Exploring Doha

One Friday morning we decided it was time to explore some of old Doha. So after a game of T-ball with Hannah we packed a lunch and headed north to a old fort called Al Zubarah and to some old abandoned fishing villages. The kids were stocked with their explorer bags that were filled with their maps, magnifying glasses, water and anything else they needed to find treasures. Of course it wouldn't be an adventure without a little drama on the way. We were heading down the road and a local came up on us flashing his lights (which means get over). Mike was merging over to the other lane and this guy tried passing us in a hurry. Mike gestured him to slow down (something they do not like) well the kid acted like he was going to hit us and lost control of his Land Cruiser and completely wrecked it in front of us!! We had to pull over and give a statement, but thank goodness they believed us (the local gave a different story)!





The kids had fun pretending they were behind bars, of course Hannah had to clean hers first.




Do you think we are raising a model???



One of the old mosque's.


Hannah, Nathan and Daddy climbed the tower in the Mosque, Hannah is looking out the window.


View from the tower.


Mike's great photography skills at work. Nathan's shadow up in the tower.


Here are a few pics of the abandoned fishing villages.




Our explorers!

Pregnancy Pics

We wanted to capture my pregnancy in Doha tradition, what a better way then to head out to the desert. We were lucky to find an amazing photographer from Texas, Sherry Patrizi, she did such a great job with all of us. Mike wanted to practice with the camera after she left so he took a few pregnancy shots as well. Here are just a few of them. Mike also got some great ones of Hannah our wonderful princess! The sunset was just amazing.

EID Holiday

Well as most of you know we are having baby #3 in a few weeks so this was our first EID holiday in Doha. We would have normally continued our travels and left to see another part of the world, but I cannot fly so we stayed in Doha. Mike got 5 days OFF and the kids were home from school so we made the best of our family time and kept busy! It was so pleasant to have Mike home and get to have time with the whole family.

Day 1 we woke up and took our time and then decided to enjoy the beautiful weather by going down to the Corniche and having a picnic and letting the kids run free. Nathan and Dad played a little catch while Hannah and Mommy drew some pictures.

Our picnic


Daddy and Nathan playing catch


Hannah getting ready to be an artist


Ready to catch the ball dad



Day 2 we took the kids to the Aqua Park for a day of fun in the water. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take cameras in, however that doesn't stop people from taking pictures with their phones. But we respect their rule and did not get any pics of them at the Aqua Park.

Day 3 our good friends Wendi and Nick introduced us to the Singing Dunes, so we decided to take our friends Mary and Curtis out there as well and grill out and enjoy a good sunset, good company and a bonfire!!

Hannah already to the top waiting for Curtis, Mary and Nathan. Noticed Nathan is getting some support.


Me cheering them on and giving the support from the bottom


Hannah working her way down to hear them sing


Hannah decided to push the truck all the way the steep hill, what a show off


All the way to the top


Resting at the top that was quite a climb


Beautiful sunset to watch



I decided to walk up a less steep hill Hannah came to help me



One of the US air force planes flying over


We made it to the top



Day 4 we woke up to RAIN a full day of rain! We started the day eating at Rick's a well known place to get great American breakfast. By the afternoon the clouds moved on and we headed out to one of our favorite places when the weather is nice to the souq and met some great friends for dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant. We topped off the evening by watching a laser show, fountain show and fireworks at Katara Village.

Camels at the Souq with Mike's work project in the background


Nathan and Hannah just love the pets at the Souq especially the rabbits



The architecture at the Souq is amazing a part of it with the moon


As we were walking through the Souq they had some local men dancing and putting on a concert, it was very interesting to watch



The Islamic Center in the background


One thing I enjoy is all the amazing lanterns you see around the city these are just a few



Day 5 we ended doing absolutely nothing and just relaxing which I really enjoyed!

The joys of having a big sister

Unfortunately when Hannah doesn't have anyone to play dress up with, guess who the target is. She said since they didn't have a prince outfit this would have to do!




Hannah then decided she needed to have a picnic for her animals!