Hatta

Today we went driving to Hatta, in convoy with Graeme, Stephanie, and their friend Nicky. We had a lovely lunch at the Hatta Fort Hotel, and then went to a Heritage Village, which showed how the Emiratis have lived over the years. We'd have spent a lot more time there, but it got to 45 degrees at least we reckon. It was hot.

The plan was for Nana and Grandad to ride a camel, like we and the kids did when we went with Andew and Cheryl Henderson. Unfortunately (or fortunately if you talk to Viv) the camel wasn't there today. Never mind - it was a lovely day, and the changes in desert landscape as you travel between Dubai and Hatta are really interesting.

Dad and Jaime at the Heritage Village

Jaime + hat = cute

Gotta love the sand

Camels - but not one for Nana to ride

Photos by Ian

Drinks at Neo, then Dinner

On Friday night we all (Andrew, Del, Ian and Viv) went to drinks at Neo, a bar on the 63rd floor of the Address Hotel, and then ate dinner at the Meat Co, a lovely steak restaurant at the base of the Burj Dubai (the tallest tower in the world).
Ian again took some amazing photos - below you can see just how big the Burj is. Remember this photo is taken from the 63rd floor! Neo is a kind of surreal place, with just astounding views. Ian and Viv also spent some time talking with Mohammed, a local who helpfully told us that Dubai is a nice place to live as long as you have money...
I reckon this is one of the best shots of the Burj I have seen

The pattern in the water is the jets/lights for the fountain show that goes on in the evening. Viv and Ian reckon it is very similar to the show at the Belaggio in Vegas, but the jets might even go slightly higher. A wonderful show, with wonderful music - a pretty special evening



This is The Address. A beautiful hotel inside and out

A nautical day with Nana and Grandad

On Friday, after little nippers, we went to the Madinat Jumeirah to take the Abra tour, and generally to have a look around what really is a beautiful place. Again the photos are courtesy of Ian.
Mum and her babies

I must be able to talk Dad into this - there has to be a way...I just need to think hard and turn on the charm

Dad - what has gone wrong? How could you not see how charming and cute I was being? I can't believe you won't buy me that toy

Told ya we love each other

It's a beautiful place

I wish the bl**dy boat would turn up

I really wish the bl**dy boat would turn up

After the Madinat we drove to the creek and took a Dhow cruise up and down the creek for an hour. It's a pretty amazing spot - a real contrast of old and new, and towards one end gets incredibly busy.

Yep, I'm cute. So sue me

Take the f***en photo Ian...

If we jumped and swam, how long do you think it would be until they found us?

Our beautiful babies

Little Nippers

Every Friday morning (the first day of our weekend) about 50 kids and their parents gather at the Jumeirah beach (just down from the Burj Al Arab) to do the Dubai version of the little nippers surf life saving. Two Aussie guys run it - and do a fantastic job. Jack and his Dad join in - one looks great in his beach gear and the other one is knackered at the end of it from the effort of sucking his gut in the whole time. You work it out.

This time Ian and Viv were able to come with us. Pretty amazing all round really - absolutely amazing views, beautiful beach, the water is wonderful, and it's 30 plus degrees at 8.20 in the morning!

The kids do beach races, flag races, board rides, running, and 'sand monsters'. Dad decided to be a sand monster this time, along with Jack - see below.

You'd be surprised just how long it took to get all the sand off....

Ian and Viv's Wedding Anniversary

We were very honoured to be able to celebrate Ian and Viv's Wedding Anniversary with them. We took them out to Pai Thai - Del's favourite restaurant here in Dubai. It's in the Madinat Jumeirah, at the Al Qasr Hotel. You get to it via Abra (a small boat). The food is amazing, and the venue even better.
Pai Thai - a really beautiful spot

The happy couple

Ian's photo of the Burj Al Arab - just stunning, night or day

Karate Jack (Kung Fu Panda's less well known mate)

Jack is learning Karate. He's doing so well. He really concentrates during the classes, tries hard, and is really learning. He looks so cool in his gear, and is already close to kicking his Dad's butt...

Photos courtesy of Ian (like most over the past few and next few entries - I have finally matured to the point where if someone does it better than me I don't care and just use it!)

First visitors!!

Del's Mum and Dad have arrived. Our first visitors. The kids have been waiting patiently for ages (well not very patiently), but we stopped talking about Nana and Grandad coming for about the past 2 weeks, because we wanted to surprise them. Then we told them that Daddy had to fly out on Saturday, and that the family would come to see me off at the airport. I even packed a bag - but then couldn't be bothered dragging it through the airport, so told them that since I was only going away for a night I would buy everything! Suckers. And I thought my kids were smart. But was worth it - was just delightful to see the kids' faces when Ian and Viv turned up. Especially Jaime - absolutely beaming.
Over the first week we have already had loads of fun.

Got Nana to the beach in front of her favourite hotel

Went to school with the kids

Cocktails!

Nana and Grandad got to see the kids skiing (by the way both are doing well. Jack is now going to the top of the chairlift, and Jaime...most of the time....listens to what she is told).

Jack and Nana both learned to dive in the pool.


And Jaime just does what she wants...

We all love having Ian and Viv here. Lots of adventures, the kids just love it. Lots and lots of more fun things to do.

Where we live

Finally someone arrived in this place that takes great photos. Ian and Viv (Del's Mum and Dad), arrived on Saturday. Our first visitors - the virgin spare room finally had its cherry popped...

Ian has already taken some absolutely wonderful photos, and we'll show you lots of them over the next few blog entries. On his first day with us, Ian took some fantastic photos of our house, so they are below.

Guest Bedroom

Master bedroom (the work bench...)

The playground - getting a little hot to use

The pool - a really wonderful spot just at the moment with lots of family fun

The gym - a really great facility - getting a little more use lately, which is good...and I don't think we have ever seen anyone else using it while we have been there

Jaime's room

Jack's room

The kitchen - you need a packed lunch and a camel to get from one side to the other

Our dining room

Finally - and last but certainly not least. Ian has finally been able to capture how big this room is. Crazt size. Our house in Whitby was big, but this one is nuts. The Emiratis don't do things by halves. Good really - cos over summer we'll spend nearly 2 months inside!