoOq-mvwUxLVprbpEvXMTW2m3bYfs934RRddj1VMDZ-UFE-V3PR68Puop-P3V2jkbnq_SZrO7F_ccBavsUwvR4DFvNhhRtcsXHUC728SN-2w1lOVZeaQugKMwlaqBKZ0iJtn4/s1600/P1020194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLesAsoOq-mvwUxLVprbpEvXMTW2m3bYfs934RRddj1VMDZ-UFE-V3PR68Puop-P3V2jkbnq_SZrO7F_ccBavsUwvR4DFvNhhRtcsXHUC728SN-2w1lOVZeaQugKMwlaqBKZ0iJtn4/s400/P1020194.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww - Dalila loves to pose!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a less than successful attempt to see the world-renowned animatronic Christmas windows at the famous Galleries Lafayette (seriously - the only things that moved in the Christmas windows were some silly little cheerleaders spinning around with pom-poms!), we rested at home, then headed out to experience the evening at the Christmas Market.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTD64azbjtosBygdXjlaEX1SNokiz2lAxhRhI-rzePxv7PYv_i3lpYJt6VEJpZdWudrpz6TKVAWpgj9RgA4yEVl3REjg4JCBoANR5m3Fr1llVdc5YoL2RGoNRRfQ24JvWZXrdNxRj/s1600/P1020252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTD64azbjtosBygdXjlaEX1SNokiz2lAxhRhI-rzePxv7PYv_i3lpYJt6VEJpZdWudrpz6TKVAWpgj9RgA4yEVl3REjg4JCBoANR5m3Fr1llVdc5YoL2RGoNRRfQ24JvWZXrdNxRj/s400/P1020252.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the Christmas train with a cute little Parisian girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu_dGZqWKaK-Qy1td5GUcpZq1pj5LMDp3wp2c2EeRIT06KU-dQ6cJhZhIAPa86GLxSwBzWR7_kFdr4EhOrsaWNromONKcXbJwmMpi1i-2vNAffcNOWbtvLl1A7FZcryu7pCS6HKSG/s1600/P1020264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu_dGZqWKaK-Qy1td5GUcpZq1pj5LMDp3wp2c2EeRIT06KU-dQ6cJhZhIAPa86GLxSwBzWR7_kFdr4EhOrsaWNromONKcXbJwmMpi1i-2vNAffcNOWbtvLl1A7FZcryu7pCS6HKSG/s400/P1020264.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Christmas Market at night - THERE'S the crowd!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day Two - Christmas Eve!<br />
<br />
Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Chocolate Crepes (!), Sacre Coeur, and Christmas Eve dinner<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_-T8akfsg7J83FnjyK4xvC2ya8GU9EMN85q7FrQWqVfgRj5MFtUBZsKZijAqFJuYtUaMwvG_SQQyXvjlkyP3_ukI8fbsCLuBvfKQNClXGzxLYsxQCBTzy4So2ZDqf8Dr1ffuyBU1/s1600/P1020269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_-T8akfsg7J83FnjyK4xvC2ya8GU9EMN85q7FrQWqVfgRj5MFtUBZsKZijAqFJuYtUaMwvG_SQQyXvjlkyP3_ukI8fbsCLuBvfKQNClXGzxLYsxQCBTzy4So2ZDqf8Dr1ffuyBU1/s400/P1020269.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crisp, cool morning walk from the metro <br />
stop to the Eiffel Tower - beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyndkzp6rvg9fy6vThyphenhyphen3byInyOK6N3MzkUa6ARDmetoCdvhuDCzBP9jRLh2wD1dYnA47KqO58jOJdLXBvpgd3ABdHK7OT0hhOd-Kp9D7t6Cyw4sb-kmK0jds38Y4CmRTmdmK01hTI/s1600/P1020274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyndkzp6rvg9fy6vThyphenhyphen3byInyOK6N3MzkUa6ARDmetoCdvhuDCzBP9jRLh2wD1dYnA47KqO58jOJdLXBvpgd3ABdHK7OT0hhOd-Kp9D7t6Cyw4sb-kmK0jds38Y4CmRTmdmK01hTI/s400/P1020274.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSZ090bII5iMdr6ciiiSXDreF4uza592PMoYO6y2IwW2xCpD-Hz3eWa4MxlB0jfVFNq1e59VcMBcdX0X0IOEVNYuz5UGb_8uu45imaCwsqOTExQpEo-xU_10vOprubdHxtEIzHGnN/s1600/P1020276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSZ090bII5iMdr6ciiiSXDreF4uza592PMoYO6y2IwW2xCpD-Hz3eWa4MxlB0jfVFNq1e59VcMBcdX0X0IOEVNYuz5UGb_8uu45imaCwsqOTExQpEo-xU_10vOprubdHxtEIzHGnN/s400/P1020276.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UGNQsI8lchzvlCYakdZpPaPvlY79Rn-jaV_Fu4XMB0gTvleYc1HI5SkW0RnbXAcC6Sarx3hk1ct422O0otASezZbMVIwtJnLDJ_92hCbcdEHJFFqApkmd1FE7qpxvKudoVZT5URc/s1600/P1020305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UGNQsI8lchzvlCYakdZpPaPvlY79Rn-jaV_Fu4XMB0gTvleYc1HI5SkW0RnbXAcC6Sarx3hk1ct422O0otASezZbMVIwtJnLDJ_92hCbcdEHJFFqApkmd1FE7qpxvKudoVZT5URc/s400/P1020305.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of the Eiffel Tower was SO packed, Dalila wasn't too<br />
pleased with the crowds. She kept saying, "I want all the <br />
buddies (everybody) to go away!!" This was the only<br />
photo we could snap of the three of us through the<br />
massive crowds - not even in the peak season, mind you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwkXLtpe_3QzIGmmKkTivwRLkHUOPCSGO1PltRVbfF_FcbAoIx2u_aO-lkeQn7aWjleVeBVxb50YH3pP7m4qPM5riasT74G8F33BiO20Sq-HQYpNh3z38fIQ5NPs3dVSFfn1HikeG/s1600/P1020343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwkXLtpe_3QzIGmmKkTivwRLkHUOPCSGO1PltRVbfF_FcbAoIx2u_aO-lkeQn7aWjleVeBVxb50YH3pP7m4qPM5riasT74G8F33BiO20Sq-HQYpNh3z38fIQ5NPs3dVSFfn1HikeG/s400/P1020343.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Notre Dame - again, we didn't dare <br />
enter with a cranky toddler who needed a nap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLItdFk9vuiXHM8UwvfzNr6mLU_DsLJpr-GQrlnbY5KKUokeoVmU15KxFTrGIPU_kt7ZaGCHngIGzz6fiGjRQHYAMvS7QV0UEuziey6zToyI82AOLDe3OOYaVdB0z34DIu7p3Y9Yo/s1600/P1020352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLItdFk9vuiXHM8UwvfzNr6mLU_DsLJpr-GQrlnbY5KKUokeoVmU15KxFTrGIPU_kt7ZaGCHngIGzz6fiGjRQHYAMvS7QV0UEuziey6zToyI82AOLDe3OOYaVdB0z34DIu7p3Y9Yo/s400/P1020352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family outside Notre Dame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrcsrh6XOI6stxlL_7p_3JLuCOHuBwWaG2hvnFjPm0fzHhI1-D4DcZDYEZQ1h59QIGQEEV53gLmrLsjBmJrC1c03AviRE38corIeXdbIG6etdwM6ZVX4CyhV_U1e0QZpS2l7n-09G/s1600/P1020374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrcsrh6XOI6stxlL_7p_3JLuCOHuBwWaG2hvnFjPm0fzHhI1-D4DcZDYEZQ1h59QIGQEEV53gLmrLsjBmJrC1c03AviRE38corIeXdbIG6etdwM6ZVX4CyhV_U1e0QZpS2l7n-09G/s400/P1020374.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate crepes right by Notre Dame - the outer wall of the<br />
cathedral is visible through the window! Couple that with the<br />
success of finally getting our little one to nap, and we were<br />
quite a happy couple!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwr9MG9BqGktgtIVns3ArmKSAh0WrweAvOPGq4wX-x_aN30FBgoNbNzsKuWC99mRxsqezDMEFiuheLZyEeSxp1JT2gTIrniu4IHiSTZdNJhEs7uE-nKPF8ZO1-IPgNXmfrBau9KSi/s1600/P1020395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwr9MG9BqGktgtIVns3ArmKSAh0WrweAvOPGq4wX-x_aN30FBgoNbNzsKuWC99mRxsqezDMEFiuheLZyEeSxp1JT2gTIrniu4IHiSTZdNJhEs7uE-nKPF8ZO1-IPgNXmfrBau9KSi/s400/P1020395.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the red-light district with 4 kids, even in <br />
daylight hours is not something I recommend. But it WAS<br />
pretty cool to see the famous Moulin Rouge...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCbCUg5V31sut7267N8t-r0F8nVVDjB_ksk8NPeyeyVudsvAuklFClaOLXPs7BRC-7Gy6TuvT0Gd9BIFZ2t05EDAiO-SB7CjGzXvgyoEo8YsHva6_PkrYjIOp4MeYw2YaRGJE-8U9/s1600/P1020400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCbCUg5V31sut7267N8t-r0F8nVVDjB_ksk8NPeyeyVudsvAuklFClaOLXPs7BRC-7Gy6TuvT0Gd9BIFZ2t05EDAiO-SB7CjGzXvgyoEo8YsHva6_PkrYjIOp4MeYw2YaRGJE-8U9/s400/P1020400.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila and her buddies taking a cute photo outside the Moulin <br />
Rouge, while we tried to ignore the fact that these were about<br />
the only kids on this street... =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKZfP4KMf6VEyzObdiawIj_AhT0R-q43DejiRaVsNa63_mFO9MLBzPgZ6zwoB2WQtra7_g9YScWXoTv_jm0SMDNOgLMqH9h8vNrqRQZT_A9I37wzMdLuQ5372b2BsnliRZmeNaEWa/s1600/P1020406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKZfP4KMf6VEyzObdiawIj_AhT0R-q43DejiRaVsNa63_mFO9MLBzPgZ6zwoB2WQtra7_g9YScWXoTv_jm0SMDNOgLMqH9h8vNrqRQZT_A9I37wzMdLuQ5372b2BsnliRZmeNaEWa/s400/P1020406.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We managed to find another cute little Christmas market,<br />
with a beautiful carousel, on our way to Sacre Coeur. <br />
Dalila was so happy to ride with her latest sweetheart, <br />
Edward.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLvx7ypibjnXyBVUz9c7Vk7T46wXpCuauV7jOEpd61lFm17dAWdQsnD04z-ZrbYR0fChmMu6z04Q6JvtB4V1efjVN5nM2TQO9gYnvOcoyozgDOgnQv4QLOwncCBkGJzkNsLOpKpwl/s1600/P1020412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLvx7ypibjnXyBVUz9c7Vk7T46wXpCuauV7jOEpd61lFm17dAWdQsnD04z-ZrbYR0fChmMu6z04Q6JvtB4V1efjVN5nM2TQO9gYnvOcoyozgDOgnQv4QLOwncCBkGJzkNsLOpKpwl/s400/P1020412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacre Coeur, no photos allowed inside, but it was just <br />
beautiful, especially in the midst of preparations for<br />
Christmas Eve Mass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjj3JMMVYVj3z2PLJgAV43Z4QtqohpwRMS9xOf3fwWujaI34goBEHIaO_PFjPd1d94I6xRWaSHmd_14DKHmWQjbQ8xI0AIJAT37qgctWBhWXcCyws1sseqmXKyxMs3YfwQoi0plgF/s1600/P1020420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjj3JMMVYVj3z2PLJgAV43Z4QtqohpwRMS9xOf3fwWujaI34goBEHIaO_PFjPd1d94I6xRWaSHmd_14DKHmWQjbQ8xI0AIJAT37qgctWBhWXcCyws1sseqmXKyxMs3YfwQoi0plgF/s400/P1020420.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole group, enjoying a delicious French dinner at a<br />
beautiful little restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp0WeaiRtOCxe2o2pvFpQGbf9DVb4cJcee-bfFw6uAos95egjpneegFoor33HmorJ7c3I9edaTtvlC5XZnAVPl31j24b6S3eqZ7BP8mz5hU_ZAoin9GnVVBPqbTPAZQH_HvvZ_gE7/s1600/P1020421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp0WeaiRtOCxe2o2pvFpQGbf9DVb4cJcee-bfFw6uAos95egjpneegFoor33HmorJ7c3I9edaTtvlC5XZnAVPl31j24b6S3eqZ7BP8mz5hU_ZAoin9GnVVBPqbTPAZQH_HvvZ_gE7/s400/P1020421.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila in her Christmas dress (with extra layers for warmth,<br />
of course).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Day Three - Christmas Day<br />
<br />
Paris Disneyland!!<br />
<br />
Whew!! This was by far the most exhausting day for the already sleep-deprived Allen family, but SUCH an amazing experience for our Christmas in Paris holiday. Dalila was so happy to meet with her friends again and spend the day in Disneyland with them. Here are the photo highlights!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8O0FZvlwBptmXIYu4HAlApIFZYyurxAMd-T4yfRP-AiccoWxN3darxa1vpdWwl1e85mPzfcSusmL8Ul2YJddOJ2NhYivvO-qkNFEht7L4w_TA5NO4BnXSoKSdgT2TyaJ27Jziuhk/s1600/P1020425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8O0FZvlwBptmXIYu4HAlApIFZYyurxAMd-T4yfRP-AiccoWxN3darxa1vpdWwl1e85mPzfcSusmL8Ul2YJddOJ2NhYivvO-qkNFEht7L4w_TA5NO4BnXSoKSdgT2TyaJ27Jziuhk/s400/P1020425.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little metro experts - ready for the 30 minute train ride<br />
to the happiest place on Earth!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUQCN0148JT1ZL5PgzamQ1zXcWVtlDhFFz3YFH-Uyu4vSfHBU7PnXc_OdRu2Rh-_lvmtgDnDr0Jgm6lIXO40ylsDKgKAk77od1af4WaXiOYjjUtmA_qKu_RxKbOJGJt0QGeIDMhHe/s1600/P1020453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUQCN0148JT1ZL5PgzamQ1zXcWVtlDhFFz3YFH-Uyu4vSfHBU7PnXc_OdRu2Rh-_lvmtgDnDr0Jgm6lIXO40ylsDKgKAk77od1af4WaXiOYjjUtmA_qKu_RxKbOJGJt0QGeIDMhHe/s400/P1020453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was a little wary of meeting Pooh...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RCQK33E7JZj5bdGFpdIz9OfTrw9p9R_rWlN-xu9mIyqSRBBq5ET7neCE1NhaAfSKQkCrCT9YyZ-I8lD7oVT8ueDCBTfibIlPS1AqrJ1G3bYzXTXw-1SbuYHG32o-7NnSVWj-3eHO/s1600/P1020455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RCQK33E7JZj5bdGFpdIz9OfTrw9p9R_rWlN-xu9mIyqSRBBq5ET7neCE1NhaAfSKQkCrCT9YyZ-I8lD7oVT8ueDCBTfibIlPS1AqrJ1G3bYzXTXw-1SbuYHG32o-7NnSVWj-3eHO/s400/P1020455.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...But her good buddy Edward made it<br />
all better! Thanks, Edward!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7mLPi02q4-jWl_ku5qktieKfxOMi72fVvqbTRYQi18Kjk8jnyumlfmeqzHjfyme5hfCYxgscyT7lhw4BjhyphenhyphenSbo3jEVldNHpdjD92wj6RWr5HXb-p1OPuuH0Rlx8YJU4lq7cKHHl2/s1600/P1020431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7mLPi02q4-jWl_ku5qktieKfxOMi72fVvqbTRYQi18Kjk8jnyumlfmeqzHjfyme5hfCYxgscyT7lhw4BjhyphenhyphenSbo3jEVldNHpdjD92wj6RWr5HXb-p1OPuuH0Rlx8YJU4lq7cKHHl2/s400/P1020431.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big smiles at the entrance to Disneyland!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7JmSoTQx3QhOXKVKRsCu-Qqbwmdpmy8PJEWAL69u28aGXBxgpRKrM5YYdD4qrjeXZGFXXdaNiQWKIs4u9Dyd-T87_cpnv1RHs0uhKE7J5nPlsa0m6OIl7acDqPtC7d4HUy9Y7N0g/s1600/P1020443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7JmSoTQx3QhOXKVKRsCu-Qqbwmdpmy8PJEWAL69u28aGXBxgpRKrM5YYdD4qrjeXZGFXXdaNiQWKIs4u9Dyd-T87_cpnv1RHs0uhKE7J5nPlsa0m6OIl7acDqPtC7d4HUy9Y7N0g/s320/P1020443.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big, beautiful Christmas tree right at the<br />
entrance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J4X8smSg69CaqROcYH77y07MuHvL3vGYd47Auljoci5AvyzACtJq58IVijEsNWxg3-Sc8dy8zmTxr1hf-eWYnt-Eo8ug4V5OmA7HBiSWeyBQZZw7BYMlCsxC9Z5qHWHVg_f4CATC/s1600/P1020498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J4X8smSg69CaqROcYH77y07MuHvL3vGYd47Auljoci5AvyzACtJq58IVijEsNWxg3-Sc8dy8zmTxr1hf-eWYnt-Eo8ug4V5OmA7HBiSWeyBQZZw7BYMlCsxC9Z5qHWHVg_f4CATC/s400/P1020498.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to meet Mickey....which didn't<br />
happen =( We had a tired toddler and a<br />
daunting 40 minute line ahead of us. <br />
Those two don't mix so well,<br />
so we had to give up. When we<br />
returned to try again later in the day, we were <br />
informed that Mickey left for the day just 10 <br />
minutes prior to our second attempt. Boo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-DK7F7o_2UsocMBp_I04wcjszL5rA9TPNxESodGwbDQnIEWkglfXDk39MOCLXzjZBXWfe7y41Q8_K651qv1mbuNOGApo6NHQYmKphlS6iYNE6j4b7OEgYXRm5BAjL46koAI4uD9j/s1600/P1020469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-DK7F7o_2UsocMBp_I04wcjszL5rA9TPNxESodGwbDQnIEWkglfXDk39MOCLXzjZBXWfe7y41Q8_K651qv1mbuNOGApo6NHQYmKphlS6iYNE6j4b7OEgYXRm5BAjL46koAI4uD9j/s320/P1020469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding on Autopia with Daddy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyXUQIeLiEtDhQaP09yDGj7w9vVW1yLlWtkuXlrDqRPN0sUAg2mFC2NyiNl0xYAzsmVE-7ZfqHWtW04ij8QpqylUosrl1VLtD1kekv5m7-fC_sdZxapDJ_roKnns5KQ-JFgpku8X4/s1600/P1020515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyXUQIeLiEtDhQaP09yDGj7w9vVW1yLlWtkuXlrDqRPN0sUAg2mFC2NyiNl0xYAzsmVE-7ZfqHWtW04ij8QpqylUosrl1VLtD1kekv5m7-fC_sdZxapDJ_roKnns5KQ-JFgpku8X4/s320/P1020515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go figure - Lila was terrified of Winnie the Pooh, but<br />
instantly loved Jack Skellington from Nightmare Before <br />
