A morning at the beach

Today we went to a beach area near the Pearl. We took Owen and Erin's bikes and buckets and spades. I had the opportunity of taking lots of photos of the fun, surroundings and locals. It is still winter and quite cool this year but lovely to be outdoors.

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.