Katara Eid Celebration

We headed over to Katara for their Eid celebration, which included a presentation of Alibaba and the 40 Thieves with giant puppets (more here).  We left before the fireworks since our kids find them far too loud.  Instead we headed to the gelato shop to cool off from the heat.

The Arab man & horse puppets in the background

Almost full moon

At the Beach

Since it was the Eid holiday, we headed out for a day at Dukhan Beach with several members of our ward.  We had a later start than everyone else, and I didn't take pictures like I planned, but we enjoyed the breeze and fresh sea air.

Another Year Older and Wiser, Too

We celebrated Travis' birthday, and this year, he actually got his cake ON his birthday, probably because I had such willing helpers.

Dinner was french toast, as requested

Finished off with cupcakes

...and a singing telegram?

At The Ballet

I braved an outing with all three kids alone to the ballet.  I thought it was crazy myself, but Leoni really wanted to go.  Katara had a Russian ballet school performing a special version of the Nutcracker for children, which was just over an hour long.  It is traditionally Christmas-y, but not being a Christmas celebrating culture, October seemed right I suppose.  I didn't know what I would do if we had a meltdown, crying, etc. because my kids are too young to leave alone while I take another out.  I was surprised at how well they did, especially when there were 15+ kids running up and down the aisles right next to us.

Before the performance

Treats afterward

We were also part of it

A Muddy Moment

On a very busy Thursday, where we were going from one thing to another, I was grateful for a small reminder to let go and have fun even if it isn't the most convenient.

The moment Mom walked into the fun

Not sure how to react and a little confused as to why Mom is shooting pictures

Pure joy...

...and elation

I wasn't thrilled that the afternoon baths in preparation for church the next day were null and void, nor did I love that the mud stained Leoni's clothes (including brand new shorts), but at least they will have a memory that their mom did allow them to just be kids, at least I hope they remember it.

Under the Big Top

It was no Ringling Brothers, but we went with some friends to the circus here in Doha.  Even with the A/C pumping, it was pretty sweltering inside, but it was fun to do something different.  The kids were enthralled by the acrobats, feats of strength and anything involving fire.

A little acrobatic demonstration during intermission

The littlest tightrope walker

I Live Here

I have been thinking a lot lately about the fact that I LIVE in Qatar.  When we moved here in 2009, most of our friends and family had never heard of Qatar let alone knew where it was.  When we arrived, we heard about how much Qatar had grown in the preceding few years.  That growth has increased even more, and four years later, the population has nearly doubled.  It seems like so many more people know someone who lives in Qatar, and this small little country has been brought into international news several times recently due to the World Cup 2022 announcement to the political involvement in the Middle East.  I have learned more about Islam than I knew previously, and I have made friends from all over the world.  I have a greater appreciation for my own life and the blessings that I have had.  Here are a few pictures of my city, Doha, Qatar.

A view of the Doha skyline & dhows

Doha at night

Mohammad Bin Abdulwahab Mosque (the State Mosque) at night

see a video of the inside here

A view at night from above

Camel Crossing