Qatar National Day

Qatar National Day is a celebration of independence in Qatar on Dec 18th. They celebrate much like we do in the USA on July 4th. All over Doha they are setting up for parades and fireworks. The Qatar flag is lining all the major roadways and all sorts of trinkets are for sale with the flag.

We will be back in the USA for the day itself so we have a few early pictures. Avery's friend Nora gave her an outfit to wear for National day. Here is Avery modeling it. It is beautiful!

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Ritz

We are surprised, yet thrilled, how many of the hotels put on Christmas events during December.  Last night we went to the Ritz Carlton for their tree lighting ceremony.  Tons of people turned up for the outdoor event.  There was a holiday bazaar with people selling handmade Christmas items, free hot chocolate, popcorn, cotton candy, all sorts of other candy.  Santa was available to take Christmas wishes  and photos.  They also had face painting, balloon animals, and live chorus singers singing Christmas Carols.  Since it is still pretty warm here, it wasn't feeling very Christmasy so I was glad to go to this event.  It isn't like home where everything everywhere is all decorated.  Occasionally you will see some decorations on people's homes, or an aisle in the store, but that is it.  Such a difference from back home where Christmas stuff starts showing up just after Halloween.

When we first arrived, we saw a funny looking version of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  I guess we are spoiled by seeing the real thing all the time at DisneyWorld!  Avery ran up to hug Minnie, and Minnie didn't see her so she tripped over Avery.  It was a near disaster but luckily Avery didn't get squished and Minnie was able to catch herself before she went tumbling to the ground.  Avery was a little timid after that encounter....

Had to bribe the kids with hot chocolate to get them to pose together and smile. :)

We ran into Avery's friend Lilly at the party  

They had built a life size gingerbread house inside the hotel.  The kids (and Bobby and I) thought it was amazing!  It was all made from gingerbread cookies and real sweets/icing.  Some of the kids were being naughty and breaking off pieces of the house and eating it.  There was even a fireplace with a little fake fire going inside.  Very cute!

Avery is asking me if she can eat that icing in her hand.... Yuck!  Who knows how long this thing has been sitting here and how many hands have touched that icing before Avery.  Luckily, she put it back.  Later in the evening, Natalie told me she ate a piece of icing that was laying in that same window.  Guess I needed to tell ALL the kids not to eat the house!!!!!

Avery dancing with Santa

Santa giving Avery a small gift (a gingerbread cookie)

"I want a pink skateboard for Christmas"

Thanks for the cookie Santa!

Chase asking Santa for the 3rd Christmas in a row for a Razor motorcycle

"Have I been good this year?"

We are so excited to get home to Gainesville in 3 more days!!!  

Inland Sea with Papa

Our friend Tony was super nice to lead Papa, the kids, and I out into the sand dunes on a weekday afternoon so Papa could drive in the desert and see the Inland Sea.  

somersaulting down the steep dunes