Christmas. I don't know....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrS6BMbkC_ZVhLMm1yLstIn3qmzU2U6BD6OxyJ-IpLx-srseygh2aveGWhSywRgKrMpM1pzCNs5VlDeN54VW1x6EwVBJ_1qUhDCMklCLVW1Q7AMe7g26XtJ2FrlDfs7kpkYSYU2XUN/s1600/P1020521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrS6BMbkC_ZVhLMm1yLstIn3qmzU2U6BD6OxyJ-IpLx-srseygh2aveGWhSywRgKrMpM1pzCNs5VlDeN54VW1x6EwVBJ_1qUhDCMklCLVW1Q7AMe7g26XtJ2FrlDfs7kpkYSYU2XUN/s400/P1020521.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lila and Mommy got to ride on Dumbo together while the less<br />
pregnant adults and taller children went on a roller coaster.<br />
Hmph! We had more fun anyway, right, Lila!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7m7kBJijUqua0UWl9Ghr1hbkF4Lf984etGldQ4NyuZ_IVBpMUDOL7qGy2Tfw7zOTlJmIlK_P9Pfh4TNJcG8A-Ynw8L515h0kEM3UtNpZdjIlRLKoIHT_LLbD2w9ZaQc0H29CGNke/s1600/P1020538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7m7kBJijUqua0UWl9Ghr1hbkF4Lf984etGldQ4NyuZ_IVBpMUDOL7qGy2Tfw7zOTlJmIlK_P9Pfh4TNJcG8A-Ynw8L515h0kEM3UtNpZdjIlRLKoIHT_LLbD2w9ZaQc0H29CGNke/s400/P1020538.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Christmas lights of Main Street Disney.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH5115E3zGX60vpvjC5Wc_hSipPlRaDh_ZNqFnq8tHS1dNZBg5yNlF6r4bH-tEo2k2FpBZ0N6udHrkDsX6Bvy4ML0GucKYF2BxRAWOfJf9CLhSbBk4rGynKN_cvjji16jGfV89q36/s1600/P1020547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH5115E3zGX60vpvjC5Wc_hSipPlRaDh_ZNqFnq8tHS1dNZBg5yNlF6r4bH-tEo2k2FpBZ0N6udHrkDsX6Bvy4ML0GucKYF2BxRAWOfJf9CLhSbBk4rGynKN_cvjji16jGfV89q36/s400/P1020547.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tired loves after a fun-filled Christmas at Disneyland. <br />
Dalila is proudly showing off her Christmas Minnie Mouse <br />
souvenir - complete with light up sweater and all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What an incredible trip we had to Paris this Christmas!! We were so grateful to be fortunate enough to take this vacation to one of our dream destinations - and Christmas in a nice cold place nowhere near our current home in the Middle East made us feel so much more festive! Joyeux Noel, everyone!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-27371990842302414772012-12-30T10:45:00.003-08:002014-06-23T23:45:32.770-07:00Christmas - 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Once I finally made it to the end of the school term, the holiday season became all about Dalila - as any Christmas season should be! Jeremy and I made sure to plan as many festive trips as possible, mostly to help us feel Christmas-y in this totally uncalled for 90 degree weather we experienced the first weeks of December. Sweating in shorts and a t-shirt makes embracing the spirit of the holiday season just a tad difficult - especially when we watch the weather reports for snow and nice chilly days back home. We definitely needed some help getting into the holiday mood. <br />
<br />
This year, we focused most of our holiday outing into one big day in Dubai - where Christmas is much more openly celebrated than in our "little" city of Al Ain. One of the best places we went last year was Al Wafi Mall - a fairly high-end shopping mall with a surprising Egyptian theme, complete with pyramid structure and hieroglyphics proudly on display throughout the facility. (Why is the theme surprising? The idea of multiple deities is almost horrifying to a large majority of the population here - but Dubai can get away with nearly anything!). <br />
<br />
As beautiful as the Ancient Egypt-inspired motif is, their seasonal Christmas decorations are even more amazing. The tree at the center of the Santa display rises almost three stories and is surrounded by the most adorable kitschy animatronic figures in all states of Christmas preparation. The experience is nice and private in comparison to usual Santa visits where any old passerby can stare as your child sits on Santa's lap to share her wishes. Here, Santa sits in a private grotto next to a mountain of stuffed animals, presumably to bribe the more uncertain Santa-visitors and/or reward the brave little souls who march in with no fear of the big guy. Luckily, Dalila was more of the latter - shedding not a single tear nor sharing any worried glances with Mommy and Daddy as she confidently strode up to meet Santa. She couldn't keep her eyes off of the hill of stuffed animals and I believe her first words to Santa were, "I wanna puppy, please?" Santa chuckled and complied with the request, allowing our straight-forward little miss to ask for what she REALLY wanted, "I want a pooter, please Santa." This request was spurred by her desire to "work" alongside Mommy and Daddy who are frequently busy with laptops. Also...we may have helped her to this decision with the knowledge that Santa just may be bringing Dalila a LeapPad II this year... Either way, our daughter ended up happy. After the Santa visit, Dalila was invited to participate in the Christmas crafting booth where she made the cutest little Santa fridge magnet ever. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ4ZjeZkJs6XlC6wFZL7GNVXKIcewUuS9-rF6yKpK89J9cWOuzfyX8M_yr8s-886eef5m5C9P1aXlqWfNw1AMqCs0cV029EWO92sV8ak_AnpxFsBJB4ns1OfDzbVa4crIyr4_GrqK/s1600/P1010923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ4ZjeZkJs6XlC6wFZL7GNVXKIcewUuS9-rF6yKpK89J9cWOuzfyX8M_yr8s-886eef5m5C9P1aXlqWfNw1AMqCs0cV029EWO92sV8ak_AnpxFsBJB4ns1OfDzbVa4crIyr4_GrqK/s320/P1010923.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to see Santa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlC5p-S8OaIF7zxRdESAKsDw7RUgBe7_fcGAMlwgciSJvYHIdZAKHgxbAt5jcz7DMtPR9Pb5LRKMbKvMLJggbQJPVyDtePx4dTWfkrsGC4wZGLQdf30sQ-7bdT3nfdJwQErDrGKBs/s1600/P1010928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlC5p-S8OaIF7zxRdESAKsDw7RUgBe7_fcGAMlwgciSJvYHIdZAKHgxbAt5jcz7DMtPR9Pb5LRKMbKvMLJggbQJPVyDtePx4dTWfkrsGC4wZGLQdf30sQ-7bdT3nfdJwQErDrGKBs/s320/P1010928.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring the mountain of puppies before her chat with Santa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSaJXXM_TcNhcxTevhyphenhyphendUl9vWS9HU1RH0J37VGKQtp0Kl-Cvu_pFd15evqALM0Dkb5AWuPcx2J8tahPWYJved_MLMUExBRP-kCIxxjXSKL7_ghNrvMV4obYNIUzoP-i-SaBs1mtT9/s1600/P1010930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSaJXXM_TcNhcxTevhyphenhyphendUl9vWS9HU1RH0J37VGKQtp0Kl-Cvu_pFd15evqALM0Dkb5AWuPcx2J8tahPWYJved_MLMUExBRP-kCIxxjXSKL7_ghNrvMV4obYNIUzoP-i-SaBs1mtT9/s320/P1010930.JPG" height="320" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I want a pooter, please, Santa."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMFY1bo_-A9kgq3m6fasLbZ4jr-WAU77qEbtMwM8gRMKwb_ARRwM6loiori9pTj3RN_KdrCIi8QZAx4x80v1iANaT_4l_xXBxxNKWWk15TLB6ugABxe5fKQIMiaTI7d2oG_pVHYaA/s1600/P1010934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMFY1bo_-A9kgq3m6fasLbZ4jr-WAU77qEbtMwM8gRMKwb_ARRwM6loiori9pTj3RN_KdrCIi8QZAx4x80v1iANaT_4l_xXBxxNKWWk15TLB6ugABxe5fKQIMiaTI7d2oG_pVHYaA/s320/P1010934.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving her puppy after visiting Santa's Grotto.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjAt9sUtRVhBf-OgJtRbreqkyRQgw677KRaMykLwxtw63-tOlf5mm6uyllz3lSJu7AFuqxWTSgj2ynvp5LtRw9pI37MGRTnYC3cvAVr9XHrOGvIfXk_zI6NHH3V7zz8HkG8jaNfVY/s1600/P1010935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjAt9sUtRVhBf-OgJtRbreqkyRQgw677KRaMykLwxtw63-tOlf5mm6uyllz3lSJu7AFuqxWTSgj2ynvp5LtRw9pI37MGRTnYC3cvAVr9XHrOGvIfXk_zI6NHH3V7zz8HkG8jaNfVY/s320/P1010935.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the festive display at Santa's village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAE7gFQJgDy6V-3Lozz2_q9klsxNbASBsXM46ZZENiihOFU6P4N4LRWY_3n0zRZcM6XlG1QS6kG8UHO7gmQ3F5t0fjMf66VEytrmY0xNfMXtKY5po6CdkB20adVM1X0F0wLYwUD15/s1600/P1010968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAE7gFQJgDy6V-3Lozz2_q9klsxNbASBsXM46ZZENiihOFU6P4N4LRWY_3n0zRZcM6XlG1QS6kG8UHO7gmQ3F5t0fjMf66VEytrmY0xNfMXtKY5po6CdkB20adVM1X0F0wLYwUD15/s320/P1010968.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They even had elves on stilts!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The next couple of locations on our planned Christmas fest ended up falling short, or falling through completely. The mall we remembered from the previous year with amazing decorations didn't live up to the standard set by our first visit. Our very favorite location from the year before with a festive Christmas market and the jolliest Santa we had ever had the pleasure to meet was also the site of the last day of the Dubai International Film Festival and the crowds were far too thick for any of us to enjoy ourselves. We altered our plans slightly and ended up heading to Festival City - another favored area of the city for us - to see what kind of Christmas spirit we could find there. We were lucky enough to finish our steak dinner (!!) and walk outside right as a laser light show was starting on the boardwalk along the water. The show was impressive and even got Lila to dance a little for the other audience members, which I'm sure made their nights memorable. After that, Dalila got to have one more visit with Santa, this time asking for a phone....though I have NO idea what prompted that request.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKPro8rVzBRVu3obFmj9t7F3ujAGN_rpjexX4Wm0zx1ZTC0hTzvny_JWXhoZeauTBmNyMWLGX9gfvkkVpkTe0_sr0J4ut8EJPe7GOMhyqcOVEi4LXFuNkFFi3cbjrFWMIgi6kFm54/s1600/P1010973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKPro8rVzBRVu3obFmj9t7F3ujAGN_rpjexX4Wm0zx1ZTC0hTzvny_JWXhoZeauTBmNyMWLGX9gfvkkVpkTe0_sr0J4ut8EJPe7GOMhyqcOVEi4LXFuNkFFi3cbjrFWMIgi6kFm54/s320/P1010973.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another visit with Santa at Festival City.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once we all felt sufficiently Christmas-y, we made the decision to move our family Christmas celebration up just a few days. Our trip to Paris would begin on the 22nd and we knew we would be too busy in Paris to stop and celebrate, so we chose to make the 21st our Christmas Day. Because our BIG gift for the whole family this year was a trip to Paris, presents mostly consisted of things we knew we would need for our vacation (accumulating an appropriate winter wardrobe in the stifling heat that is the U.A.E. is quite impractical, so buying a few staples to keep us warm in Europe was an absolute necessity). We also wrapped everything we had purchased for Dalila, including socks and her new cup so she could experience the fun of opening her Christmas presents like always. This strategy worked very well for our little almost three-year-old and she was perfectly happy with her Christmas. Santa even managed to make a special early stop and bring Dalila her "pooter" before our flight to Paris - Thanks, Santa!! <br />
<br />
We capped off our Christmas night with a delicious roast duck prepared by Jeremy and an early bedtime to make our morning flight to Paris the next day. Somehow, we managed to make the 22nd OUR Christmas. In fact, it worked so well that I had convinced myself Christmas was over by the time we began our big vacation. Luckily, Paris did NOT feel the same way as me, and we experienced the city of lights at the most festive time of the year. Stay tuned for our BIG Paris post, coming soon!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-642763796847863002012-11-23T04:27:00.001-08:002012-11-23T04:27:14.859-08:00Eid at the Zoo and Waterpark!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The first trimester at school is by far the best. Why? THE BREAKS!! It seems like we have a day off for some random event every 3 weeks...and I LOVE it!! <br />
<br />
For our first major break of the school year, Eid Al Adha, we booked a little get-away to a private zoo and resort. Jeremy discovered a groupon offering tickets to the zoo and a night in a beautiful chalet. The zoo was a very short 90 minute drive from home, but felt like jumping the border into a new country. Driving anywhere in the U.A.E. is always a fun little challenge, but we were pleasantly surprised by the signage that popped up once we finally located the road we needed. Oddly, the zoo is situated right in the middle of a sandy, barren desert neighborhood. But the grounds inside the zoo were of a completely different world. The walk to the hotel front desk was lined with banana trees hanging low over a pretty, winding path with a sweet pair of huge squirrels in their enclosure waiting at the end to greet us.<br />
<br />
<br />
Check-in was a breeze and we were awe-struck on the short outdoor walk to our chalet. The resort is situated so that each room opens to the giraffe, zebra and antelope enclosure. Zoo employees sell bundles of grass for guests to feed the animals. Dalila couldn't have been happier with the arrangement and plucked pieces of grass one at a time to offer the curious giraffes hanging their heads over the low fence for a little snack. She had no fear, even when the huge giraffes were inches from her face and licked her little hand clutching a tiny fistful of grass. <br />
<br />
