Twittering #6 - the "Win Hole"

I do not have a dirty mind, anybody would think the same thing!

Author Visit

Sandy Gall came to our school to speak and sign books.  I think he's understated colonial British humor went over the kids' heads, but the adults loved it.

Christmas came with the flu this year

That's right, the kids and I are sick.  Patrick is still doing well, but he's starting to feel bad.  It was only a matter of time after taking care of the three of us.  Once the kids are feeling better I'll try to take a nice picture of them.  Aidan was the most active one this morning and that was only because presents were finally being opened.

Getting ready for the Winter Holiday Recital
on the 19th

Twittering #5

Twittering #4 - Some good news & some bad news

Twittering #2

In Oman for International Association of School Librarians conference.  This slide was part of a presentation on making libraries accessible and friendly.  Yes, ok, I agree with that - but I need that shirt!

Eid Al Adha with Aunt Deni

We were so happy that Deni was able to come visit us during the Eid holiday.  She got to do the tourist thing as well as help corral kids for Halloween.  Click on the hyperlinked text to see some of Deni's pictures.  Check 'em out, especially her visit with the penguins at Ski Dubai.

The Big Bus tour was much better than Patrick and I had originally thought and I really wish we had done it with Jackie.  The tour goes to just about everywhere and allows you to get off and on as you wish.  However, I don't recommend sitting up top when driving along the freeway.  The Dubai Museum was really well done, but I was totally creeped out by the ratty stuffed birds.

Zombie Flamingo at the Dubai Museum

We hit the Gold Souk that I had heard so much about.  I wasn't that impressed, but there were gold pacifiers and fabulous jewelry.  I have a Christmas list for Patrick.

Emma and Deni went to the top of the Burj Khalifa for the first time.  Emma was not impressed.  The gold vending machines were an interesting addition.  Another example of Dubai's blinged out oddities.

Gold vending machine

Emma and the tiny Burj Khalifa in the gift shop

We did a little window shopping at the Dubai Mall (including the world's largest shoe store) and did a quick drive by of their aquarium.

I was very excited about the kids' Halloween costumes turned out really well.  A big thanks to Deni for not only bringing them over but helping out with the trick-or-treating.  Since Halloween fell during the Eid holiday I wasn't expecting a big turn out at the neighborhood Halloween parade, and neither were the organizers.  Surprise! Several hundred people showed up for the parade and trick-or-treating.  Emma strolled along with Deni while Aidan went door to door with Kiira and Ella.

The Dynamic Duo

Mira, Ella, and Kiira wait for the parade to start 

Still waiting for the parade to start

Coworker and his family came as Harry Potter
characters.  His wife (not pictured) was Professor McGonagall.

A good time was had by all and we hope to do this again.  I'm really looking forward to Dad, Erin, and Jared coming up after Christmas.