Beaches, Parks and some R&R

This week the UAE is celebrating Eid Mubarek, a Muslim holiday celebrating family and giving to the needy. So we have the week out of school and it's been so nice to sleep in a little and get out and see and do some things we haven't had time to do. We visited a park in uptown Dubai, called Safa Park. So very nice to see GREEN... playing fields, lounging fields, shade trees, playgrounds, sculptured gardens with mazes, water fountains and the city skyline as the backdrop! It's over 150 acres of absolute beauty. We casually strolled through and spent a little time in a market area where folks gather once a month for a type of flea market atmosphere. We didn't make any purchases, but this will be an option to go and sell things when we move in a couple years. We also happened upon an advertising/marketing campaign for the new Puma FAAS shoes. They were having races for anyone who wanted to wear "their new shoes" and run a short sprint. Of course they had the official timer with cameras, announcer, etc. So, Grant entered and took 2nd place in his heat. He got his picture made and received a medal with discounts to purchase the new shoe. Pretty fun to just be spontaneous and enjoy the day together.

We also visited Mamzar Park and Beach. WOW... this place was fantastic! It's over 25o acres of park and five beaches to choose from. There were the quiet more adult beach areas, family areas, volleyball areas, plenty of beach to lay out, picnic and grilling areas, and the list goes on. We went on a holiday, so it was pretty crowded, but rumor has it, it's a great place to go during the week or even a Saturday and it's only about a 20 minute drive from our apartment... can't beat that huh?
So working on a tan in November seems a bit odd, but I'm hooked and can't wait to go back.

We've spent time with some great friends this week. Today Grant and Blair are playing a little golf with another friend and his dad. Nolan, his friend, and he actually are in some of the same classes, take golf lessons together, have both made the JV basketball team and attend youth together. Grant has made lots of neat friends and he is making wonderful memories everyday. We all are of course, but it' such a blessing to have the peace that we do, knowing he has transitioned well and seems really happy. He wasn't able to buy the new Modern Warfare 3, that came out today however, but he's trying to figure out a way to buy online and have it shipped to Dubai!!!

Blair has his license now and we will probably get a car in the next week or so. That will certainly free us up and we can be a little more independent. I have a new camera, so be sure to look at our photo pages if you get a chance.

I'm blogging while listening to Christmas music... that seems completely crazy for Three reasons. One- I'm in a tshirt and flipflops ...Two- it's 82 degrees outside (cool spell) ... Three- is Christmas only a little over 6 weeks away??? Oh my, we'll be home before we know it... Until then...