The room itself was perfection. A raised living room, kitchenette and comfortable master suite helped us to feel right at home. The best part was the massive picture window that opened up to our amazing view of the animal enclosure 10 steps away from our private porch. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BGqFmcZUAUiCBkYXjV8LBVJM5iShWLLrlDWTS6Yw29ParVX0dsJQm8ILOSGqUTpd4twlOZ30kQrLd24TNRiyOb99rE8rO-zdEMjsy-_JQW2y9hri5KXc3ykMbIZ3pNEZ71PAkOG8/s1600/P1010456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BGqFmcZUAUiCBkYXjV8LBVJM5iShWLLrlDWTS6Yw29ParVX0dsJQm8ILOSGqUTpd4twlOZ30kQrLd24TNRiyOb99rE8rO-zdEMjsy-_JQW2y9hri5KXc3ykMbIZ3pNEZ71PAkOG8/s320/P1010456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaM4_tnYzMdm3rRnP1WEc0wxLsB0dzeFZYQWbqXFI6vReeylN-dujTQxNj0GjZtYRBluC9mjo4ZaByO5cVPn8pyHlQ5YAajF-1gesu25YoMAyDkCCgEML2VW3bDaxBJIOnQ2jkA6M/s1600/P1010459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaM4_tnYzMdm3rRnP1WEc0wxLsB0dzeFZYQWbqXFI6vReeylN-dujTQxNj0GjZtYRBluC9mjo4ZaByO5cVPn8pyHlQ5YAajF-1gesu25YoMAyDkCCgEML2VW3bDaxBJIOnQ2jkA6M/s320/P1010459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2gaBi6fkw5GmWg2r8xABjNeSWPCO2KncaqLIonMmYqANr6OEh-LGahJKj2lGFf3rnJ6x9vYKQnFTW0G6p7_pKu5WC6nUzxE85hvByzsH3KcijAOP9OxjIfCI19OxJxS_sM_q0LOv/s1600/P1010461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2gaBi6fkw5GmWg2r8xABjNeSWPCO2KncaqLIonMmYqANr6OEh-LGahJKj2lGFf3rnJ6x9vYKQnFTW0G6p7_pKu5WC6nUzxE85hvByzsH3KcijAOP9OxjIfCI19OxJxS_sM_q0LOv/s320/P1010461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CnZlVw1kKKHHko3zrVBnPzXM_wmDGaPVbe6B2bXmbvfnlPt6bxSBfzr_6zDENmp55EIUlgpTPfTVXn784p4sazO_gBwrPRpy09RY0wzH9TsdYNdVBn156iTeQBkx3lZ5khVQL0na/s1600/P1010463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CnZlVw1kKKHHko3zrVBnPzXM_wmDGaPVbe6B2bXmbvfnlPt6bxSBfzr_6zDENmp55EIUlgpTPfTVXn784p4sazO_gBwrPRpy09RY0wzH9TsdYNdVBn156iTeQBkx3lZ5khVQL0na/s320/P1010463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4ShJ616j8vedqFS02a1pHxvRhEHQjx6t0lmlYlmJ1oKQZ1Aca0Rqeqq9j5DJ6-mJU7WJtKMKZ1sBgQjGfcaISKwEFrY9AfvV_GZg5QOzxCHxb1IRhKcgwyLAa2Yg6cWuUy2WZFhI/s1600/P1010476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4ShJ616j8vedqFS02a1pHxvRhEHQjx6t0lmlYlmJ1oKQZ1Aca0Rqeqq9j5DJ6-mJU7WJtKMKZ1sBgQjGfcaISKwEFrY9AfvV_GZg5QOzxCHxb1IRhKcgwyLAa2Yg6cWuUy2WZFhI/s320/P1010476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0Di0bpCH7k5M5yyhal77aXN_AlRf3zkkFyOfKRTa1Ux4UHztKnQB-dlXbxzCpgqAGtcc1SHx64Z1OhTzlGwNg_N3bFGp1GbL_eExwyFig-n70viKVsV1awiVnO5WVz1_U_G4F3E-/s1600/P1010562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0Di0bpCH7k5M5yyhal77aXN_AlRf3zkkFyOfKRTa1Ux4UHztKnQB-dlXbxzCpgqAGtcc1SHx64Z1OhTzlGwNg_N3bFGp1GbL_eExwyFig-n70viKVsV1awiVnO5WVz1_U_G4F3E-/s320/P1010562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lila and Mommy petting a sheep.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the main perks of staying at the resort was the endless access to the zoo. We stumbled upon a small, hidden gate available for use by hotel guests only the put us right into the heart of the well-maintained zoo. Some of our favorite U.A.E. friends were able to meet up with us for a walk through the zoo. <div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVesEeqJpisdVNboTl3CN1IzV_ZIhqE_iiCnl_zldbuDMgmRSBTlUwkL3RkKqG65YxwDdPcl7ITjj0W_EQRqXMKapDQi2oNMrLUm-vExmyuKuM6A5hkeYpuLdxEaIbiG6ORHcWDJub/s1600/P1010515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVesEeqJpisdVNboTl3CN1IzV_ZIhqE_iiCnl_zldbuDMgmRSBTlUwkL3RkKqG65YxwDdPcl7ITjj0W_EQRqXMKapDQi2oNMrLUm-vExmyuKuM6A5hkeYpuLdxEaIbiG6ORHcWDJub/s320/P1010515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sweet little boy became Lila's new boyfriend. His family<br />stayed in the chalet next to us and the two were inseparable.<br />She likes older men.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh28xZLYUme7m3n1bM5A9aduQ-_hGxVF0Vvzx32a-WQWiZFLiA2HhFbqm6geu6oNJ7i-RN1okFV8kA6fP5VDi5Jd-IEVAdsNuN_jMjmGBZD9qDbKHtt5M1QnaidLnds7pr6qrr7aL/s1600/P1010571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh28xZLYUme7m3n1bM5A9aduQ-_hGxVF0Vvzx32a-WQWiZFLiA2HhFbqm6geu6oNJ7i-RN1okFV8kA6fP5VDi5Jd-IEVAdsNuN_jMjmGBZD9qDbKHtt5M1QnaidLnds7pr6qrr7aL/s320/P1010571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCvHC7fReG6mToGK3XCcHtBNXqY7M7wgxx86GKGSD4VDg7Iv1FeQBpY4HL6LyrFuBpOsz6xz8uG8I-vPyqxNHaHQkF3OnzjGtOmNeFD1hQhwlTLMD4KPheXfyZCgIMhoGUeddOfq3/s1600/P1010597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCvHC7fReG6mToGK3XCcHtBNXqY7M7wgxx86GKGSD4VDg7Iv1FeQBpY4HL6LyrFuBpOsz6xz8uG8I-vPyqxNHaHQkF3OnzjGtOmNeFD1hQhwlTLMD4KPheXfyZCgIMhoGUeddOfq3/s320/P1010597.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the sand...because they can't get enough of it<br />everywhere we go?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRESxchic0hbqdBMxRdz1CghEye5vw-FXC3ZER1NtBWRGSKcMG4oPQddcXAryeLtrkvjjQ3CZmS1jenZIlhH3zAdhPohP8a-o_UQ19UixSejSTBkf6uzCJ7rMvOft0bPBSy7t0oexg/s1600/P1010614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRESxchic0hbqdBMxRdz1CghEye5vw-FXC3ZER1NtBWRGSKcMG4oPQddcXAryeLtrkvjjQ3CZmS1jenZIlhH3zAdhPohP8a-o_UQ19UixSejSTBkf6uzCJ7rMvOft0bPBSy7t0oexg/s320/P1010614.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather and Dalila, trying to get the shy antelope to come to them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoXl0ilBDKbM3WVduFewxsp3xcZ55C-aptD5PRVQIgqnNVlw5NzxIkOaQTgtJh917T-06Tjzr7JgL0wb__ZIgZDEw_W-QVuIUYA7OkkqXOw9bsiuJyfUjcyFFKQvGUfjLcy6fyi-U/s1600/P1010590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoXl0ilBDKbM3WVduFewxsp3xcZ55C-aptD5PRVQIgqnNVlw5NzxIkOaQTgtJh917T-06Tjzr7JgL0wb__ZIgZDEw_W-QVuIUYA7OkkqXOw9bsiuJyfUjcyFFKQvGUfjLcy6fyi-U/s320/P1010590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila and her buddy Heather petting a goat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our next destination on our fun-filled Eid holiday was a visit with some more of our favorite U.A.E. friends complete with a trip to a waterpark and a Halloween party! The waterpark was about a 2 hour drive from home and looked a bit sketchy when we pulled up into the parking lot. Our only other experience with waterparks here, however, was at The Palms Atlantis resort last Christmas, so our standards were arguably high. Once inside the park, the chipping paint on the exterior was soon forgotten. This place was perfect for young kids and Dalila couldn't have been any happier with the many kid-friendly pools and slides that she exhausted herself on.<br />
<br />
Next came the big Halloween party with some of our best friends who we hadn't seen for months. Walking up the pathway to the home where the party was held reminded us all of the people back at home who have their home completely decked out for every holiday. Those people who make a haunted house for the kids right on their front lawn, but it's an amazing haunted house and not at all cheesy. THAT'S what this house was like. Just like being at home for Halloween. The interior was even better and we could spend the whole night noticing decorations that we hadn't seen before. The company was fantastic and exactly what we needed to cure our homesickness.<br />
<br />
<br />
Eid holiday always comes with high expectations as the first holiday of the school year, and this break certainly didn't disappoint!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-60271335554218501372012-11-23T03:18:00.001-08:002012-11-23T03:18:52.360-08:00Ummm...I forgot we had a blog?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yeah, that's it! I forgot we had a blog! Why else would I completely neglect my loyal readers (Mom and Dad). <br />
<br />
Really, though? I'm just a blog-slacker. Sorry everyone!! I'll break all the big events down into a few posts to make up for falling completely off the radar for the last 2 months.<br />
<br />
Big News First!!<br />
<br />
Let's begin with the biggest news of all to happen during our 2 month Blogspot hiatus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXCS1rMGkmV2_bZo0ayHV8yzoOfrEutKX-lLBKzYMhPXCyRAZxSeUVuiQU91QW_ee8yn6dM75gLfyqK5RYuOGe2OHLvYpINve2wL8sOOEU-ZsbJTErSKBc5Zq1bhY9MogJaKRfM_F/s1600/BCTJFOUVYM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXCS1rMGkmV2_bZo0ayHV8yzoOfrEutKX-lLBKzYMhPXCyRAZxSeUVuiQU91QW_ee8yn6dM75gLfyqK5RYuOGe2OHLvYpINve2wL8sOOEU-ZsbJTErSKBc5Zq1bhY9MogJaKRfM_F/s320/BCTJFOUVYM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dalila is going to be a big sister!! We decided it's finally time to expand the family. Baby Allen will arrive at the end of next May. We're ecstatic to be able to deliver here in the U.A.E. where our insurance is incredible and we pay nothing more than our co-pay of 30 dirhams (about $7.50 U.S.) for each visit. That's IT!! PLUS, my job here offers 45 days of paid maternity leave. How lucky are we!?!<br />
<br />
Second Biggest News<br />
<br />
The Allens are headed to Paris!! Our Christmas this year will be spent taking in the beauty and wonder of the city of lights. We had hoped to travel home to Idaho, but after many fruitless searches for airfare at an affordable price, we realized that visiting one of our dream destinations will actually end up being far cheaper than travelling home for our winter break. We're devastated to miss another Christmas with family, but the promise of an amazing trip to a place we never thought we'd be able to go will lessen the pain just a little bit.<br />
<br />
That's it for big news that I've neglected to share on our blog. Now for some more specific posts about holidays and happenings. Stay tuned! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-30295386838567257352012-09-01T04:53:00.000-07:002012-09-01T04:53:19.444-07:00Our Summer at Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's hard to believe that our summer vacation is over. More unbelievable still is how much we crammed into those action-packed weeks spent state-side. Here's a run-down of some of our vacation highlights:<br />
<br />
1. Las Vegas Trip<br />
<br />
Mommy and Daddy finally got some much-needed alone time when we were able to leave Dalila with her grandma and grandpa the first weekend we spent back in the states. What better way to celebrate our daughter's reunion with her grandparents than with an adults only trip to Vegas!?! The original guest list for this shindig was huge, but, as time progressed, steadily started to shrink, and shrink, and shrink. Ironically, the only friends who ended up joining us in Las Vegas were the ones who lived the farthest away! <br />
<br />
Regardless of the attendance issue, we had an incredible time in Sin City. I had never gone to Vegas with the sole intention of experiencing the night life alone, and it was EXHAUSTING!! Night one included a show and blackjack - just Jeremy and I. On the second night, our friends joined us and we were able to snag a table plus bottle service at Chateau night club (for the bargain basement price of $800!!!). We ended the night playing the tables in the casino at the Paris, where we stayed. The last night was spent at Marquee night club where we had to forego the table (which would have set us back another $3,000!) and just wander the club. This was the most difficult night, as Allegiant Air does not understand what Vegas is for and scheduled the ONLY flight back to Idaho Falls that day for 6 a.m. No worries, that's what Vegas all-nighters are for. This actually ended up working in our favor, as Jeremy was able to walk away from the blackjack table with a HUGE win right before we had to leave. Success!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_gg0HFzaxCSPTrV1xYUASeU80BrogbfXBB4jxIW2ASXJII7H1C7-n0n0xwpf1quClcED_y6B1DsvdvCHC1K5R5CMAxDsQVAdqcNCDVjWthAKuFzcqWeiL4UcG8du0GYq4bhLDiXQ/s1600/P1010113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_gg0HFzaxCSPTrV1xYUASeU80BrogbfXBB4jxIW2ASXJII7H1C7-n0n0xwpf1quClcED_y6B1DsvdvCHC1K5R5CMAxDsQVAdqcNCDVjWthAKuFzcqWeiL4UcG8du0GYq4bhLDiXQ/s320/P1010113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vegas Gang at Chateau Nightclub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
2. Heisel-fam Reunion<br />
<br />
Camping trips are kind of the thing in Idaho, especially where the Heiselmann family - my mother's branch of relatives - is concerned. Why? Well, many reasons: we love nature, fresh air, etc. But mostly just because it allows us to congregate in a large group, light a huge fire, be as noisy as we want (we don't DO campgrounds - we camp out, OUT of the way), and once the night is through, everyone can just walk back to their various lodgings, be it a tent, a camper or, hell, even a picnic bench if need be. <br />
<br />
It's been a long time since we've been able to get a large chunk of the Heisel-fam together to pull off one of these infamous camping trips, so we were ecstatic to be able to plan this one. We chose the Heise Hot Springs area for our location; it's beautiful, close to home, AND now features a zip line course!! Enter the highlight of the trip. This zip line trip was AMAZING!! There are seven lines that crisscross the foothills and allow for a different perspective on an already beautiful and beloved area. And, while the required gear is less than flattering, the whole experience was completely unforgettable, from the courage shown by my cousin's 6 and 8 year-olds who chose to take the zip line trip with us, to the masterfully executed leg-sweep performed by a member of our group on one of the instructors at the bottom of zip line number four (whoops). We finished this trip off with a night of star-gazing in the midst of a stunning meteor shower and the whole trip left me with the warm-fuzzies and oodles of love for my Heisel-fam. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb1XPzOkAanLHYUeiiOH0WeplmDEx3cdFgxWjI91EMaW_5gUNOfyCi_LnU-1J8PJEIdJJFCADb28_y7d58xMmpzCTSBHiwyEd_TcNki5leUvjAX2Ltv4H5Fgj4IGCtL-0jWqlfG4R/s1600/P1010175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb1XPzOkAanLHYUeiiOH0WeplmDEx3cdFgxWjI91EMaW_5gUNOfyCi_LnU-1J8PJEIdJJFCADb28_y7d58xMmpzCTSBHiwyEd_TcNki5leUvjAX2Ltv4H5Fgj4IGCtL-0jWqlfG4R/s320/P1010175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to our campsite - Dalila and Skooter sharing a treat </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLoSHaRzokl5dwapc52ZIe1gJc-SG-tr7eax7WfhyEWaTf5qxS33adnqGXFcn0MEJLZzjZAnobk-ZQpvkCN-IVMW5bfEV5ENCjhrHVSUY-GBdbgCJ74-W5ILIxO2uzsjJyEE_k3A6/s1600/P1010195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLoSHaRzokl5dwapc52ZIe1gJc-SG-tr7eax7WfhyEWaTf5qxS33adnqGXFcn0MEJLZzjZAnobk-ZQpvkCN-IVMW5bfEV5ENCjhrHVSUY-GBdbgCJ74-W5ILIxO2uzsjJyEE_k3A6/s320/P1010195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the highest zip line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2UtIDIVTGWAMFTk2fowNu0FsDd1rGysilCcQVxziM0P0ULL29nmmVOwZ1HJ47z3oGvbkfOCUNdVvuDGlzricwplczTQbuuoL6Yri5uQmwjXcfdOPYDhArOPUjnfinjOnXp6tmWz0/s1600/P1010187.MOV"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Dbe569833ffa16c0f%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1349091524%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D5B2D2BC5ACACFC497E17FC7BCA55D85E3675AF65.A3FAC1489C72B694E5929D8F2108080EDC21A688%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Dbe569833ffa16c0f%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1349091524%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D5B2D2BC5ACACFC497E17FC7BCA55D85E3675AF65.A3FAC1489C72B694E5929D8F2108080EDC21A688%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jeremy's video of the first zip line. It's pretty good considering how much we spun while zooming through the air.</div>
<br />
3. Yellowstone with the Allens<br />
<br />
We're not done with the camping stories yet, because the following weekend brought the Allen family camping trip! The destination this time around was Yellowstone National Park - a must-see on my and Jeremy's list of destinations for our summer at home. This trip featured just a few more bumps than we would have liked (including a literal bump when Dalila fell and bumped her head, prompting a ranger escort to the closest clinic and instructions to watch our little munchkin for the remainder of the trip for signs of a head injury). <br />
<br />
