Food Festival

Over the last few days, there has been a food festival in town... think Bite of Seattle.  So last night, we headed in to see what it was all about.

It was held at the park next to the Islamic Museum of Art.

There was a 'dine in the sky' experience available for the equivalent of $140 for one hour.

Maddie enjoyed pad thai and a nutella crepe.

We also enjoyed a little jazz music provided by a group flown out from New York that play at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha club.

Middle School Musical

Maddie was in the junior production of Guys and Dolls.  She played the roll of a Hot Box dancer.  She loved her costume changes (except for the outfit that she said made her look like a grandma).

the set

Maddie is in the blue dress - fourth girl in line

The outfits for A Bushel and a Peck

Grandma outfit

The costumes were designed by high school students

Fundraiser

Connor was in charge of organizing a fundraiser this weekend.  He had to create a schedule, organize team rosters, order food, get refs, score keepers, on site nurse, set up and take down the event. There were over 150 participants.  He raised over $1,000!

Stuart was in charge of the music between games and during breaks.

The food was ordered from a variety of restaurants and available during the day.

Stuart had a chance to play as well.

15th Birthday

Happy Birthday Stuart

Stuart's birthday was mid-week, but we were able to celebrate with cake.  

A few days later, his gift arrived... a customized sweatshirt to wear when dirtbiking.

On Friday we were able to go out for dimsum lunch.

Sunny Days

With the weather being so nice we are trying to get out as much as we can.  Recently we headed to the inland sea (to our regular spot).  It was a lovely drive in and we had a relaxing afternoon.  However, on the drive back we were like fish swimming upstream.  There was a massive swarm of vehicles driving toward us.  It made for some near misses as we drove up a dune, only to have a vehicle going in the opposite direction (i.e toward us) and both of us swerving out of the way.  I'm still not sure why so much traffic was heading into the dunes when the sun went down.

This little fellow has made a number of appearances in our garden recently.  It is a beautiful green parrot type bird with a long tail.  

Celebrating a birthday

When you're 12 and thinking about celebrating a birthday, there are a few requests.  The first is to have a special meal out.  Then of course it's important to have some friends over.  When asked about what she'd like to do with these friends, the response was to just 'hang out'.  No more pass the parcel, treasure hunts, pin the tail on the donkey or crafts for our parties.

The day started with looking at the presents.... and being excited about getting a beanbag chair!

Then it was off for a dim sum buffet.  This is definitely a place that will be a favorite for special occasions.

It just doesn't get better than this.

Then it was time for presents.

This cake was made by a colleague at school.  As you can see, it was gorgeous and inside it was even better..... chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.

A few friends came over for a sleepover party.

Hydroplanes in Qatar

Stuart spent last Friday filming the races and interviewing the drivers for a video project.