Jaime Body: Lego legend

Jaime got her first Lego yesterday - and in a typically determined way, wanted to build it all herself.  See below just how successful she was.  She really did such a good job - only a couple of times did she ask for any help at all.  Clever girl, very proud of herself at the end of the exercise.

View from the Back Door Take Two

The Burj Al Arab at sunset from our back porch

First Day at JESS

Jack has now started at the Jumeirah English Speaking School (Jaime started at the beginning of this school year).  He has the first male teacher he has ever had, which is fantastic, and has settled in very well.  He's already had an award in front of assembly, so we're very proud of how brave he has been going to meet all these new people, and how good he has been at getting on with it.  He loves the fact that he doesn't have to wear a tie any more...

First day - making Mum and Dad very proud

New Year's Dubai Style

On the 28th of December 2010 we had been here 2 years.  In so many ways it has just flown by, but in other ways it feels like we have always been here.  I guess we have got the routines so sorted now, that this is home (at least at the moment). While there are some things we miss desperately about NZ, Dubai offers some things that we just don't get in NZ - like the way that Delanie and I spent the last day of 2010.  Saskia kindly volunteered to have the kids (her screen door now regrets this decision - long, and tragic, story), and drove to Abu Dhabi to the tennis centre to see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer play against Thomas Berdych and Robin Soderling respectively.
Was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and we managed to mostly avoid the shocking traffic chaos around the Burj Khalifa from early evening when we came back to get the kids.  Some people spent hours in their cars apparently.

Delanie's second favourite man in the whole world

The tennis centre - lovely weather and a great day

Rafa - played very well - impressive to watch

Happy as a pig in mud....

OK so I lied - he's Delanie's favourite man in the whole world

Then on new year's day we walked to the beach (kids rode their bikes) - only about 15 minutes walk from the new villa, which is nice.  Water felt a bit cold, but I think we are becoming soft....

Jaime on her bike

Jack on his

Picture postcard really - we are so lucky to have this so close to our front door

Dad you were right - it's really cold!

Loving the cheetos

7 Star view

Happy boy

The Roger Federer Cap - purchased at the tennis the previous day

Cheetos, check.  Apple Juice, check.  Hat and sunnies, check.  Attitude - you bet!

Wonder what Mum would actually do if I threw this - I reckon I am faster than her now...

The view the other way - Burj Khalifa in the background

All the best to everyone for 2011.  We think it will be a good one - and we think that we'll be here a few more years yet, so come and see us!

Xmas 2010 in Dubai

Xmas in Dubai, by pictures (too lazy to write lots)....  In summary, weather fantastic, brunch at the Westin out of this world, great company, just a fantastic time.

Jaime, Holly and Lucy with Santa's pressies from the Westin

Some of the crew in the sun at the Westin - love that there are no dishes!

Jaime and Sophie wondering if Santa will recognise them if they go in a second time

One not looking quite so amused about 'sharing the love'

Tattoo is fake (for now...)

JPS 3B concert

Last lesson of the term

Rudolph

On the way to practice for Christmas show

At the Christmas show

Jaime experimenting with 'breasts' - socks are versatile things

Dedicated to Grandad Ian - ask him why

We made Gingerbread - Andrew and Kids had enough after about 10 of them, but Delanie drove us on...

Handsome boy at the Madinat Xmas Party - Xmas Eve

The Madinat Xmas Eve - lovely spot

Jack on Xmas Eve

Burj Al Arab Xmas Eve

Jaime tries as well

Even prettier when the sun goes down