New Traditions

What do you eat on Christmas when you don't make it to the grocery store on Christmas Eve?

Burgers at Shake Shack, of course, which recently opened in Doha.

Mmmmmm.....I guess it isn't just shawarmas that he likes.

Mom & Leoni (the chocolate shake was her highlight)

Burke & Dad

And finish it all off with a ride on a tall fiberglass horse

Or more region appropriate, a camel

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow...

Christmas is more fun with kids to enjoy it with

Christmas morning

"Cars" - notice the pursed lips making sound effects

It is easy to make him laugh

Another visit from Santa Khalid

Cookie Decorating

Leoni and Mom had the chance to participate in a holiday cookie decorating activity.  It was fun to be able to work together, but we loved eating them the most.

Leoni using cookie cutters in the dough

Her baked cookies

Photo time with Chef Sharif

A little more excited not that we are decorating

Once again has found icing more tasty when inserted directly into your mouth

Nibbling in stead of decorating

Dipping cookies in melted chocolate

The final product

Doha 23rd International Book Fair

We visited the Book fair while it was in town.  Even though we have found that the selection isn't necessarily everything we want, it is still fun to see what there is to offer.  This year (2012), Japan & Qatar have been celebrating 40 years of friendship, so we were also interested in the display put on by the Japanese Embassy.  That was probably the highlight.  We had origami & calligraphy demonstrations, a Harajuku fashion show, and a really great couch to jump on while waiting and chatting with the representatives.

Leoni did like looking through "kids' books" at some of the vendors, but she wasn't too interested in these guys:

Camel who was evidently too tired to stand and greet visitors

Khaliji boy

Khaliji girl

Fast Food

This kid loves his shawarma

P.S.  This is a shawarma from the BEST shawarma place in Doha, which is a little "hole-in-the-wall" next to Al Rawnaq in the fabric souq area.  Though I prefer the chicken, the meat is equally delicious with its Middle Eastern spices.  Delicious!

Gingerbread House

We decided to take part in one of the gingerbread decorating classes offered through the hotels here.  The reality of me making gingerbread, icing, and finding candy all for one house and then trying to assemble it without being toppled by the 20 month old was pretty non-existent.  It turned out to be a great morning filled with Christmas music, Christmas decor, candy, a visit from Santa and even an included lunch.  It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Leoni eager to get started on the decorating

Pondering what "look" she would be going for

Adding various decorative elements, and yes, many went directly to the mouth (hers & Burke's)

Almost finished

Discovering a use for the leftover icing--sugar coma

A visit from Santa (Burke is more interested in his credentials)

Burke & Dad in front of the Christmas tree

More "smiles" in front of the tree

Leoni's creation wrapped and ready to take home

And, because I don't believe in letting good gingerbread go to waste, we started picking at the gingerbread house a couple days later.  Both kids (and parents) have enjoyed tasty morsels of gingerbread while it is still soft and fresh even if it does look more like the rubble from a bombed out gingerbread house.

Winter Festival 2012

Although I might not describe it quite as a festival and more as a carnival, it was festive.  Last Saturday, we headed outdoors in the beautiful nearly "winter" weather of Doha to take part in a Doha Mums event.  Doha Mums is a group of expat women who organize various events, playgroups, craft activities, etc.  

Burke enjoyed being outdoors and running free.  In exchange, we forced him to wear a mustache for 15 seconds for our personal amusement.

Leoni loved the bounce houses (always a favorite) and was begging for a "fur cone."  Once we figured out what that meant, she got one and enjoyed a full four bites before she decided she was finished.

Museum of Islamic Art - Education Center

The past year, we have been attending some of the workshops offered through the Museum of Islamic Art.  They are completely free, but there are limited spaces and fill up fast.  Luckily, after Burke turned 1, both he and Leoni could attend the "Early Years" class for 1-3 year olds at the same time.  Every time, I forget to take pictures, but they love the art, which is often followed by songs and dancing.  Unfortunately, the Early Years is being discontinued in 2013.  Leoni will be able to attend the next age group, but Burke won't have anything.  Here is a little glimpse into what has been a fun activity.

Leoni playing with clay, texture stamps, and various other bits

Burke deep in thought as he paints

Masked Man

I've heard there is a lot of hype concerning this upcoming "masked man."

Well, what about this one?

A Bunch of Characters

Seeing characters and taking my picture with them has never been high on my priority list.  When I was younger, there were fewer times and places to see them.  Now, there are multiple locations for Meet & Greet opportunities, and Leoni was very interested in meeting and greeting, so we indulged her...a LOT.  Here are the characters we took pictures with. 

Waiting in line

Goofy

Belle

Ariel

Tigger

Winnie the Pooh

Tiana

Merida (the first that Burke wasn't terrified of)

Dale

Chip and Dale

     Cinderella

Mary Poppins

Minnie

Mulan

And the pièce de résistance Mickey

As a bonus, we got to spend all our time with these characters