Aside from the head bonk, we had forest fires and mixed-up schedules to contend with, but nothing took the Allens down! Our campground was right on Lake Yellowstone, so we were able to take a short walk down to the marina and enjoy fantastic views of the beautiful lake. The last day brought a leisurely drive through the park where we found ourselves in the middle of a bison migration of some sort. The best view here was of a mother and baby buffalo swimming across a wide river as we sat with Jeremy's sister and brother-in-law watching the whole thing. We even dragged Jeremy's dad on a hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, complete with a warning sign about the dangerous trek and 328 scary, steep, metal steps down to an incredible view! The Allen family Yellowstone trip, bumps and all, ended up providing the perfect opportunity to connect more closely with Jeremy's amazing and loving family.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg291JnQw4ltlCfAKIzYlILjowEusstPmDTycmJNw_0qOAekfvbE9z21zs7__ibiuLbmSTe-b7KTRhcSuAbsOGdmcZl6fdC12zqbW1iZOPWNITojp9hyphenhyphen30C_ohMgWt33EJPKDj0_m60/s1600/P1010231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg291JnQw4ltlCfAKIzYlILjowEusstPmDTycmJNw_0qOAekfvbE9z21zs7__ibiuLbmSTe-b7KTRhcSuAbsOGdmcZl6fdC12zqbW1iZOPWNITojp9hyphenhyphen30C_ohMgWt33EJPKDj0_m60/s320/P1010231.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila, being adorable on Fishing Bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJRZ52s1gc5PZ8leTMU5fL3ufL-kIGSU_HFVLbwySIVhOptkvmbB_3TRrOerEhFWKcEf-ivUV5gwG96gl0lypkgy6OOYeAF1n-MK95LCDue5YHTQavA40oCvgVWpoY2wZcrm55lsy/s1600/P1010236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJRZ52s1gc5PZ8leTMU5fL3ufL-kIGSU_HFVLbwySIVhOptkvmbB_3TRrOerEhFWKcEf-ivUV5gwG96gl0lypkgy6OOYeAF1n-MK95LCDue5YHTQavA40oCvgVWpoY2wZcrm55lsy/s320/P1010236.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One shot of the Great Buffalo Migration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0mAhQJhW45cxroUvIVYF01oFsnsd2fWTWSoGS9qe8DbLvG0NpWZZ63UHCrflR2WsoFiSlFsOMp1_i8Q4oCmKiLPhtpv8AYFGGJe8YnEgwTJrwr5-deU8etVtrWKB1m3rFVNPiW5D/s1600/P1010271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0mAhQJhW45cxroUvIVYF01oFsnsd2fWTWSoGS9qe8DbLvG0NpWZZ63UHCrflR2WsoFiSlFsOMp1_i8Q4oCmKiLPhtpv8AYFGGJe8YnEgwTJrwr5-deU8etVtrWKB1m3rFVNPiW5D/s320/P1010271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The informative warning sign at the trail head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT81wSERzikQQuu-Kj-TM6sKYeJZ7diADAc-oRsQ7d7vT5BaPgGhiZLgsgEBavxp503nupYJxRuzWyaVSfS7fpuJj6SFaXYuEKV06qRkS-XAiQgXyc1BPuSDUb6XdYSpxHI-oFXwB/s1600/P1010269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT81wSERzikQQuu-Kj-TM6sKYeJZ7diADAc-oRsQ7d7vT5BaPgGhiZLgsgEBavxp503nupYJxRuzWyaVSfS7fpuJj6SFaXYuEKV06qRkS-XAiQgXyc1BPuSDUb6XdYSpxHI-oFXwB/s320/P1010269.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy's dad - plugging along!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyze3Vzi8rEjsbNfsH8o-oxmWGphqUzKGlPaPCxCLRbsDBtTe2uhrR3BdoqubKQVmCzcpsi5K5QpgMTNR9LPvsGo0aa9PqjVPQi_h3asGJf14giVHMtqai1ha3IgArhMRAm7zqOVD/s1600/P1010264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyze3Vzi8rEjsbNfsH8o-oxmWGphqUzKGlPaPCxCLRbsDBtTe2uhrR3BdoqubKQVmCzcpsi5K5QpgMTNR9LPvsGo0aa9PqjVPQi_h3asGJf14giVHMtqai1ha3IgArhMRAm7zqOVD/s320/P1010264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the falls from the bottom of the trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
To describe every part of the summer that I loved would take FAR too long. Each moment was meaningful and we were deeply grateful to have the time home with our family and friends. A massive thank you goes out to everyone who took the time to make us feel loved and welcomed back home. We can't wait to see what next summer's trip to the states will bring!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-79519422097496962592012-07-31T15:55:00.001-07:002012-07-31T16:00:40.677-07:00The Allens Invade Europe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our first stop on our summer holiday this year was London - just before the Olympics hysteria hit. Jeremy and I have always wanted to travel in Europe, but never really thought it would be possible until we took the overseas job. At that point, it wasn't just possible, but almost necessary. When we were researching flights home, almost every flight we found stopped in London. We took advantage and took an extended stay in the capital of the U.K. An air of excitement descended upon our household weeks before the big travel day finally arrived. It was so intense on the day before our flight left (at 2 a.m.) that poor little Lila could sense something was up and refused to nap. At all. Thus, we arrived at Dubai International Airport with two over-sized suitcases and a toddler who hadn't slept for 18 hours straight. Needless to say, we were a little nervous about how the rest of the trip would go down.<br />
<br />
Lucky for us, Dalila loves to fly. She HATED waiting in the airport, dressed in her cute little jammies and wheeled around in her stroller from gate to gate as we waited for take-off. But once we found our seats, she was settled and ready for the trip. <br />
<br />
Our first thoughts when our plane touched down at Heathrow at 6:00 a.m. went something like "brrrrrrrrr!!!" Mind you, we came from a high of 120* F and rolled into London at barely 50* - that's a HUGE change! Most of the trip was much the same as our arrival day as far as weather goes. Lots of rain, wind and cold, sprinkled with a little sunshine. After finally finding some adorable Wellies for Lila and a jacket for me - we were set to go!<br />
<br />
Lila, strutting her stuff in her new Wellies<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlugZrNo-Edbc_teh1TvTbiL0O5R9fQpTB_X4BM9p0GmBtlF6ZmA3XgpFJVOrebScP9IKmCjYf6xT3RcvIqTOP-EtgrRej5M_JZGqNUrF8rVLdD_BLZxzQIXmSMOtIJWUKuAThu50v/s1600/P1010036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlugZrNo-Edbc_teh1TvTbiL0O5R9fQpTB_X4BM9p0GmBtlF6ZmA3XgpFJVOrebScP9IKmCjYf6xT3RcvIqTOP-EtgrRej5M_JZGqNUrF8rVLdD_BLZxzQIXmSMOtIJWUKuAThu50v/s320/P1010036.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Here is the rest of our amazing vacation in picture book style, just how we like it!<br />
<br />
THE FAMILY AT PICCADILLY CIRCUS:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbnwud8yb5p5oQQ-A1gALWHmP_hXMDIaNm8X0ppte_pZ7FdAwYPmnUFkjudYkXpMWh1-SN9TGyYdQTP3bpnLmxbKVg8zyabmS-JZJeBFBegUBepXvSQ3-265wjszByr2l2pj5ff7b/s1600/P1000690.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbnwud8yb5p5oQQ-A1gALWHmP_hXMDIaNm8X0ppte_pZ7FdAwYPmnUFkjudYkXpMWh1-SN9TGyYdQTP3bpnLmxbKVg8zyabmS-JZJeBFBegUBepXvSQ3-265wjszByr2l2pj5ff7b/s320/P1000690.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hobnpvDebKMocds_jlu3znu_wK89gN4C7ClCpJX3vF0jbM1K62t3KnhZh9uGHwVb0B3nl_hevBi8YB5oz-6M2LkSNKcULtcnXqyw1aYG6sSixjg8yLY-ZnQhjEDLdwkFYEMg_Dzv/s1600/P1000696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hobnpvDebKMocds_jlu3znu_wK89gN4C7ClCpJX3vF0jbM1K62t3KnhZh9uGHwVb0B3nl_hevBi8YB5oz-6M2LkSNKcULtcnXqyw1aYG6sSixjg8yLY-ZnQhjEDLdwkFYEMg_Dzv/s320/P1000696.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyWL0fJ0Dx3kvZ4aq7WDqLTR5_LXbsGJJLqZBG4dwMco16vePuROT1_ynsvP9VEN2cNuXkCeIg-CQswzOyQo0bldAxCk4JEUT5jzTnjXUks9aFE2fDP5Ddtr_OS5LL9b7VEmPFwoM/s1600/P1000698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyWL0fJ0Dx3kvZ4aq7WDqLTR5_LXbsGJJLqZBG4dwMco16vePuROT1_ynsvP9VEN2cNuXkCeIg-CQswzOyQo0bldAxCk4JEUT5jzTnjXUks9aFE2fDP5Ddtr_OS5LL9b7VEmPFwoM/s320/P1000698.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
WE FOUND A CLASSIC RED PHONE BOOTH!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOrEfVMIQXV7uwdrI6Fl-pd0x3yiEodHNl2WcKoknd7F8l9zajloUVN0g2FSNeVE8QnmayHOmRPC8RGxybQJpuwhTLWiIiMD19T4WUvyqf1TX6ADbaheZKUz8EfDcGOIRAMK3zmzW/s1600/P1000709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOrEfVMIQXV7uwdrI6Fl-pd0x3yiEodHNl2WcKoknd7F8l9zajloUVN0g2FSNeVE8QnmayHOmRPC8RGxybQJpuwhTLWiIiMD19T4WUvyqf1TX6ADbaheZKUz8EfDcGOIRAMK3zmzW/s320/P1000709.JPG" width="198" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK9oqSOn6PdLOGSo_I6ZX2bvAKDbQFEpqV1zfyw5__K0QeIaHAOBkfQC-qKa9A-iCKC87KTgtBTSjWJRmRz8kexDVK-CE92798jVgUICiWsrxwrQIdqYnh5Gim9k-ihcfOeR1MJBq/s1600/P1000710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK9oqSOn6PdLOGSo_I6ZX2bvAKDbQFEpqV1zfyw5__K0QeIaHAOBkfQC-qKa9A-iCKC87KTgtBTSjWJRmRz8kexDVK-CE92798jVgUICiWsrxwrQIdqYnh5Gim9k-ihcfOeR1MJBq/s320/P1000710.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT4mFJD0dUpoDx8CusNizcAeoO3v-I1BVe_M01DXqbj_VSs-sLBvChnTzbat-3NCuAc0T0cFiuImurtbUtk5jPW9mtY2zDfsJneB0GpWUx6NrjlrwTU_q3wEBuKpATln2HqRDEIlC/s1600/P1000712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT4mFJD0dUpoDx8CusNizcAeoO3v-I1BVe_M01DXqbj_VSs-sLBvChnTzbat-3NCuAc0T0cFiuImurtbUtk5jPW9mtY2zDfsJneB0GpWUx6NrjlrwTU_q3wEBuKpATln2HqRDEIlC/s320/P1000712.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
RIDING ON THE TOURISTY DOUBLE-DECKER BUS:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt8XNMRpL4mQMsX-vc_C6p2YGjQpWQ5DiTWAX7Y8cYLSnJPVGq7YHZQ-mv3T44lYDvzlIOvK1kaub8x781kB3GqXsv_4jowX0e4bKod9u1UziVxvKU7iIHk-eOswbzfoxa7aJ-mdC/s1600/P1000744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt8XNMRpL4mQMsX-vc_C6p2YGjQpWQ5DiTWAX7Y8cYLSnJPVGq7YHZQ-mv3T44lYDvzlIOvK1kaub8x781kB3GqXsv_4jowX0e4bKod9u1UziVxvKU7iIHk-eOswbzfoxa7aJ-mdC/s320/P1000744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
CHASING THE TRAFALGAR SQUARE PIGEONS:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMle3_JLPpSizzprMqppulBwuiFuDe_my11QHVg8TkJIOWdDzeR8Uuwbir-SQkF2uJ6mOS5l3q-YCmRPbPV_p_HhrSmDVOeDcCljyv3cTPkuYmB8vxQ-s7HscauYs6txMmNEVAJz9/s1600/P1000754.MOV" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Dd353037d3091ef53%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1346361785%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D646FC70F7E12CEF1B43E4C213FCE22A946F8FA6D.17EE14FABE73F6BFCAF025B0F59B484409ABD049%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Dd353037d3091ef53%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1346361785%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D646FC70F7E12CEF1B43E4C213FCE22A946F8FA6D.17EE14FABE73F6BFCAF025B0F59B484409ABD049%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
DADDY AND LILA AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9YO-aGdXQe6-uPgwkh4n6Ega7CBUN5EWoU3Mf9rJMaDS5tcxpJmIoO9e9dMFSowlE_hM06OF_ddvqSELyvciVbz-TEQV1P9RpD_AFQ9-2GmR0Q4wq4HodgJy7l1Omia7wj7906IJ/s1600/P1000755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9YO-aGdXQe6-uPgwkh4n6Ega7CBUN5EWoU3Mf9rJMaDS5tcxpJmIoO9e9dMFSowlE_hM06OF_ddvqSELyvciVbz-TEQV1P9RpD_AFQ9-2GmR0Q4wq4HodgJy7l1Omia7wj7906IJ/s320/P1000755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
THE FAM AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOKEvgax0haCZnokZttiPAp-K9kvUnxGEGTxwQDTrkShaby9Sy39iczONMYNB909vgyU8Jzd94mi5jTvsCEbMHuy-8DbftA7yyNYFU1ix4iuQi-rshLqxN4I1ofbbtMAvf8uAJyOU/s1600/P1000781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOKEvgax0haCZnokZttiPAp-K9kvUnxGEGTxwQDTrkShaby9Sy39iczONMYNB909vgyU8Jzd94mi5jTvsCEbMHuy-8DbftA7yyNYFU1ix4iuQi-rshLqxN4I1ofbbtMAvf8uAJyOU/s320/P1000781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
GREAT SHOT OF A FEW OF LONDON'S FAMOUS LANDMARKS ALL IN ONE PIC:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmByT-z9CqcnsygYeu8VW4h4KePqVbfew2HaHGbve_oJUdtP9Bs5otHLZQTAJ52mJx5O_Pkq6N0JYDs4U0Sqgnnh_Ft6-mAmJRJcwkFpnEba6bChOb341IieFg3_TKXFZSI9r8PuvG/s1600/P1000878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmByT-z9CqcnsygYeu8VW4h4KePqVbfew2HaHGbve_oJUdtP9Bs5otHLZQTAJ52mJx5O_Pkq6N0JYDs4U0Sqgnnh_Ft6-mAmJRJcwkFpnEba6bChOb341IieFg3_TKXFZSI9r8PuvG/s320/P1000878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
AT THE LONDON EYE ON A RAINY, COLD DAY:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktZ7NDl12dCEIGo6Ovi-llU_H_prFWGyPa4YxzMGAgYOFvXCUijYXsBos1DUBMDM9hNeXYSLZWG_-G-sNizK_eoaDkzq1XLdZqKogDumqrUcey6FUzXnYN4gATmuHNd8fTVP8EBpg/s1600/P1000917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktZ7NDl12dCEIGo6Ovi-llU_H_prFWGyPa4YxzMGAgYOFvXCUijYXsBos1DUBMDM9hNeXYSLZWG_-G-sNizK_eoaDkzq1XLdZqKogDumqrUcey6FUzXnYN4gATmuHNd8fTVP8EBpg/s320/P1000917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYPJks415tJg2S_iPjn3yGgcapOUOl1hsCNn8IcvnKk8hE8aWz-LgrL5aYrVgJDhf_6UlFNREScoXlR86vgn3exdutAdS8dT9NZdbaIq8APdbAdCaJwAtncy9yn4wA8GNtTIam2fv/s1600/P1000918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYPJks415tJg2S_iPjn3yGgcapOUOl1hsCNn8IcvnKk8hE8aWz-LgrL5aYrVgJDhf_6UlFNREScoXlR86vgn3exdutAdS8dT9NZdbaIq8APdbAdCaJwAtncy9yn4wA8GNtTIam2fv/s320/P1000918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnrDWFnzKoUKLxwOwvVwgO2HFn0rvnZHsf5BzAAH_ZktquNKdRDyJkSxLuZzwJhOS8BGb38Sn8oObGrtCV4_1WDhcdW38oJZVDW8wsTEneHiyPIl44W5Rhh5MSqfop5ZGVsp_3eLz/s1600/P1000923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnrDWFnzKoUKLxwOwvVwgO2HFn0rvnZHsf5BzAAH_ZktquNKdRDyJkSxLuZzwJhOS8BGb38Sn8oObGrtCV4_1WDhcdW38oJZVDW8wsTEneHiyPIl44W5Rhh5MSqfop5ZGVsp_3eLz/s320/P1000923.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvKgVteDwiUCQqIk1GeVig7u_l-sDxvHJ0yxcfSjsUz92NhC0O4Ntnd_fIkEPgfa7Yrnk30vXlBNcQvzDtM2VGtFSxjhVXnBeVtV6MZuwgvBehx0H0vNl-eCxq5f_DZVZb_bJm_7O/s1600/P1000931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvKgVteDwiUCQqIk1GeVig7u_l-sDxvHJ0yxcfSjsUz92NhC0O4Ntnd_fIkEPgfa7Yrnk30vXlBNcQvzDtM2VGtFSxjhVXnBeVtV6MZuwgvBehx0H0vNl-eCxq5f_DZVZb_bJm_7O/s320/P1000931.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2TgljUqc_0gRHA04eZ0a-UpePks11nvuS3apdHyLtjR3yhqdh0f3Ydnb-yx9Fx2NTzfkIr4Lc-ychQiGWG3AhYIp9hjcjxCCqeKfXBaVbKGK8YJ8HSlGaEMxC_U5irnPXlt9QAs3/s1600/P1000948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2TgljUqc_0gRHA04eZ0a-UpePks11nvuS3apdHyLtjR3yhqdh0f3Ydnb-yx9Fx2NTzfkIr4Lc-ychQiGWG3AhYIp9hjcjxCCqeKfXBaVbKGK8YJ8HSlGaEMxC_U5irnPXlt9QAs3/s320/P1000948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGaONAtN5quOXL9UnSgEdXF_KnEHyK30V6mDN7quebozHo2gIhLZW9NsOWfmR-UOGU1p7YzF7Rvb-VukNQv4e5SQBcPofVwalwuCeEr4mdFU9HlXYGLqgUJlUI9uztrrGrfKeKZed/s1600/P1000953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGaONAtN5quOXL9UnSgEdXF_KnEHyK30V6mDN7quebozHo2gIhLZW9NsOWfmR-UOGU1p7YzF7Rvb-VukNQv4e5SQBcPofVwalwuCeEr4mdFU9HlXYGLqgUJlUI9uztrrGrfKeKZed/s320/P1000953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
THE CLOCK TOWER (AKA. BIG BEN):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cfB2aDcN5Qc6QfjQEQCgZuYBb0nXZFvC0QcngQ8Qx984Wzxd0gU_hfurudeKNrKu8XjHNFc6Dh-0wgFQaSLe8ewA_FTX4ERZWWREp8Kv8NrGk80QzLy7fuFjCgWnB1v2KeFT7h7a/s1600/P1000964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cfB2aDcN5Qc6QfjQEQCgZuYBb0nXZFvC0QcngQ8Qx984Wzxd0gU_hfurudeKNrKu8XjHNFc6Dh-0wgFQaSLe8ewA_FTX4ERZWWREp8Kv8NrGk80QzLy7fuFjCgWnB1v2KeFT7h7a/s320/P1000964.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKf3faiFMhzr0EhteTcShOxzHAS_ck2piEEbkIGtiDU4mKLvjEKi3ALHcPp7gfBOq0-DxUlD_X2q85OYMrD5yMs-wijrSc3_lr20Rv5-LuUswNosNEI3yZSTV84LDeTdUDbIM6QOi/s1600/P1000965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKf3faiFMhzr0EhteTcShOxzHAS_ck2piEEbkIGtiDU4mKLvjEKi3ALHcPp7gfBOq0-DxUlD_X2q85OYMrD5yMs-wijrSc3_lr20Rv5-LuUswNosNEI3yZSTV84LDeTdUDbIM6QOi/s320/P1000965.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
