The Archer's and Karientjie's Visit

We had such a great visit with the awesome Archers as they stopped over in Dubai on their way back home to SA.  Even through the fatigue and jetlag, they were all so brave! The kiddies got along so well, that was just so special to watch! The sweetest friendships have been formed-hopefully ones that will grow and continue forever.  And as for us adults... we got along pretty well too!!  We had great, deep, real discussions, everything from practical biblical living to the love of shaving...  It was all good!

At the same time Karien also stopped over on her way back home from a year in Korea (or Japan, or China, or somewhere Far East), and it was just so good to see her and catch up on things- there was alot to catch up on!

A blessed time of fellowship, we thank God for you all.   

Hannah's 2nd Birthday

So our little baby girl is now REALLY not a baby anymore.  She's turned 2-and is cuter than ever!

Hannah wanted to go on the train for her "happy birthday", so we caught the train and met Uncle Buck for a yummy brekkie at the Mall of the Emirates.  Later that afternoon we went for a swim, to test the new goggles that Donna had bought for her birthday, but that ended in birthday tears.  It was her "party", and, well....

Next day saw the delivery of 2 birthday cakes from Amo, our very very kind local fairy godmother. (Well there were actually 3 cakes, 2 for Hannah, because she turned 2, and one for Donna, just because...).  Hannah had such fun cutting and singing Happy Bithday and blowing out the candles, we must have repeated that process at least 5 times, and it just got funnier each time!  

I had to call the troops to help eat the cakes, so the Neals, the Yongs and Listers met us at the al Barsha park, and the kids had a jol.  (I then went around the park and gave away free cake to whoever wanted or whoever was too polite to say no, not that anyone would say no to pink Hello Kitty cake!).

That was the end of Hannah's birthday, a bit random, but a great 3 days!  Hannah loved it, singing "Happy Birthday to Hannah" throughout all 72 hours... it was gorgeous and so special to watch.

Ryan, Donna and myself are so thankful to our Lord for our Hannah, she has brought so much joy and laughs into our lives. 

We love her so much!

Granpa Diggers and Granny's Visit

The visit with Granny and Granpa was a full and fun one. We had such good times laughing, sharing, being silly, playing and just being together. 

I enjoyed this Christmas so much!  We had such a blessed time spent with family and dear friends.  And all the food was delicious-my dad's deboned, weber turkey probably winning the Christmas food of 2010 award! 



The last day of of my folks visit was spent on a Dhow out on the RAK sea.  It was an unbelievable experience, a day I will always treasure and look back at fondly.