Volleyball

Our school hosted a volleyball tournament against other international schools in our region.  Connor was a starting player.  It was such an exciting time to go and watch the games and cheer on these boys. They ended up coming in second place, but the entertainment was priceless.

A Week Off

We have just enjoyed a week off for Eid.  For us, this was a 'staycation.'  Most of our days were spent going to the pool for a swim, doing a bit of gardening, a few meals out and late mornings.  We did get out to the beach however.

We went to Fuwairit Beach and the kids did some kite flying.  It was really windy, so this was a perfect thing to do.

The water was warm and we went swimming out to the sandbar a couple of times.

 (video) Rob grilled some hotdogs for lunch.

Stuart took his RC car for a spin.

On another day, we went to a government run nursery.  This place apparently supplies all of the plants for the city.  Rob and I enjoyed doing some shopping here because the prices were so much better than in town.  We also loaded up on peat moss and potting soil.

Greenhouse after greenhouse of plants, flowers and vegetable starters

Beginning to enjoy the patio

The weather is slowly beginning to break (meaning upper 80's lower 90's) and we are starting to spend a little bit more time outdoors.

The flowers are beginning to bloom.

We get to listen to the constant trickle of water from our fountain.

My corn is taking off.

The patio area is really coming along and a space we will enjoy using.

There is even a perfect wall to practice a bit of tennis.

Progressive Dinner

Last night we participated in a progressive dinner.  It is set up so you don't know who is coming over.  We were responsible for doing appetizers which meant that I wanted to try something new.  I'm not usually one to take time to make appetizers, but enjoyed testing these out.

 Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, filled with lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint and cilantro.

 Cucumber and avocado rolls

 Chicken spring rolls

Ready for our guests

Middle School Field Day

Middle School had a field day even though it was around 100 degrees.  The students are divided into 'houses' and wear their matching shirts.  Then they compete against each other.  Fortunately a lot of the activities involved water.  Lots of fun for Maddie.

A Little Greenery

We are working on adding some plants to our front garden.  Already it feels like a welcoming space to my muted senses.

Reestablishing Ourselves

We have moved into a more spacious villa that is near to school.

 The living room

 The dining area within the living room

 Entry foyer

 Stairs leading upstairs from entry foyer

 Kitchen

The second living room 

 The second living room

 Upstairs hallway

 Master bedroom

 Maddie's Bedroom

 Maddie's Bedroom

 Stuart's Bedroom

 Stuart's Bedroom

 Connor's Bedroom

Ping Pong room in outside building

 Outside building that has ping pong room and additional maid's quarters

 Front garden - getting some dirt added for plants

Front Entrance