HOTDOGS ON A RIVER CRUISE:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDD2FaRf0nnsNgc1Mat0u0sKlx4TCk1XpFp860Q2leYugzyisPD2SAM0JD0CGB_fYwy4I39bruLwdsl-pR4iNV7A4dOpktG32Oyyw4MjRfazXhECbJeSvpqMIWEl_8C6b8lvHhJzDT/s1600/P1000966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDD2FaRf0nnsNgc1Mat0u0sKlx4TCk1XpFp860Q2leYugzyisPD2SAM0JD0CGB_fYwy4I39bruLwdsl-pR4iNV7A4dOpktG32Oyyw4MjRfazXhECbJeSvpqMIWEl_8C6b8lvHhJzDT/s320/P1000966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
THE TOWER OF LONDON:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6a3BqUYTBFXXgGerNcwW1svjO-PsoI3zOZRsBQydCEKqLsYM7KJCRSkSn_jZ_3CIgem87OzS1Ek1K8gRekGCuEhigCZ5yOR6xXppqjPyuupGOCV7Ti1IbHuXjBXIuPzstRRAeSlH/s1600/P1000979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6a3BqUYTBFXXgGerNcwW1svjO-PsoI3zOZRsBQydCEKqLsYM7KJCRSkSn_jZ_3CIgem87OzS1Ek1K8gRekGCuEhigCZ5yOR6xXppqjPyuupGOCV7Ti1IbHuXjBXIuPzstRRAeSlH/s320/P1000979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cak6u6WW42QqQMbd264fi424o0uNbOcS-hv9AkA1TxZ7WGE2sFPJRcjJSOEyx8oUmg3SexrsO6yXfcSExhy229BU4EvkEpN5gGypihV0NIfDekionLX7xIlsIuA1VYfE5nGXuMbi/s1600/P1000982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cak6u6WW42QqQMbd264fi424o0uNbOcS-hv9AkA1TxZ7WGE2sFPJRcjJSOEyx8oUmg3SexrsO6yXfcSExhy229BU4EvkEpN5gGypihV0NIfDekionLX7xIlsIuA1VYfE5nGXuMbi/s320/P1000982.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnSLfLjcadhOzHGrZYvI-jH2pxP9VLg9Axm0fOajZdP9S2flEusI2JYy9U6li4BfwgsDBdGobJJr6ID24CUbNQBYprvKXRVgOMcqcFUU3aT2azmndffX-ws6wC14vv44pio6deRzI/s1600/P1000984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnSLfLjcadhOzHGrZYvI-jH2pxP9VLg9Axm0fOajZdP9S2flEusI2JYy9U6li4BfwgsDBdGobJJr6ID24CUbNQBYprvKXRVgOMcqcFUU3aT2azmndffX-ws6wC14vv44pio6deRzI/s320/P1000984.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPntQEhDo5EmtTikHcZrTgstOhfOplABzUH5CTtyZMheyvP0OZBLDtqkdKtlCUjIPFynrTqnwxtrc9X2HzDIhpNX4cLbqgzKBDVYPZrtZl3OsjhpoVWHcnHKjNCZxO_1RRIV2_LQrM/s1600/P1000985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPntQEhDo5EmtTikHcZrTgstOhfOplABzUH5CTtyZMheyvP0OZBLDtqkdKtlCUjIPFynrTqnwxtrc9X2HzDIhpNX4cLbqgzKBDVYPZrtZl3OsjhpoVWHcnHKjNCZxO_1RRIV2_LQrM/s320/P1000985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
TOWER BRIDGE AND THE OLYMPIC RINGS:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLaDxBIJW4MhBxtxZwPn4HMlJw9nFO_gY-4-9-UmUZZ4HpI4mLMLqIXODG9566RvHMGKfpNfOZ75l8W4G_WcBzhBk3WLnLWIfrvyStU4bYMxUqzas1DL-skAcUyiq13X_WaNqRMxP/s1600/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLaDxBIJW4MhBxtxZwPn4HMlJw9nFO_gY-4-9-UmUZZ4HpI4mLMLqIXODG9566RvHMGKfpNfOZ75l8W4G_WcBzhBk3WLnLWIfrvyStU4bYMxUqzas1DL-skAcUyiq13X_WaNqRMxP/s320/P1010002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
AT OLYMPIC PARK:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWMZonjFeiV2mX6SPj5rCV9z3LK-nXybrCmJJj8Fx24MgOLFzH0AIjon_lUKMkfRBtPtVEqr5pQZo2X60B8OgELGckuD3nx8BzUJbfW1H3SDv1kG_UNRdZbt7iM1pR1Cdo46wr25X/s1600/P1010008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWMZonjFeiV2mX6SPj5rCV9z3LK-nXybrCmJJj8Fx24MgOLFzH0AIjon_lUKMkfRBtPtVEqr5pQZo2X60B8OgELGckuD3nx8BzUJbfW1H3SDv1kG_UNRdZbt7iM1pR1Cdo46wr25X/s320/P1010008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdYApWaFNitP1brPLxzkj5WXRKeJs7ADKiUYhXB0GhHgUzxFT1RwscArbFgMRVD1vRQ7Vq8O9Zn7N84JvMh2G_nMISko1YvwzAxbTgrY-HmoWKj3wpFO98B9l0uDIUiNZ6VmsSK5v/s1600/P1010009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdYApWaFNitP1brPLxzkj5WXRKeJs7ADKiUYhXB0GhHgUzxFT1RwscArbFgMRVD1vRQ7Vq8O9Zn7N84JvMh2G_nMISko1YvwzAxbTgrY-HmoWKj3wpFO98B9l0uDIUiNZ6VmsSK5v/s320/P1010009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVrdZoJ9jk44UlSlkA0lX4DikAAvMPCwr4U7lTHa46yIBzwujqyYvEW0h-G8S_c_5W94HfMbro_Vi-o5Ej4TrVudiDa1otHlrZl0T7J6JbBvxhcP0Wzx_xiLAsVFr8KxfPZ1VxpMW/s1600/P1010010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVrdZoJ9jk44UlSlkA0lX4DikAAvMPCwr4U7lTHa46yIBzwujqyYvEW0h-G8S_c_5W94HfMbro_Vi-o5Ej4TrVudiDa1otHlrZl0T7J6JbBvxhcP0Wzx_xiLAsVFr8KxfPZ1VxpMW/s320/P1010010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp9V0cdfvd-c-JV_tuxNtnznfohKgQGcMfnFyyXDyVjfGqTzC6ILwpsuweZnxS7nrDS2UdytZ1zIZ8faHCJYXhwnvj6F1DZS3qhTZC_rkdA5JpgZ6sFMBejuKafey9Ouet9WpZcfl/s1600/P1010017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp9V0cdfvd-c-JV_tuxNtnznfohKgQGcMfnFyyXDyVjfGqTzC6ILwpsuweZnxS7nrDS2UdytZ1zIZ8faHCJYXhwnvj6F1DZS3qhTZC_rkdA5JpgZ6sFMBejuKafey9Ouet9WpZcfl/s320/P1010017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
ON THE WAY TO HISTORIC AND BEAUTIFUL BRICK LANE:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99H2of0dArUwIv23apLIFtDnQV5LWwXETqP5rVliSUNfW6H1kTT1JvrWDTSe_qKbvpxDFm49KQyZaNy-NjUu0vxCxyawYlFbpTfvysKmybFiKO9d1HHo35RiWW_u5RlpoLPJoUhDe/s1600/P1010047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99H2of0dArUwIv23apLIFtDnQV5LWwXETqP5rVliSUNfW6H1kTT1JvrWDTSe_qKbvpxDFm49KQyZaNy-NjUu0vxCxyawYlFbpTfvysKmybFiKO9d1HHo35RiWW_u5RlpoLPJoUhDe/s320/P1010047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrPI7QOPEboTgEXwbwqHtb4vTNIAV-UrcmdACIzrcAIWK3ofEiDvQ41KAB9dsBdAmu5SfFu0m6gNv2VCNkp8d4_yoeNjncA1KwL4zYsfU3RLFlSSVBqcRgpXnpMi6-Zs80q4cSImz/s1600/P1010049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrPI7QOPEboTgEXwbwqHtb4vTNIAV-UrcmdACIzrcAIWK3ofEiDvQ41KAB9dsBdAmu5SfFu0m6gNv2VCNkp8d4_yoeNjncA1KwL4zYsfU3RLFlSSVBqcRgpXnpMi6-Zs80q4cSImz/s320/P1010049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LIVERPOOL STATION, ONE OF THE LAST STOPS ON OUR FUN-FILLED LONDON VISIT:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7O8-dfcwHet7S-QfVlV2tCDojIcLt-_ou9PpwQ7_N50el_vLDVJQ8Ud4VvIjdF2djV1Ksd0Q7rCg9fjmXeiMQro1Un_10aIetX0pR3qtgS2GfkxEtDhtWuQonmCUTBLvwu8-1b2C/s1600/P1010045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7O8-dfcwHet7S-QfVlV2tCDojIcLt-_ou9PpwQ7_N50el_vLDVJQ8Ud4VvIjdF2djV1Ksd0Q7rCg9fjmXeiMQro1Un_10aIetX0pR3qtgS2GfkxEtDhtWuQonmCUTBLvwu8-1b2C/s320/P1010045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWw6-uGaQkyUkEcBeLRco_tIkJHgNbwPwUDNw-aBYfJJdRG7lEvcWxdK5r7ZvipZeCYAhfKZpGS9850QdmiKiFFPQ3b7nKnArIZ6MhEkl3iJK7RTbVxVO4UomCUiS5wgoqcWLLHSp/s1600/P1010060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWw6-uGaQkyUkEcBeLRco_tIkJHgNbwPwUDNw-aBYfJJdRG7lEvcWxdK5r7ZvipZeCYAhfKZpGS9850QdmiKiFFPQ3b7nKnArIZ6MhEkl3iJK7RTbVxVO4UomCUiS5wgoqcWLLHSp/s320/P1010060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite a few hiccups (including the loss of Jeremy's new Rolex over the side of the tour bus, a crew of very concerned Japanese tourists behind us, a few challenges before attaining mastery status of the London Underground - WITH a stroller in tow, and the normally blah weather) we thoroughly enjoyed our little trip to London. We're already planning our European trip next summer....but hoping for a little sun on our next jaunt to Europe =)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-67602490737426510042012-07-09T00:56:00.000-07:002014-06-24T00:01:47.706-07:00Dalila and Friends: Meet the Gang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
How about a short little post about all of the friends Dalila has made so far? Jeremy and I marvel frequently at how exciting her list of friends' nationalities is - something she certainly couldn't count on back home in Idaho, where diversity is, shall we say, limited. We love that she sees all races, clothing styles, and nationalities here with no reaction either way. She is totally color-blind when looking at people of the many varied nationalities who live in the U.A.E. and we're deeply grateful to have the means to provide her with the opportunity to be this way.<br />
<br />
One of our favorite standing play dates happens most Fridays at a place called Fun City (like an indoor amusement park, only extra crazy thanks to the echo that comes with being smack dab in the middle of a toddler- and big kid-filled warehouse-o-fun). Luckily, Fridays are much more calm, being the holy day and all. So we often met in the mornings for Dalila to practice her social skills. We also love that a toddlers-only room exists with padded floors, TONS of little kid toys, and pretend play opportunities galore. Here is where we would set up camp, the grown ups plunking down on the various bean bag chairs and cushion seats scattered throughout the area to watch our toddlers try not to turn a dispute over a lego into Toddler Death Match 3000. Some days were more successful than others, but Dalila always lit up when we announced that she would get to go and see her friends.<br />
<br />
I bragged on and on about the various nationalities of her group of friends and then promptly halted that explanation, so here's the rest of that bit =) Arguably Dalila's best buddy, Dara (lovingly pronounced "Dora" by our little one who adores some little-known television program of the same name...) comes from parents who are Irish and Romanian. She is adorable, very close to the same age as Dalila, and makes a perfect partner in crime for the various toddler shenanigans their hard-working little brains dream up. Jemma is a little friend Dalila met when we first arrived and then happened to run into through a mutual friend months later. She is from South Africa. Another little friend who is very, very tall for his age - almost as tall as all the girls - but the youngest of the bunch is called Harrison and comes from Scotland. These kiddos comprise our usual play-date gang and are an absolute blast to watch together. Here are some photos of them sitting on a banana (btw, getting four two-year-olds to sit for a picture at the same time AND look at the camera was an incredible feat!):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCfKW2Ud4Jkn2FGJjAQHJEc5JY2pzdmPy1ZuvJpDZE4MMEQVpm46A2XCyeP7SxtUEJ0H7iYH5SteDbNI-PR_ipyW1eNpVNh0xJsacRSna8X6thMkRtxUDOWdGfePKnh77_y-o8YDh/s1600/Photo-0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCfKW2Ud4Jkn2FGJjAQHJEc5JY2pzdmPy1ZuvJpDZE4MMEQVpm46A2XCyeP7SxtUEJ0H7iYH5SteDbNI-PR_ipyW1eNpVNh0xJsacRSna8X6thMkRtxUDOWdGfePKnh77_y-o8YDh/s320/Photo-0233.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSvRvWZyhXctVVfrk6mxUyAkkp1VrBPhr1iNoydo_3udcoqHGswy3_AP-kkkidmYKIpAI-SSbweNwFibPysSMEd95l0CislSLQkLd4GYgjvsZrC57YegHjWG8pKEMDduWAuN4MYQI/s1600/Photo-0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSvRvWZyhXctVVfrk6mxUyAkkp1VrBPhr1iNoydo_3udcoqHGswy3_AP-kkkidmYKIpAI-SSbweNwFibPysSMEd95l0CislSLQkLd4GYgjvsZrC57YegHjWG8pKEMDduWAuN4MYQI/s320/Photo-0234.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Dalila, Harrison, Dara, and Jemma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our Fun City gang is only one small portion of Dalila's growing list of pals. We are members at a local hotel where we can use the facilities, including pool, gym, squash courts, etc. She has made quite a few little friends here from around the globe as well. Her favorite pal at the pool is an adorable little girl from Russia called Dasha. The two walk around like they own the place and, indeed, are treated like royalty by most of the staff, who are no doubt awed by the girls' bright blonde hair, blue eyes, and winning personalities. Two of Dalila's buddies here are from Middle Eastern countries - Leen is from Syria (I think) and Sara - Dalila's oldest friend is a native Emirati girl. Here are a few photos of Dalila and Leen - sharing exactly how one would expect two-year-olds to share pool toys....noisily and with a pinch of hostility =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOp_R_X1prNYDodV26hC8T3OedTO5iisPsuAZF97J7S1ajMj9AvO35c_IhIp_395TibrdTIENDi-_JcYISXvIhnOLgQmwBiea5ih5FmH96X3NhgSZLzjKgUvlaxw4skvKilSEJZ0p/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOp_R_X1prNYDodV26hC8T3OedTO5iisPsuAZF97J7S1ajMj9AvO35c_IhIp_395TibrdTIENDi-_JcYISXvIhnOLgQmwBiea5ih5FmH96X3NhgSZLzjKgUvlaxw4skvKilSEJZ0p/s320/019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ijOUCycuO3gqLNQtN01_tNQ3lchaU4X9wha3TCJVqD0JYM9l10Z_3rIj_bphvayQStEhKzLlX2nEb4iD02koDkkTOdQA8u5f2N9jhAyhJSNUpGKdOtHl36ReI4yc23qgBlsT8WQg/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ijOUCycuO3gqLNQtN01_tNQ3lchaU4X9wha3TCJVqD0JYM9l10Z_3rIj_bphvayQStEhKzLlX2nEb4iD02koDkkTOdQA8u5f2N9jhAyhJSNUpGKdOtHl36ReI4yc23qgBlsT8WQg/s320/020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ku8LZSL5qwnJC_l4KY2qyNT8OG85fpP5gr1x445t8VYB9q80G02l_i-gRjcIiqnMsNMrXidaooTXlaBFFsVlhIp02szb2GO2Xl4h_oPNF-9zr6Wy7t_A2mmmNvtbuHpijwNALR1R/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ku8LZSL5qwnJC_l4KY2qyNT8OG85fpP5gr1x445t8VYB9q80G02l_i-gRjcIiqnMsNMrXidaooTXlaBFFsVlhIp02szb2GO2Xl4h_oPNF-9zr6Wy7t_A2mmmNvtbuHpijwNALR1R/s320/021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course - this entry wouldn't be complete without including Dalila's buddies from her home country. She loves to play with friends Ellison, Eden and Edward who traveled here from Utah. Her favorite boys are Colt and Bayne, originally from Omaha. She asks for these two constantly and loves to go wild with her boys =)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GoAir2jDtiB33D2tuF72DjWobbnN2-dg5x8-R24X_MsFEtGZSb3jHj_tNzleoRE2i0AC-_gS6mq4EDAZj1dq8l9j6Ty84iIV3DvMrGheVdJF9v_swvSruZ9HTSr5S1V2mlT7Pa-m/s1600/RAK+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GoAir2jDtiB33D2tuF72DjWobbnN2-dg5x8-R24X_MsFEtGZSb3jHj_tNzleoRE2i0AC-_gS6mq4EDAZj1dq8l9j6Ty84iIV3DvMrGheVdJF9v_swvSruZ9HTSr5S1V2mlT7Pa-m/s320/RAK+3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making grass angels with friends Ellison, Edward, and Eden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxfwp1wYhAJJJahd9N4-Le3LFrEHzGUot7ywPXkpGgmaukOmj6OsbB-9rj8Vla2RzKtyR-T0JYHjRp2dWo3o6m6IsZo3fDOo7ALKIrhArmyq5Cimmgts_JSIrsmGynloVl1rpabYk/s1600/Easter+2012+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxfwp1wYhAJJJahd9N4-Le3LFrEHzGUot7ywPXkpGgmaukOmj6OsbB-9rj8Vla2RzKtyR-T0JYHjRp2dWo3o6m6IsZo3fDOo7ALKIrhArmyq5Cimmgts_JSIrsmGynloVl1rpabYk/s320/Easter+2012+020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouncing on the crib with her favorite boys, Colt and Bayne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We're so glad Dalila has endless opportunities to find friends and are constantly surprised to find how similar kids are even when they come from places all over the world! Now we can't wait for Dalila to get to know her cousins back home and test out some of the social skills she's learned (translation: Watch out cousins!! Dalila's on her way!).</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-44573330669915200442012-06-30T05:34:00.000-07:002014-06-24T01:30:26.647-07:00Where Did June Go?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Once again, I'm rushing to get a post done for the last month. I don't know where this deadline comes from, or why I feel so compelled to enforce it, but a post a month should be a pretty realistic goal, yes? Not if you're me, but oh well. And I'd love to say that some selfless reason exists for my lack of posts, like I'm out changing the world, one non-native English speaking student at a time, but I've barely seen my students this whole month. Anyway, the end result is a rush to post by my self-imposed deadline. Here you go!<br />
