The Verows @ UAE!: 6 Month Anniversary!

It's hard to believe that it's been 6 months already since we moved here to the UAE! Just today Jennifer and I were remembering the first morning we woke up and went to the local mall to get cell phones, and wander through the grocery store. We were like fish out of water! And we walked around what seemed like forever just checking out all products - some familiar, and some we will still never try! It's like having an out-of-body experience! While we do feel settled and comfortable, we do miss having the normal home life we're used to! There are days here when the simple task, is just not simple because you need stamps, documents, and nonsense papers. And then don't forget the language barrier that still gets in the way! But we have gotten used to pressing "2" for English!

We still find ourselves in awe when we see some of the amazing sand dunes, camels, and our kids thriving in this city! Life is great! Today, however, the weather reminded us some of the drawbacks of the desert! SAND STORMS! The wind is so bad that the sand gets to blowing around and you don't even want to walk outside. When you used to cover up in the rain while running into Wal-Mart or HEB, here we attempt to cover up and run into LuLu's!

We also celebrated Valentines Day. And while it's not a widely celebrated holiday here in the UAE, there were displays at stores and things you could buy that special someone. The kids were, I think, the only ones who brought valentines - but several brought candy to hand out. And several kids did bring their teacher's gifts too! We also went out as a family to Chili's and enjoyed dinner with our friend Angela!

And then the next day - it all went downhill for me. I woke up in the night with the chills and ached all over. It only got worse as the morning went on. So I left school after being there an hour, went to the hospital (that's where you go to see a doctor - and you HAVE to see a doctor or you lose pay for the day!) and the doctor said it's common cold. Never had body aches with a cold. But I picked up my meds, bought myself a z-pac at the pharmacy close to our villa, and slept alot and stayed home Thursday. Oh - and of course had to get my sick note stamped at the health authority office - they love stamps in this country! So finally come Friday night I feel about 80%! Today, Friday - I feel about 98%! Just a slight little head pressure - guess from sinuses. But back in the game now, as long as the wind and sand doesn't bother me!

We are super excited for March 1st! We booked a weekend at the Atlantis - The Palm! We got a good deal through our Skywards miles from Emirates. We posted this photo before - but can't wait to actually spend the weekend there! There is so much to do there, we will not have to leave once we park the car! The kids have no idea how much fun it will be! They're just excited about the hotel!

This is Atlantis - The Palm. Located on the palm tree island - Palm Jumiera. Never thought - EVER - we'd ever be living in the UAE and spending a weekend on this island!

Here are some photos:

Jennifer's jabaliya she got from a friend of a friend.

Her teaching partner, Miss Fatima said, "Oh Meess Jennifer, you look Emirati!"

More henna! She got it all over both arms, up to her elbows. She loves the henna!

Caralyn was not happy she didn't get henna!

Happy Valentines Day - from the UAE!

Guitar lessons with Mr. Jude. They were being quizzed on the parts and various other things.

Love this photo of Muoyid - Cole's BFF!

His bithday is Valentines Day. He had a party but the kids were already asleep when it started, but they did bring a plate of food for them! Too cute!

Jennifer's school had an "open day" at a park Thursday. It's like a field day, but this one focused on having a healthy lifestyle! They all, THE WHOLE SCHOOL, went to the park and the teachers did various things with groups. Then when they got back to school around 11:30, they just sent all the girls home. Jennifer was home around 12:15!

We saw Jesus in Al Ain the other day.

They say the world is ending this year anyway, right?

Girl Scout cookies in the UAE! A teacher ordered some and they arrived this week!

It's not rain, it's not smog, it's sand - crazy sand storm!

At Abela Supermarket - we're used to seeing dogs in cars in the States, but not cats! This kitty just wanted some attention!

Sand on our car in the morning!

We got smart! We brought REAL pepperoni back with us after our Christmas visit, and added it to a frozen pizza since we can't get a REAL pepperoni pizza here!