Christmas

It actually all started with my birthday. Quin and the kids gave me a kindle (YES!) and a deep fryer! A big one! One that I kept showing Sullivan on our weekly, actually daily, grocery shopping trips. I told him "This is what Mommy really really wants if Daddy asks". A deep fryer you say? Really? Yes!


This is me and the kids on my birthday- surprise, surprise! A deep fryer!

Christmas Eve was spent with our friends, the Franks, at their apartment downtown. This is one of their daughters, Lucy. We took the deep fryer and made beef wantons and fried rice. We spend a fair amount of time with these guys.

The kids after popping their Christmas Crackers! Enjoying their prizes and crowns.

Christmas morning at our house. there were two scooters and two plasma cars on the other side of the room! We have used them everyday since Christmas.

My book of Utah- missing everyone and all the National Parks
and green grass, trees, mountains, etc. Don't get me started.....

Quin's UAE and Oman off-road books- we are anxious to get out and explore!

I just had to buy these! They are actually really cool. Unlike most toys here they are quite good quality made. "Jamila" has henna tattoos on her hands, arms and feet.

Sullivan really loving his cars from Roseanne and Crew!

Grace after unwrapping her watch! She has begged and begged and had written to Santa....

Hazel and her plasma car! And a kitchen I found used in the classified ads. A bargain!

Audrey and her multi-hair frying crimper. It's a pretty nice one and has like 10 different plates. She has been experimenting on everyone's hair, even Sully. She now wants to be a hair stylist and a nurse.

Sullivan and a remote control truck.

If you squint you can see Quin and the girls on a scooter ride around the complex. A beautiful Christmas Day.

Our pad after opening gifts. I had to get pretty creative to find things. It was hard to find gifts that wouldn't break after one time use. I also wanted to give them some outdoor exercise type toys.

Audrey at work....

New do's for Sullivan and Grace.

And after all that we spent the rest of the day at the pool.

And this is how the day ends. Hazel falling asleep at the computer. Quin and the kids played a round of tennis and then came home for deep fried fries and turkey sandwiches. We read of Christ's birth from the Bible and then all went to bed. I'd say a great Christmas!

So my thoughts at the end of the year-

So greatful for many, many blessings. I miss and love all of our friends and family that we have back in the USA and Canada. You are all welcome anytime.

I am enjoying this new adventure, amazed at my wonderful family, greatful for good schools, Quin's job, strawberries from Egypt, decent mattress pads that make sleeping here better :), Abu Dhabi winters, letters in the mail - yes, our PO BOX works (PO BOX 63305, Abu Dhabi, UAE ), books, gardenias, hair conditioner, and the knowledge and meaning the gospel brings into my life.

Wishing you all a great 2011 with much love and peace.