<br />
In my last post, I was about to attend my third wedding in the U.A.E. and shared my experience with weddings here thus far. Now I can summarize the specifics of the latest wedding I had the pleasure of attending - and I can promise that it didn't disappoint!<br />
<br />
I felt brave this time and decided to drag Dalila along with me - partly to show her off, partly so I would have a reason to leave early. Yes, yes, I know this is completely selfish, but aren't these just two of the natural perks that come with motherhood? Really, I'd be wrong NOT to take her along for these reasons! I really am glad I brought her, though. She was a huge hit, and provided endless entertainment for the wedding guests. See? I KNEW there was a selfless reason for dragging my little munchkin along to a 9:00 pm wedding!<br />
<br />
I'll tell the rest of the story in pictures, because, let's be honest, that's what we all skip to in blogs anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
1. What did we wear?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0ogMQKVyobQskVkHd-EJo9OIwZuQ_uXhia6cv5M-1NeWLMzhLUYu3bUV5kOKg3gFLkjY9zgERCHdL2sdV7iSy8MHTOcmLXrxp8vcWg0CxVOB_6T4Wp9cWH3y_q9E1fGae1UBmLw3/s1600/P1000369.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0ogMQKVyobQskVkHd-EJo9OIwZuQ_uXhia6cv5M-1NeWLMzhLUYu3bUV5kOKg3gFLkjY9zgERCHdL2sdV7iSy8MHTOcmLXrxp8vcWg0CxVOB_6T4Wp9cWH3y_q9E1fGae1UBmLw3/s320/P1000369.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqtxYGPsF7i3-QRihwVdew4dUbYsJCPm2MXfW5ZuQgjMshgQGjp1PmKDhOgOD2NVEC_wpd42H3xNTFLOPwQyVOizdf4wDYunHQwiZnlSkGSUVJC4lDknU3Tm0JkL-nUbM0lCu9BA3/s1600/P1000379.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqtxYGPsF7i3-QRihwVdew4dUbYsJCPm2MXfW5ZuQgjMshgQGjp1PmKDhOgOD2NVEC_wpd42H3xNTFLOPwQyVOizdf4wDYunHQwiZnlSkGSUVJC4lDknU3Tm0JkL-nUbM0lCu9BA3/s320/P1000379.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaPryDfDLGDi_hcQqQKpf0DRyLGhtMYOkEKWzbndFxILQKzkmXpYo8i3KlKyyTd7lIBX2mVwiYLvXr-uyZOgbsXYnDvofVbMUd2hBSi6IMN71NfmN3jNHm8eCmGQvHjgXerKdyIUQ/s1600/P1000376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaPryDfDLGDi_hcQqQKpf0DRyLGhtMYOkEKWzbndFxILQKzkmXpYo8i3KlKyyTd7lIBX2mVwiYLvXr-uyZOgbsXYnDvofVbMUd2hBSi6IMN71NfmN3jNHm8eCmGQvHjgXerKdyIUQ/s320/P1000376.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Turns out, even with my fancy dress and Lila's adorable tutu - we were STILL under-dressed!! But we felt pretty and were able to party-down, none the less. And, just because it seems to be a requirement for blogs featuring fashion of any kind, check out my awesome hair pic! Yep - that's a waterfall braid. Hot, right? I couldn't figure out how to end it, so I just threw a flower in and, voila! Done.<br />
<br />
2. What did we eat?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDAXhdCnhas1SCEM3t5piqqWnD6HTkrfRPvmO5XD3132oOw9nZzY5-gr-2FtQBWtOfsXOGva4Z2UEtpDeBn9DNGe1fOGp9t1KlwhsEBGWdrxegyuXFUiSyse-TCybp5SD1nCHekth/s1600/Photo-0190.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDAXhdCnhas1SCEM3t5piqqWnD6HTkrfRPvmO5XD3132oOw9nZzY5-gr-2FtQBWtOfsXOGva4Z2UEtpDeBn9DNGe1fOGp9t1KlwhsEBGWdrxegyuXFUiSyse-TCybp5SD1nCHekth/s320/Photo-0190.jpg" /></a></div>
BAM!! How about a ginormous plate of goat! This may not look like much, but, I promise you, this plate was the size of your average hubcap and piled about a foot off the table with meat and rice. Delectable meat and rice, I might add. And before this beauty arrived, I was too busy to snap any photos of the other dishes as I was stuffing my face with the other goodies that served as appetizers, including precious little mini desserts (really? mini - who are we fooling!?!), hummous, fruit, yogurt, grilled meats, yummy little fried thingies, etc., etc., etc.. Emirati weddings are NOT to be outdone when it comes to food!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. What did the wedding look like?<br />
<br />
Ok - I have to be kind of careful here. Muslim women here in the U.A.E. frequently choose not to have their pictures taken. So, as I was snapping photos on my hot pink phone that seemed to glow in the low light and send signals clear to the other side of the room, I tried to be discrete about my forbidden photography. Sadly, nonchalance is really not something I'm known for, or, frankly, very good at. So the result is blurry photos that are few and far between. Here are the ones I managed to snap that didn't have too many ladies that seemed to want to avoid the camera.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPiQgBgM3b3Xxc5ahTzO8zwGeXdi-gbhS5jAfmtz6f70pp1n3tiFqNVIge-LZzG83yxlGG50n33PHrDtSdmtKOL5UrbydQqDzeqN8pKNtIa74BNmTj4lHoiRVz6k0RfPYG0EyfLYF/s1600/Photo-0188.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPiQgBgM3b3Xxc5ahTzO8zwGeXdi-gbhS5jAfmtz6f70pp1n3tiFqNVIge-LZzG83yxlGG50n33PHrDtSdmtKOL5UrbydQqDzeqN8pKNtIa74BNmTj4lHoiRVz6k0RfPYG0EyfLYF/s320/Photo-0188.jpg" /></a></div>
Here, Lila enjoys standing in her chair. This is the calmest and most well-behaved she was all night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUBt003YJeiQTCIxkRrToMYHQ_p88-9T8gXBjMMtBV7_cFqZGN4YkvwilglC8j64OcnfkS7SAfwapl7k2tdrEpYJWMmr0Y-anIloJOrwnZPQSaWCuS5jFrrFpjO5cc7NoQQmU7eOi/s1600/Photo-0189.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUBt003YJeiQTCIxkRrToMYHQ_p88-9T8gXBjMMtBV7_cFqZGN4YkvwilglC8j64OcnfkS7SAfwapl7k2tdrEpYJWMmr0Y-anIloJOrwnZPQSaWCuS5jFrrFpjO5cc7NoQQmU7eOi/s320/Photo-0189.jpg" /></a></div>
Lila and Mommy - in another pose where she is somewhat calm. The wedding hall was beautiful, but, I was a little afraid to snap very many photos.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4. Just how wild did Dalila get?<br />
<br />
<br />
In short, she got VERY wild. Here is one of my favorite pictures of her with this adorable little boy in the full kandora and fancy sandals get-up. (Sidenote - I LOVE to see the little tiny boys dressed just like their daddies in their finest white robes - kandoras - and fancy sandals. Seriously, these men can wear a pair a sandals like nobody's business. I frequently catch myself accidentally admiring a hot pair of what I think are some lovely, bedazzled wedge-heeled sandals, only to learn I've wandered into the men's section!). Anyway, these two were enamored with each other from the moment their devious little toddler eyes locked from across the room. Here, they investigate a hole in the floor and discuss just what things could be thrown into said hole.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMteUIohsBACnMWIi7dnYMo-iNN-4OSucVp-bAu36JSNGVx7MDMCc9jmRvoZIMivmlm2ptBjs68rNS7ptLZi2c3oX2xrbREJ93DZIkipeO7BBqmejbOKpTu9dug6O-pRVtRhgSUw4k/s1600/Photo-0191.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMteUIohsBACnMWIi7dnYMo-iNN-4OSucVp-bAu36JSNGVx7MDMCc9jmRvoZIMivmlm2ptBjs68rNS7ptLZi2c3oX2xrbREJ93DZIkipeO7BBqmejbOKpTu9dug6O-pRVtRhgSUw4k/s320/Photo-0191.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
5. Is there video evidence of these shenanigans?<br />
<br />
Why yes, yes there is. Though, once Dalila became comfortable in her surroundings, she was unstoppable. Literally. One fellow wedding guest mentioned to me the next day that she had almost forgotten I was even at the wedding as I was busy chasing my little one all over the room, making sure she didn't try to perform the table cloth trick and take out a bunch of unsuspecting guests with a tumbling display of food. It was exhausting! Hence, the shaky amateurish display of cinematography that follows:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyBYH6N_n3gyluuwUYHdQg-r8jN1_waWIQA1zKwGOpWXzTKAvO2J02efl_f1OMPTp6Ac3ljjpaYJwgmPLf5hQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
In the charming video above, Dalila hopes to perform the dance of her people by teaching her little partner how to do-si-do. Little does she know, square dancing (and partner dances in general) are not a significant part of culture in the Middle East. In fact, they are "haram" - or "really, really naughty." Thus, she was left to chase her partner down, as the following clip shows. We need to show her how to play hard-to-get, I think.... (But, to be fair - that little boy was chasing Lila back most of the time - and he even threw in a hug or two that I wasn't able to catch on video!).<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyfemyAKEOR-5a1T7tLzXmLFT75keibwFTudwMzjP6T-yb3iRl_cE3z9GjpQYp0nZDymtlYJN_92NjVsYteVA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
So ends our first wedding season here in the United Arab Emirates. We learned a lot, ate even more, and generally, felt awestruck at every turn. But what an amazing experience each wedding has been for me. Now I can look at that "Platinum Weddings" show and say, "Meh. I've seen better."</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-21844331542875153272012-05-12T06:29:00.001-07:002012-05-12T06:29:42.320-07:00The Wondrous World of Weddings in the U.A.E.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I find myself preparing to attend my third wedding since moving to my new home, I can't help but to draw a few comparisons to the weddings I'm more familiar with back in the U.S. - including our own beautifully simple ceremony. <br />
<br />
Jeremy and I planned on a budget, but were extremely happy with our results. My dress was perfect - as was his fantastic tuxedo, we served a light meal that everyone seemed to enjoy, and we even found a way around the alcohol ban at our chosen location with a makeshift open bar set up in the parking lot out of the backs of trucks and my uncle's camper (but shhhhh....that part is supposed to be a secret!). Our wedding was everything we hoped it would be, and allowed us to spend a little more on a honeymoon we equally enjoyed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB0FJRblvEHUZiVLzmKFx9LA75rVVLtIZCL_RO8S0fufvIxBpan8sWV3dwcLe2OdgIcFwDn8qgb76euYDGC8C62VvcEyf1w8TJ9n2dqNnk_z8PH0F5QHXchSyV9grTSr4bkHeDgAL/s1600/wedding+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB0FJRblvEHUZiVLzmKFx9LA75rVVLtIZCL_RO8S0fufvIxBpan8sWV3dwcLe2OdgIcFwDn8qgb76euYDGC8C62VvcEyf1w8TJ9n2dqNnk_z8PH0F5QHXchSyV9grTSr4bkHeDgAL/s320/wedding+photo.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful wedding at the Shelton Wedding Chapel<br />in Iona, Idaho</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Weddings here offer a glimpse into a whole new world (yes - I mean for you to think of Jasmine and Aladdin with that line - it is the Middle East, after all). This world is one where money is NO object and opulence is an absolute necessity. In a country where citizens are treated to jaw-dropping monetary rewards by their government just to get married, one would expect no less than a wedding to end all weddings. Even with the generous amounts of dirhams the U.A.E. bequeaths to its citizens with pending nuptials, it's evident that some families deem the donations too small. Thus, they throw some of their own savings at the bride and groom to ensure that the wedding is one to remember.<br />
<br />
Let's start with the setting. Muslim weddings are far different from the Christian ones many of us are more familiar with. The men and women must be separated. Often, and indeed, this is true for all three weddings I've attended so far, women are allowed to view the festivities that the male guests attend on screens positioned throughout the wedding hall. Speaking of the wedding hall, picture the most lavish wedding decor you have ever seen. Now add about $30,000 of extra glitz and glam to that picture and you might be close to the usual decor displayed at a U.A.E. wedding. Here is a picture I found that looks very much like one of the weddings I attended:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA77sfMgRZab-auki9WXkqmQbD9UajXMVSnuo8CxtOKI_v6zWJ9PmIw0cHQSNhFn650nMFLo4f-gZYhT-UT2jLyxkxhxDcnIivh2xf9EQGAGyrY7m8Uos6MuX-rsu62V0JN5dqwHeV/s1600/wedding+decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA77sfMgRZab-auki9WXkqmQbD9UajXMVSnuo8CxtOKI_v6zWJ9PmIw0cHQSNhFn650nMFLo4f-gZYhT-UT2jLyxkxhxDcnIivh2xf9EQGAGyrY7m8Uos6MuX-rsu62V0JN5dqwHeV/s320/wedding+decor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While the women are allowed to view the men, the male party is NOT allowed to view the women's party. Why? Good gracious - you should SEE what the women wear to these things!!! It might as well be a red carpet party or a royal ball for all the effort the women put into dressing up for all their lady friends. And ladies, we know we dress for other women - so you can imagine the undercurrents of envy that float through the wedding hall when a best-dressed lady walks by. Women here are used to being covered, and a wedding is a time for them to celebrate being beautiful, fancy, and fashionable divas - which many of them take to heart! The following photo is of a dress that would be for a bride back home in the states, but I saw a guest dressed in almost the same style - and her dress was of modest price compared to many of the others!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdOBoP7g5LKr03ulMAd8dy9hxjOWM21ZB1vhmuuP-QdLuqSN8dR-pkickvXGPn3DgCibdzLG6ZPPPZpQuKdbvw-2FezdHSK5zCGsWW4KAV-i2AmqcYelF5G6paCeAboVv7fpZp2d7/s1600/party+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdOBoP7g5LKr03ulMAd8dy9hxjOWM21ZB1vhmuuP-QdLuqSN8dR-pkickvXGPn3DgCibdzLG6ZPPPZpQuKdbvw-2FezdHSK5zCGsWW4KAV-i2AmqcYelF5G6paCeAboVv7fpZp2d7/s320/party+dress.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The bride is the centerpiece of the whole affair, as should be the custom. Usually, she arrives about two hours after the party begins. Her entrance is a dramatic affair, with loud, climactic music penetrating the hall and the ears of all guests and a twenty minute slow parade down the catwalk to center stage as photographers snap shot after shot. This part seemed odd to me at first, but I find myself staring as the bride makes her way down the raised platform - awestruck by her amazing dress. Here is a photo I found from the site <a href="http://khaleejia.blogspot.com/2009/10/wedding-dresses-gulf-style-3.html">http://khaleejia.blogspot.com/2009/10/wedding-dresses-gulf-style-3.html</a> - where you can see many other styles typically chosen by brides here. I can't (and don't want to) imagine the cost of these dresses state-side. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZAOP4nYBvFNU4oURJRBSknzWkWmHgLAnCucZX6l6ZNs7zYbQ0OHG9Rj5-psyS_ZuLKWlxgtxvjoEtoB3LCJPZ1bxBKylVzEPZ9GuQhrQZY-0TAToKUhGs3_1mByTK4WJ3nkqqn0V/s1600/uae+wedding+dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZAOP4nYBvFNU4oURJRBSknzWkWmHgLAnCucZX6l6ZNs7zYbQ0OHG9Rj5-psyS_ZuLKWlxgtxvjoEtoB3LCJPZ1bxBKylVzEPZ9GuQhrQZY-0TAToKUhGs3_1mByTK4WJ3nkqqn0V/s320/uae+wedding+dress.JPG" width="204" /></a></div>
