Picnics, Parks, Souq, Kittens, and Goodbye Mia

Now that the weather is finally becoming bearable (only getting into the 90s during the day and down in the 80s at night), we have begun to venture out to the local parks.  One morning last week we went to one of the parks at the Corniche.  The Corniche is the long sidewalk area that runs all the way down the waterfront on the edge of Doha.  There are many parks, a huge, wide sidewalk, and even some restaurants along here.  At night, the place is packed with people picnicing, exercising, and just walking around and playing on the playgrounds.  At that time it is mostly local Qatari people.  We only spent about 1.5 hours playing soccer, baseball, volleyball, and playing on the playground before the kids were too hot to stay out any longer.  Natalie was with us during all these events but she is anti posing for pictures these days so I didn't manage to sneak any in on these

Bobby playing soccer

Keep your eye on the ball Avery

Chase playing soccer

Chase and Bobby

Today we took the kids to another cool park that had 3 huge playground structures in various parts of the park plus a huge skate park area.  It was more than a half pipe and had some parts that even Avery could ride her little bike on.  The kids had a blast here and we will definitely be coming back often.

Leon and Chase

Souq Waqif -- We took Mia to the Souq Waquif where she could see the camels, locals, and a really cool marketplace where you can find anything from gold, to pearls, to textiles, to handmade goods, custom tailored clothing, etc....

We got to watch a man take tiny gold pellets and melt them into jewelry

Our friends, Ken and Esther, have been back in England for this break so we have been kitten sitting for them.  They have a kitten that is so tiny and cute and the kids are loving helping take care of him.  Here are a few pics of the cutie pie.

Avery and Biscuit

Chase and Biscuit

Before taking Mia to the airport, we took her to the Hilton restaurant for dinner.  We sat outside and got to see a perfect view of a man in traditional dress drinking beers, and then his buddy come over and together they were having shots and beers.  Even they break the rules sometimes I guess.  :)

In this one, the first guy is laying down taking a nap I guess  

Mia is at the airport now waiting to head home to Florida.  We had a great time spending time with her and showing her around Doha.  Unfortunately, she got sick 3 days into her trip and felt awful for most of it, but she still had fun and we were so glad she was here and got to spend time with us.  We love you MIA!