En Pointe

This was Maddie's first time dancing on her pointe shoes.

Italian Dance

Off to the races

We headed toward Dhukan for a day at the races.  These races happen at 6:45 am and 2:00pm.  We opted for the later start.

The camels were brought in from neighboring villages.

These babies were suited up to race, although we didn't actually see the young ones racing.

The herdsman gathered and waited to take their camels to the starting line.

Each camel had a mechanical jockey attached to it.  This jockey is controlled by remote.

The camels are lined up ready for the curtain to rise.

There are two sections for vehicles.  An inner lane are for the people that control the mechanical jockeys.  The outer lane are for spectator vehicles.  We drove around the track with the camels.

The camels started with a good pace, but nearing the end, some were practically walking.  It took them about 13 minutes to run the course.

Frothing at the mouth....

The finish line

The winning 3 camels had their heads covered with saffron.

Presenting the winners

Some spectators thought that if you'd seen one camel race you'd seen enough. (plus it was  about 95 degrees)

Easter

No matter what the age.... these kids still want an Easter egg hunt.  There was a lot of competition to find them this time because they had money inside!  When all were found, Maddie suggested that the eggs be shared evenly because she had found the least, but that didn't go over so well with the other two.

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.