The bride sits on the stage for a little while after her arrival and the women continue to party. Often, friends of the bride - or any guests brave enough - venture to the platform to dance and show off their dresses. After a warning announcement for all faithful women to cover themselves, the new husband and other important males in the family are allowed to come into the party - but only for a very brief time. Then, they are ushered out again, and the women-only festivities continue. <br />
<br />
<br />
And how could I describe these lavish affairs without mentioning the food. Wow. There are trays upon trays upon trays of food. Servers start by bringing out traditional appetizers of bread, hummous, vegetables, salads and various finger foods. Most of the time, the main course is an extraordinary plate of half of a roast goat and pounds of rice placed at each table for the guests to serve themselves. I know - I like goats too and think they're the cutest part at the petting zoo....but MAN is this dish delicious! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QrgFxqPJWdREs2L7jPa8Czj0TQSJ_oVvfxKJNCXNPA69CaiaL4uXW38TnyyCI3ymw2w2rCHuThM2KoWjsPMoiyquw2XZHQYwoW2hGTXhwPmNiO3-wp8vfvF7CesZ65NFMGkl_EOv/s1600/whole+roasted+goat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QrgFxqPJWdREs2L7jPa8Czj0TQSJ_oVvfxKJNCXNPA69CaiaL4uXW38TnyyCI3ymw2w2rCHuThM2KoWjsPMoiyquw2XZHQYwoW2hGTXhwPmNiO3-wp8vfvF7CesZ65NFMGkl_EOv/s320/whole+roasted+goat.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm sure I've just barely scratched the surface in my description of the opulence that is the U.A.E. wedding - and I'm certain I've forgotten some of the important parts. But hopefully this provides at least a glimpse of life in a completely different world. <br />
<br />
<br />
Also, it's important to note that while the reception that I've described screams of lavishness, the actual wedding ceremony is very small and has already taken place before all of these events even begin. This ceremony is for close family only and I honestly can't say exactly what happens there - though I know they are very traditional and humble. <br />
<br />
As amazing as these weddings are, I wouldn't take a do-over if I was offered the same kind of ceremony. Jeremy and/or I personally knew every single guest at our wedding. Here, I've only met one of the brides personally from the three weddings I've attended! The intimate, personal ceremony and reception fit Jeremy and I much better than the lavish U.A.E. style...but they definitely are an experience to watch!<br />
<br />
(Note: taking pictures at these weddings is not exactly allowed, so I had to pull photos from other sites. Here is a reference for where the other pictures came from:<br />
Decor photo - <a href="http://www.invent-uae.com/blog/tag/event-decor/">http://www.invent-uae.com/blog/tag/event-decor/</a><br />
Party dress - <a href="http://www.paklinks.com/gs/wedding/327994">http://www.paklinks.com/gs/wedding/327994</a><br />
Wedding dress - <a href="http://khaleejia.blogspot.com/2009/10/wedding-dresses-gulf-style-3.html">http://khaleejia.blogspot.com/2009/10/wedding-dresses-gulf-style-3.html</a><br />
Food photo - <a href="http://www.letseat.at/medina/gallery">http://www.letseat.at/medina/gallery</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-27242817415019088002012-04-18T02:33:00.000-07:002012-04-18T02:33:03.605-07:00Easter in the Emirates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">During our first several years of marriage, Easter was always one of the times that gave us a terrible case of "baby fever." Sure the traditions have nothing to do with the "true meaning of the holiday" and represent the commercialism virus that plagues our society. Yet, any way you slice it, Easter's just no fun without a wee one to dote on and hide eggs for! We tried with the dogs, but the effect was never quite what we wanted. Enter our darling little girl, and Easter suddenly took on a whole new meaning and wonder that we were so glad to finally be a part of - regardless of the silliness of the traditions surrounding the holiday.<br />
<br />
Last year, Easter was easy. Score an Easter dress, grab a basket, hide some eggs for the kids, done. Lila was so cute and tiny in her little dress and actually attempted finding some eggs. We had the cold weather to contend with, as per the usual for any Easter celebration in Idaho. But a long-sleeved shirt under the darling dress solved that problem, and Easter was pronounced a success. Here are some photos to show just how great Easter went last year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uEGP5y-t49r1495_np4LJMCb4CJYnLBYfxIyLqqvaJDIUpOtgEPYSUtxtJ28UoPBCsGqmn33VnHGmfXhzsswRu4obLPdXfsrU3XA7dHScMg64fk2uCEJBmH8KEPbU-V0Da5uVwXT/s1600/113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uEGP5y-t49r1495_np4LJMCb4CJYnLBYfxIyLqqvaJDIUpOtgEPYSUtxtJ28UoPBCsGqmn33VnHGmfXhzsswRu4obLPdXfsrU3XA7dHScMg64fk2uCEJBmH8KEPbU-V0Da5uVwXT/s320/113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpaCT3T5UQcruQNXavs2aWka0tLprzKRu-IH0Q0e7pCGnr6OifqHBo3KPOiawiFas9xTkNltC0s0iLpqnGU34ll8-9lUYQTZhgRmvQwxeO3Oc9-Q98t4RioMCKIZSHAeI46b1d2lU/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpaCT3T5UQcruQNXavs2aWka0tLprzKRu-IH0Q0e7pCGnr6OifqHBo3KPOiawiFas9xTkNltC0s0iLpqnGU34ll8-9lUYQTZhgRmvQwxeO3Oc9-Q98t4RioMCKIZSHAeI46b1d2lU/s320/123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_QFx8r3B85c2MReG_TG-6LPPOBDQltn03Mb6ea9wabl14-c2pXl8Tuo6F8Zeoh_DbfogQ5zR6T2OytaXRXxFpJ6ymhtmuhRoEpvkTNuZSKYSDUyvn0PI_lyJG-wv9BSG9Uvvr7Qm/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_QFx8r3B85c2MReG_TG-6LPPOBDQltn03Mb6ea9wabl14-c2pXl8Tuo6F8Zeoh_DbfogQ5zR6T2OytaXRXxFpJ6ymhtmuhRoEpvkTNuZSKYSDUyvn0PI_lyJG-wv9BSG9Uvvr7Qm/s320/124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyaf93ucee6-5Ti4QpwqNaw-cjjSItgNaP6W793DhfhQ1Oz1TvYg_vOfhS6y2MfiDHCMkiIDhiz1zXOinUh2NFvJRbk8NtdplwH7OdGAd-Wtif64ERhSeS6yJ0DMp4grSoqTBJFcQ/s1600/125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyaf93ucee6-5Ti4QpwqNaw-cjjSItgNaP6W793DhfhQ1Oz1TvYg_vOfhS6y2MfiDHCMkiIDhiz1zXOinUh2NFvJRbk8NtdplwH7OdGAd-Wtif64ERhSeS6yJ0DMp4grSoqTBJFcQ/s320/125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4wW4P31mjZRiKnHD3dJwRvCvo0h_vQutWze_ASnqI1OPp6XtyhYVnXhnlr70Rs19JxCb1nUxgtcGmzkMYpf_aotkIlijmjZB1rJuKWGRqATPHt3ExvIDvF4AmWoOO22D0uoFQMYH/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4wW4P31mjZRiKnHD3dJwRvCvo0h_vQutWze_ASnqI1OPp6XtyhYVnXhnlr70Rs19JxCb1nUxgtcGmzkMYpf_aotkIlijmjZB1rJuKWGRqATPHt3ExvIDvF4AmWoOO22D0uoFQMYH/s320/127.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
This year proved to be a little more difficult. Luckily, we have found a store here that tends to cater to Westerners and all their silly holiday traditions. We found plastic eggs and Easter baskets on a cute little display in the back. Easter for us has always been celebrated with family, and with ours a whole ocean away, we had to adopt a new family. Dalila was ecstatic to have her Easter egg hunt with some of her favorite boys that we've met since moving here. And our connection with our close friends provided the much-needed adult interaction and conversation that came with Easter dinner. A great solution for our home-sickness. The weather presented a mild problem for our festivities, but in a way we have NEVER experienced for Easter before - it was too HOT!! So hot, in fact, that our poor friends discovered the downside of filling plastic eggs with chocolate only a few short minutes into the Easter egg hunt - only jelly and hard candies for us!! New to this concept of a warm Easter hunt, we dressed Lila in a sweet, comfortable little sundress and plastered her with sunscreen. Another problem we've never encountered for this holiday was a complete lack of yard space. How to have an outdoor egg hunt without a yard!?! Easy - the Easter bunny was kind enough to hide the eggs at a near-by park and then inform the daddies of their general location. That Easter bunny thinks of everything. Throw all this together, and we have one terrific Easter experience. Some eggs were even hidden in the trunks of palm trees! I think it's safe to label this latest Easter experience a victory as well - even when we're half a world away from home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqxC41uN7YKL1oKWBz4JRTFnjxZmKAt7r86NwCRIn9xcrk3bPi4EAoWYFL1yG1uHW1zWtC-so1QdExf1hAv1IFePHqHDYaKWPaNiN7YHUsJbzp2Uk44wV3v857pCPeFPA7jtxmVLg/s1600/Easter+2012+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqxC41uN7YKL1oKWBz4JRTFnjxZmKAt7r86NwCRIn9xcrk3bPi4EAoWYFL1yG1uHW1zWtC-so1QdExf1hAv1IFePHqHDYaKWPaNiN7YHUsJbzp2Uk44wV3v857pCPeFPA7jtxmVLg/s320/Easter+2012+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding some eggs on the play area first.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEBB7zuWiYCRDp-8Ggo273yevAUZfl2px1ly5H4eL5R6hmkUxmi315Ytwm__l6SJYEix-hW1_dnvBLoUyHnxVCydMBYPztUVDfzTzAxvdWrT4lwFpmscPAwnanhYn7E273tixHRcZ/s1600/Easter+2012+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEBB7zuWiYCRDp-8Ggo273yevAUZfl2px1ly5H4eL5R6hmkUxmi315Ytwm__l6SJYEix-hW1_dnvBLoUyHnxVCydMBYPztUVDfzTzAxvdWrT4lwFpmscPAwnanhYn7E273tixHRcZ/s320/Easter+2012+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnIS2rR9QYL0WURJKkM6t6Lt4wVTM6cM_sLjKoEhwt4GxA_Og3b59DepmOr6wvZV4M2rru8ZZE33Uv1QfZtH_oDwZ0wXN-GBt33t277Axz-lS-o7Jc9PmI8D9quzprP8xgNJKCZCD/s1600/Easter+2012+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnIS2rR9QYL0WURJKkM6t6Lt4wVTM6cM_sLjKoEhwt4GxA_Og3b59DepmOr6wvZV4M2rru8ZZE33Uv1QfZtH_oDwZ0wXN-GBt33t277Axz-lS-o7Jc9PmI8D9quzprP8xgNJKCZCD/s320/Easter+2012+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My absolute FAVORITE picture of the day.<br />
It's so beautiful and captures her excitement and determination.<br />
Plus, the egg's under a low palm tree branch!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHgAoNmHqAxiqMrz3QezXo8Gj-Cqwfj_LfZprYrcW0rONJgZ1ldQlfuLAXinR_lFzpUlSf_FCKTQ0pdBZbqfyN212S_UBfjMY6DGB-ftNh_pmcsLdaEbH5uSUXEOOY5m51gyXizzG/s1600/Easter+2012+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHgAoNmHqAxiqMrz3QezXo8Gj-Cqwfj_LfZprYrcW0rONJgZ1ldQlfuLAXinR_lFzpUlSf_FCKTQ0pdBZbqfyN212S_UBfjMY6DGB-ftNh_pmcsLdaEbH5uSUXEOOY5m51gyXizzG/s320/Easter+2012+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzq-UuEY4enCX7tN9yUKZ3ebLN0LZHUKc-wkaramzRCH5uHJycb7iFKZOHEd3rpOopSaDlj70GJV7s2DdIY8U9ogJTrvKwaumVZY_J5oAn8wyhXCsnNXRUEeMP7Pk2d_tqsDEId3H/s1600/Easter+2012+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzq-UuEY4enCX7tN9yUKZ3ebLN0LZHUKc-wkaramzRCH5uHJycb7iFKZOHEd3rpOopSaDlj70GJV7s2DdIY8U9ogJTrvKwaumVZY_J5oAn8wyhXCsnNXRUEeMP7Pk2d_tqsDEId3H/s320/Easter+2012+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFS7d1J78QFku0rdWunzbx8FGx8kLB_qSUuqw2zoownD0BSHoTml2NR9GJeiVM5DjuA3acYRQVtMetbC0s5OiDNYiqb7a1vk7wDnzuktWEcygcLkeLSPx0_Alg16jOzFv8nPCRuh3/s1600/Easter+2012+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFS7d1J78QFku0rdWunzbx8FGx8kLB_qSUuqw2zoownD0BSHoTml2NR9GJeiVM5DjuA3acYRQVtMetbC0s5OiDNYiqb7a1vk7wDnzuktWEcygcLkeLSPx0_Alg16jOzFv8nPCRuh3/s320/Easter+2012+047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hunters, basking in their glory after a successful day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKHxSci6WWucamoASlmbkJzEPn6QqiOE07bWE8ByBqpMR9jyly0X5-SUc7J3HM8TvQXfV_Tpsxl4xpLK_jPT1dM4MMRyBugIXzXkRuO4Jj3ogRr6_l6p36VG-MukGEfL0OVI0eYB8/s1600/Easter+2012+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKHxSci6WWucamoASlmbkJzEPn6QqiOE07bWE8ByBqpMR9jyly0X5-SUc7J3HM8TvQXfV_Tpsxl4xpLK_jPT1dM4MMRyBugIXzXkRuO4Jj3ogRr6_l6p36VG-MukGEfL0OVI0eYB8/s320/Easter+2012+052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila's little buddy, Bayne, being a gentleman and carrying her basket for her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-44069160499723299172012-04-15T11:06:00.000-07:002012-04-15T11:06:34.881-07:00Spring Break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After a very trying second trimester at school, we were desperate for a break. Fortunately, we were all rewarded with an extra week off this spring - bringing our vacation time to two full weeks. Our little family made full use of the entire time.<div><br />
</div><div>We began our holiday with a little trip to the northern Emirates. We live in the largest emirate - Abu Dhabi - and have traveled to Dubai on many occasions. We were pleasantly surprised when we extended our usual drive past Dubai and were able to hit all but one of the emirates on the way. The drive was very desert-esque, as one would imagine - and we spent the time watching for grazing wild camels and quiet Bedouin villages. </div><div><br />
</div><div>After a very short 2-3 hour drive, we arrived in Ras Al Khaimah - the northernmost emirate. It is MUCH smaller than even our little city of Al Ain - but has beautiful buildings and even a number of high-rises with hundreds of flats. We stayed in one of these through a company called Airbnb. By choosing this lodging option, we were able to book an entire flat to ourselves for half the cost of a hotel. It was comfortable, roomy, and featured separate rooms to make sleeping arrangements with the toddler much more convenient. I HIGHLY recommend using Airbnb rather than booking hotel rooms. We plan to use them again when we head to London this summer! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Enough with the business plug - back to Ras Al Khaimah. The beach there was beautifully natural, very rugged, and lined with fantastic sea shells. We were even able to experience some real waves - Dalila's least favorite part of the trip. She squealed at us to move her toys further and further each time a wave rolled in. Collecting sea shells with Daddy finally distracted our little princess well enough to allow her to enjoy herself. Our favorite part was the unexpected appearances of random sea creatures. The first day, we were certain we had seen some kind of water animal in the shallow waves of the beach - something very octopus-like, but not so much like a jelly fish. The excitement of the second day came when Jeremy spotted a stingray flitting away before he nearly stepped on it. He was lucky enough to spot it again and point it out to me before it swam for safer waters. VERY cool experience.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUliMHSPV56e8KuJ3r3g75RJ0p0sD7l9TBvBAyFU1C-CiIOKk2uMbglNlce6SC8ytMVAs5M9ZvLZVCeecqOYC739CuYPsQMbP1wU8BL95OguAO_SV0HO2Z9202g0kBLKdW-yzM92v2/s1600/RAK+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUliMHSPV56e8KuJ3r3g75RJ0p0sD7l9TBvBAyFU1C-CiIOKk2uMbglNlce6SC8ytMVAs5M9ZvLZVCeecqOYC739CuYPsQMbP1wU8BL95OguAO_SV0HO2Z9202g0kBLKdW-yzM92v2/s320/RAK+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grumpy beach babe, feeling irritated by the waves.<br />
