On our way to the playground...........

We came across the National Day official camels and horses. The camel keepers were very friendly and let Owen & Erin (who was having none of that)stroke and sit on the camel. Owen was rather nervous but was fascinated by their scratchy fur and licking their "lollies". After a while of watching the activities we headed off to the shaded park area to let off a little energy.

Fun at the Park

Today was the first day of Eid Al-Adha (a week long holiday in Qatar). We decided to go to a park that had a covered play area for a couple of hours. The temperature is significantly lower than in August and September and being outdoors is really pleasant.

The divas out at Diva Lounge

Mirella, Liz, Alice, Jo and I decided that it was time for the girls to go for a relaxing pedicure at Jo and my local beauty spot, Diva Lounge. There was a lot of chit chat, laughing and tea drinking followed by a photo shoot to record our memories with each other in Doha. All in all a lovely evening and pretty toes. Thanks ladies!

Brendons Birthday

The birthday celebrations started the weekend before Brendons birthday. On Thursday morning I baked the cake and after the cherubs went to bed that night I started on the fondant icing. I underestimated the time and skill required to make one of these cakes and had to call in my reinforcement a.k.a Mirella to give me a hand. So after 4hours and an extra set of hands my cake was created and ready for the party.

Friday morning I got out the bunting, balloons, tablecloth, matching napkins etc. and when Brendon came down he had the task of putting them up. It was just after 7am but the cherubs were so excited so I had to cut the cake and they had an early morning snack.

On Saturday Brendon went to play golf with the usual group of guys and when he got back Owen, Erin and I made him birthday cards during our creative time.

On Tuesday morning, the day of Brendons birthday, I finally gave him his present - a nine-hole golf voucher for when he is next inspired to go and hit some balls.

Owens School

Owen is enjoying school. We do have to go through 2 of the busiest roundabouts in Doha to get there, one of which is manned by police. But once we get to school Owen enjoys riding on the tricycles and Erin interacts with the little girls and loves going on the slide. Afternoons are busy with activities on 4 of the afternoons - Playball, Aspire Zone Childrens Programme x 2, a playdate with one of Owens friends. Owen does get tired and sometimes nods off in the car or on the bean bag. Erin doesnt enjoy the school run too much but I ply her with food and various toys and she manages. But by the time we get home she is ready to run around and I am ready for a cuppa tea!

Bringing the outdoors indoors

During the unbearable summer the playhouse has been stored in front of the car in the garage. But since we have been back in Doha Owen has asked me every time I have parked the car if he can play in the house. Brendon and Owen hosed it down and when it was dry it found a new space in our lounge. What a hit it has been. Owen is getting a little tall for it but loves being inside cooking up strawberries, pear and tea. Erin loves to climb in and out of the windows and opening and closing the door.

My Diva Friends

The friendships that I have fostered here in Qatar have been priceless. I will miss the ones that go and cherish the ones that stay ...............

Friend Reunite

Not long after we arrived back in Doha there was a spontaneous get together involving food, a swimming pool and good company. Owen and Erin had a later night than usual but enjoyed swimming after dark and eating pizza by the pool. The party then moved back to our villa where the freezer was stocked with yummy Baskin Robins ice-cream. A fun time was had by all.

Back in the Desert

Our month in the UK was a special time for all of us but now it is back to regular life in Qatar. We do get to speak with Lynese and Douglas on skype and whilst in the UK purchased a fancy Apple item so we can have skype on our tv! Owen loves the Granny and Grandpa so much and likes to give them kisses when we chat to them. Hopefully they will make a trip to the Desert in the near future to give the bunnies cuddles and kisses in person.

A trip to the animal farm continued...............

A trip to the animal farm

esterday was earmarked for the animal farm. The weather was lovely and sunny and not too warm. Owen and Brendon went early to enjoy a couple of hours before Erin and I joined them. I made a picnic lunch of sandwiches, mini pizza and quiche, fruit and yoghurt and after we dropped the Granny at the bus stop to go and visit Grandpa at the hospital we met up with Brendon and Owen. I could tell immediately that Owen was having a really good time. He was red in the face and all sweaty. He was very happy to see the food arrive so that he could refuel. Erin could not sit still during lunch and run up and down holding her food in her hand coming back regularly to stock up. There was so much to do! Trampolines, sand pit, toy tractors to ride on, craft making (Owen made a bunny face), small animal petting (Owen even told the chickens that he made a bunny face), watching 3 week old piglets and the ultimate treat was the pig races. Erin was petrified of the pre-race pig squealing whereas Owen thought it was delightful. The races were funny and the pigs entertaining. I think the adults enjoyed it more than the children. Owen and Erin left exhausted and very happy. Owen had a 12 hour sleep last night, 2 more than normal.