Musendam Trip

On Friday a group of us went to Musendam, Oman for the day. We met up with Dan, Ashley, Jen, Richard, Chip, the Hart's, the Russell's, and James' cousin Ann, at 6:00 a.m. We hired a driver and a 14 seater van, so spent most of the 3 hour trip snoozing and chatting. When we arrived at the pier, we discovered that the exclusive dhow we had rented would not be exclusive. The Russell's were less than pleased and put up a good fight, but unfortunately we had to share the boat during the second half of our trip. We didn't let this little mishap spoil our trip, however, and enjoyed a great day of lounging, dolphin watching, snorkeling, and swimming!





Dan getting ready for a luau??? =)




Dolphin watching




Relaxing




Richard's first taste of Arabic coffee... we are certain they just strain water through dirty gym socks to make the stuff!




A little modeling...




She knows she's cute;)




Musendam




Momma and baby Arabian humpback dolphins














The men driving the dhows know right where to find pods of dolphins. Two boats often work together to create big, enticing wakes for the dolphins to play in.














Friendly Omanis




After our first snorkel stop




Dan coaching Ashley about jumping off the rock




Her first jump went well, but she hit something (rock or coral?) on the second. Poor thing!


We were highly entertained when the spin-jump competitions started...



Graceful Adam




Not-so-graceful James... he smacked himself upside the head with his own arm =)




Ike




Too cute Teryl


Serious Dan

Happy Birthday Isaac!!!

Today is my sweet Isaac's 28th birthday! I am so blessed to have married such a loving, thoughtful, and talented man. Each and every day he amazes and inspires me with the compassion, patience, and kindness he shows everyone he encounters. I feel so fortunate to have already shared 8 birthdays with him and look forward to many many more!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!

Bon Jovi

Last Tuesday we went to the Bon Jovi concert in Abu Dhabi. We were lucky enough to get free tickets from one of the parents at school- and they were VIP platinum tickets, so we were right down in the front! Score! We joined a bunch of ASD buddies in a luxury party bus for the trip. What a crazy night full of silliness!!!




Not the most exciting shot... just so you can see the bus




Stella and Stella





Don't leave home without the makings of a peach bellini!




=)




A couple of silly Marshalls




T-Bone and Jen... and Timmy!




I think we were singing here




Love these guys!!!




Kristi and Ashley









JM's









Dance contest!!! Dan is doing the limbo under Michael... too funny!




Dave's got it going on!




Gotta love Ashley=)




Tarique and Cortney... and Baby#2




Jen, Erin, and Shaun

Happy Birthday Bella!!!

On May 21st, our baby Bella turned 6! It's hard to believe this little fireball of energy and kisses could have so many years behind her already. Despite the numerous frustrations and difficulties this pup has added to our lives, we are so thankful for her presence in our little family, and for the many lessons of love, snuggling, and patience she has taught us!


A few favorites from the past 6 years...



The day we brought Bella home





2 1/2 pounds and a women's size 9 in length=)




Bella's first trip to the beach









Bomber Bella




Playing at the park with Scuffy







She loves snow!









First family camping trip




Dubai doggie