The beautiful buildings in the background are where we stayed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy1vQizW-7Za41SQJDpnamaD3hlKrFL2ii9qRenj-OeZMAyyPGRXCLUxxryjUVXzpCyIkVf1D1ZyJi_ZJ_JBzJCW1UBXG9YXTdNejDVeKK2CRcyyYh5UPpEMrmMuh5us0sfxhh0YU/s1600/RAK+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy1vQizW-7Za41SQJDpnamaD3hlKrFL2ii9qRenj-OeZMAyyPGRXCLUxxryjUVXzpCyIkVf1D1ZyJi_ZJ_JBzJCW1UBXG9YXTdNejDVeKK2CRcyyYh5UPpEMrmMuh5us0sfxhh0YU/s320/RAK+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy and Lila - when she was a teeny, tiny bit happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQZi6oLaXRw3tbeP0keuVPR4RJlWioBgbpUEFPd6dqZCaff2xdNrxnbZ-LGKPbYDpr5PdhY9FqAGlywBqK1yAlwNRG41xBh3egKi64S7LYWmVnGg5vl4TvPZHIt0QDPr7s81Gym0O/s1600/RAK+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQZi6oLaXRw3tbeP0keuVPR4RJlWioBgbpUEFPd6dqZCaff2xdNrxnbZ-LGKPbYDpr5PdhY9FqAGlywBqK1yAlwNRG41xBh3egKi64S7LYWmVnGg5vl4TvPZHIt0QDPr7s81Gym0O/s320/RAK+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Lila finding sea shells - her favorite part!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjU3VOTsr_l0mivlwt5jG-uGmzo1q_4PKR1Eu_CSTi6nCqtrv6cTuVrwb5JUaWz8OxjeBnsfryIxDW0XgHNuBa6-H2UKQq-FjtBnvsYpCSNmMxt1l_SDmvO4Kwyq-4R2SSpnVtYhP/s1600/RAK+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjU3VOTsr_l0mivlwt5jG-uGmzo1q_4PKR1Eu_CSTi6nCqtrv6cTuVrwb5JUaWz8OxjeBnsfryIxDW0XgHNuBa6-H2UKQq-FjtBnvsYpCSNmMxt1l_SDmvO4Kwyq-4R2SSpnVtYhP/s320/RAK+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass angels with friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Some of Dalila's favorite friends were able to meet us the last day of our trip to enjoy some time at the pool and make grass angels on the lawn in front of their accommodations (it's the little things in life, like nice cool grass when it's usually so rare, that matter the most). We found an amazing pizzeria and a liquor store that is about half the cost of the one we frequent now! A perfect end to a fantastic trip!!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Almost the entire remainder of spring break was spent attempting to acquire our new vehicle - which was finally successful! We chose to stay in Dubai for an overnight, allowing us time to see and drive a number of cars. Jeremy had broadened his search earlier that morning to include a Mitsubishi Outlander as a long shot. Of course, this is the one we ended up purchasing for SO many reasons, many of which having to do with the former owner of the car. We went for our test drive late that evening, hoping to catch some dinner after a short meeting. The man whose father had owned the car was the most endearing, welcoming, and generous person we have had the pleasure to meet here so far. He comes from Jordan and possesses the most positive outlook on Americans I have heard in a long time. He insisted that Jeremy and I join him and his wife for Turkish coffee (AMAZING!!) and attempted to send half of his children's toy room home with Dalila - who also adored him. We were so lucky to experience Arabic hospitality at its finest in a place where we never would have expected it. We are fortunate to count our salesman as a friend now - plus, he lives in an incredible part of Dubai along the marina and insists that we visit as often as possible. The car, at this point, was icing on the cake of our successful Dubai trip!</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0voMt4dZBs3Xj28S8RFuLa0uH0-sCmaQtueuMmr5Eaj_sJB9jr4_y8QqXmB_5ZI0S-NV7Tb3qNabxWd206RDAbo9nmof12lJP41ZbeOtYsfkpAnV6eQk4MhPQf5LKGB7mlL6VlUa/s1600/Dubai+trip+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0voMt4dZBs3Xj28S8RFuLa0uH0-sCmaQtueuMmr5Eaj_sJB9jr4_y8QqXmB_5ZI0S-NV7Tb3qNabxWd206RDAbo9nmof12lJP41ZbeOtYsfkpAnV6eQk4MhPQf5LKGB7mlL6VlUa/s320/Dubai+trip+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalila enjoying our comfy hotel bed...instead of her own.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>School has since resumed, leaving me with the arduous countdown that all teachers employ around this time of year. This time, however, my countdown will lead to another amazing adventure with our first trip to London booked the day after school releases! As excited as we are for our London trip - spring break has also brought us closer to our summer trip home - the part I look forward to every day that stars in each one of my daydreams. Not long now, everybody!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340899539816129409.post-69585909277383182332012-02-16T03:11:00.002-08:002012-02-16T03:19:26.961-08:00Dalila Turns Two!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After much denial from her Mommy, Dalila's big day finally arrived. She is officially a two-year-old (though she is fairly advanced, in that she welcomed the terrible-two mentality months ago)! Jeremy and I were able to find a fantastic, toddler-friendly venue for our little darling's party. Ordinarily, this would just be an at-home affair, but the size of our flat would require a sardine theme, which I'm sure Dalila and her guests would not particularly enjoy. Instead, we were able to book our local Golf Club restaurant. Their beautiful lawn boasts a fun - and safe - toddler play area with a view of the practice tracks for the Sheikh's Arabian race horses. The on-staff baker made a Mickey Mouse(esque) cake for Dalila, who squealed about "Mickey! Mickey!" as soon as she saw it. Good friends came out to enjoy the party and shower Dalila with gifts - or tinsel, as you'll see in one of the following pictures. We were extremely pleased with the success of our little missy's second birthday party. Enjoy the full story in pictures:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z6cjHe7QRR94eXJuQjQNp-B63gdmNCX8NXLUUeXJSXBff5tZePpV84T7HxzcrPezcffHeiXdoeWnso9xNE9veMZ0N7TQlWE0Guu01q4eNXhyphenhyphenJEK7XPSXcNjx5DIKYOTtQ60231zo/s1600/P1020663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z6cjHe7QRR94eXJuQjQNp-B63gdmNCX8NXLUUeXJSXBff5tZePpV84T7HxzcrPezcffHeiXdoeWnso9xNE9veMZ0N7TQlWE0Guu01q4eNXhyphenhyphenJEK7XPSXcNjx5DIKYOTtQ60231zo/s320/P1020663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Dalila's big birthday gift! This has been one of the best purchases we have ever made. Her room is a great place to be for a toddler now, thanks to her fun swing and "whee!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8ZwV5luTOoQD1R5b_Ocaec1aQz-_HHCai5hRrq-Uyu9qKNzFKxXZE2p5-PJwVpVYY3bm9_KXpsJ-WXF45UV6jnjVJippYnw9Ml5AGht_cVt1b-F9oqVKlsp2AM9mKlnLUqqDcsRI/s1600/P1020664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8ZwV5luTOoQD1R5b_Ocaec1aQz-_HHCai5hRrq-Uyu9qKNzFKxXZE2p5-PJwVpVYY3bm9_KXpsJ-WXF45UV6jnjVJippYnw9Ml5AGht_cVt1b-F9oqVKlsp2AM9mKlnLUqqDcsRI/s320/P1020664.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Dalila and I are getting ready to enjoy the celebration - but what is a birthday without a beautiful bunch of balloons just for the birthday girl!? Her favorite thing all day was probably that Minnie Mouse balloon - a last minute gift that her Auntie Kari HAD to get for her. Thanks, Auntie Kari! Lila toted that balloon around with her everywhere she went for most of the party and a few days after, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUHUHUFku4U9HY1K2eAUH_40uTq4-5FL2pPqLAaBFwK951hRLc7qb7xjm4woyO0oEPlHZo7fp5Xntf9sXuInwU_068WhCaY_Z_G2NNlSZwHlJtluBMLQzykQXi2A7W9orNMtHfckX/s1600/P1020666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUHUHUFku4U9HY1K2eAUH_40uTq4-5FL2pPqLAaBFwK951hRLc7qb7xjm4woyO0oEPlHZo7fp5Xntf9sXuInwU_068WhCaY_Z_G2NNlSZwHlJtluBMLQzykQXi2A7W9orNMtHfckX/s320/P1020666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is a terrific shot of the view from the patio we reserved. The jungle gym was the perfect size for Dalila and her toddler buddies, and the older kids loved the trampoline. In the background is the racetrack where some of the Sheikh's prized horses practice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw88QgnylOSjndx1R6wsdGpCxHCW7gYqORhTTAUH8DKgumq84iK24F4NF1RW6s4Xc4fdHgbuT2lUs8doezuxk0A-luNy30eIZCeXcFRMAm2z6GKLOMi4S-p-7S0CMX9_eGlBTryN2h/s1600/P1020671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw88QgnylOSjndx1R6wsdGpCxHCW7gYqORhTTAUH8DKgumq84iK24F4NF1RW6s4Xc4fdHgbuT2lUs8doezuxk0A-luNy30eIZCeXcFRMAm2z6GKLOMi4S-p-7S0CMX9_eGlBTryN2h/s320/P1020671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wafW1k14-oDJs4DBqZ_hBYRxX9F-H_EFngU_iV-eIdRLV30-glq3RiPZYdMpmKv5sSiYJWZQ-pCS4Ofn1dteHgZqAOuJvFIcwglr-LsModL0sZJRVmt2iIbqa5x_u9mHS_SZUmD1/s1600/P1020679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wafW1k14-oDJs4DBqZ_hBYRxX9F-H_EFngU_iV-eIdRLV30-glq3RiPZYdMpmKv5sSiYJWZQ-pCS4Ofn1dteHgZqAOuJvFIcwglr-LsModL0sZJRVmt2iIbqa5x_u9mHS_SZUmD1/s320/P1020679.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Jeremy got a chance to hang on to the Minnie balloon - what a lucky daddy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95yAOKF34R28iJIRGuNqu_Q0RlSJBW4cn_TcYp9fKYRYFdGHWUwO2jlHWpSuXwzTKX1xla7BeR7DAMSY4PEJCcsDBXn_w0-nDYcJGhsC-f8efiVK97B5paHLwTN2akruXbNnhKErJ/s1600/P1020680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95yAOKF34R28iJIRGuNqu_Q0RlSJBW4cn_TcYp9fKYRYFdGHWUwO2jlHWpSuXwzTKX1xla7BeR7DAMSY4PEJCcsDBXn_w0-nDYcJGhsC-f8efiVK97B5paHLwTN2akruXbNnhKErJ/s320/P1020680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3R0ilJtgnMYvhAuvJ8y8iT4lUFYSgvvOwtda55hgMR7RZSEz0xzQis-BkR2qB8wQo16W2gopQ_1Ao7M22OAtdH5wPag0DO0IC203t-wNpavD7hIqn05fHDjVezec5dUWTsyq2WZv/s1600/P1020682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3R0ilJtgnMYvhAuvJ8y8iT4lUFYSgvvOwtda55hgMR7RZSEz0xzQis-BkR2qB8wQo16W2gopQ_1Ao7M22OAtdH5wPag0DO0IC203t-wNpavD7hIqn05fHDjVezec5dUWTsyq2WZv/s320/P1020682.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dalila is admiring her Mickey Mouse cake. They were just a tiny bit off on the colors, but she didn't seem to mind too much.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNslBuItTWem90Tazi1MuoNa1GBvEfhMAkSv0vsRL7L09c9eyZwCTTuBz_AJaH6A7mri5tlWDdElrb2NWNcG-fE89f91NW9_sMJoZAB-QhTEBnnWil2sjuosHoO_O1ZVEn4TatjarQ/s1600/P1020684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNslBuItTWem90Tazi1MuoNa1GBvEfhMAkSv0vsRL7L09c9eyZwCTTuBz_AJaH6A7mri5tlWDdElrb2NWNcG-fE89f91NW9_sMJoZAB-QhTEBnnWil2sjuosHoO_O1ZVEn4TatjarQ/s320/P1020684.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwiQw2UChMouhmdLJBTvvK65bqtvc5wEPagzp0b_C2wICQQp-NmnJG1JN36qIbVvzvg4nGaodlZTokNqVPqTvxDZ5ewTExKvh4OJ9weEMi1T-j-CfER8rVdE076An2OZnbAKHfMu6/s1600/P1020705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwiQw2UChMouhmdLJBTvvK65bqtvc5wEPagzp0b_C2wICQQp-NmnJG1JN36qIbVvzvg4nGaodlZTokNqVPqTvxDZ5ewTExKvh4OJ9weEMi1T-j-CfER8rVdE076An2OZnbAKHfMu6/s320/P1020705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is one of our favorite pictures of the whole day. Dalila was SO excited to open this gift just for the tinsel inside. I love all of her little buddies surrounding her, and the expression is priceless!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS73i-V6bVsrbrufbgWujpg_i75Q-EjZ2nCic2xmcGeu8ARVlHIpHU3f7C9-L-oSKvafYbLsiEYfOuxSfNT_Q1C_BJBW7ydyMxliGbBIqgLRLsxViVPk8K2TMtTkkp0oRmNzAZmPy/s1600/P1020707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS73i-V6bVsrbrufbgWujpg_i75Q-EjZ2nCic2xmcGeu8ARVlHIpHU3f7C9-L-oSKvafYbLsiEYfOuxSfNT_Q1C_BJBW7ydyMxliGbBIqgLRLsxViVPk8K2TMtTkkp0oRmNzAZmPy/s320/P1020707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
...and here's that tinsel shower I promised earlier. Dalila couldn't get enough of it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPjMM2gMowyZwqfortSUzUDQN-E80zb_79WVCFLQ3uMr2drPy5G_nNDUImFI1LUtWT96-wWSjJ3h_PgdgGrxKVJl4RfYxYGkGOLMcQq73BLg771LwFU5JSHYzwxIUTFSDBz9BAzu-/s1600/P1020712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPjMM2gMowyZwqfortSUzUDQN-E80zb_79WVCFLQ3uMr2drPy5G_nNDUImFI1LUtWT96-wWSjJ3h_PgdgGrxKVJl4RfYxYGkGOLMcQq73BLg771LwFU5JSHYzwxIUTFSDBz9BAzu-/s320/P1020712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Here, Lila and her bestest buddy Bayne broke open Dalila's baby bottle gift and shared the contents.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5dKYhcZaTwmFoY80bou2rIl-EEKdnqN8yrsNdtL7lXSMuyLkdTcnMMyQ1K142uxcwmhJoXqxTP5g7tPdxDCRMSpY0JYC4MYanhkKbQXFdPL3at4iHu-u2MMFJQf_lbTov2dZFkn1/s1600/P1020713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5dKYhcZaTwmFoY80bou2rIl-EEKdnqN8yrsNdtL7lXSMuyLkdTcnMMyQ1K142uxcwmhJoXqxTP5g7tPdxDCRMSpY0JYC4MYanhkKbQXFdPL3at4iHu-u2MMFJQf_lbTov2dZFkn1/s320/P1020713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I love the look on Bayne's face as he watches Dalila throw back a cold one! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfejMRYOPgf-proMkG4eCEeJkOpOrCBuk76IKxL-1jSMTlw3KU4YEBojU8zupkQR6hmmg_nlgOGe0K8HVkLWLQinYO8sDDW7hwteKVq1_Q2jxHnixos8DNkLNrHM23kXasqM0sS9Z/s1600/P1020717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfejMRYOPgf-proMkG4eCEeJkOpOrCBuk76IKxL-1jSMTlw3KU4YEBojU8zupkQR6hmmg_nlgOGe0K8HVkLWLQinYO8sDDW7hwteKVq1_Q2jxHnixos8DNkLNrHM23kXasqM0sS9Z/s320/P1020717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Dalila and her little friend Natalie had loads of fun plucking the leaves from the bushes and throwing them on the ground - a game our little one invented and shared with anyone who cared to give her a moment of their time. Such a thoughtful little thing, isn't she?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nothing can truly substitute for the classic birthday party at home with our family, but Dalila's party came as close as possible. We were so grateful to all of our friends who came to show their love to our little one! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14063781001033381772noreply@blogger.com0