minivan---getting ready for kids bday (08.14-08.19)

Sat, 8/14- our minivan is here!!! It was in the port since last Wed and after (2) full days of Dan and his assistant going to the port and various places, we finally got it!!! There's no procedures for anything here so that's why things take soooo long, we didn't want to prolong getting this van out b/c of Ramadan and offices closing at 1 pm. Besides things closing early, the ones who are working are fasting and let's just say, they may not be the most pleasant. Would you be if you were hungry? Now the fun begins for getting inspection, registration, insurance and a housing sticker for the van! :-) As I'm blogging this 3 wks later, it took us that long to get everything, but the housing sticker, hope to get that week! Until then, we can't take this van out of camp...well we can, just have a hard time getting back on camp. Oh, the van was also missing our DVD player, heavy duty car mats for the back and a hubcab. Hhmmm, not sure where it was "lost", I'd say maybe someone at the port got some new parts for their van, but who knows?!?

Sun, 8/15- I had a doctor appt. to check on my blood sugar and some pains I've been feeling. Went to the doc, who I didn't get to met b/c she was out sick, got another doc who seemed to disregard all my symptoms, but that's another story. Met Dan at his work afterwards and got to see his workplace. He was the only one there since it's Ramadan and all Saudis leave at 1pm. Any expats who work there are out for their re-pat trip. He's left to hold the fort this whole time! We left to do our Panda shopping.

Mon, 8/16- Tina and Ismael's playdate w/Leanne and Isak. I'm also getting ready for kids 2nd bday bash! Started w/the decorations and party gift bags during the kids nap. Marty, one of Dan's colleage took me shopping at Lulu's. Luckily we made it out of there before their early closing. Stores during Ramadan close about 1 hour before the people break their fast b/c it gives people time to drive home. It's the worst time to be on the road, it's where most accidents happen b/c you have all these "starving"/ irritated people on the road all all once!

Tues, 8/17- Returned Aboud's car, the lexus. Dan shopped at Panda at night (for kids party) b/c I didn't get everything I needed for the kids party w/Marty. I was speed shopping to make it out the store before closing and had a few things left.

Wed, 8/18- Dharhan Women's Group (DWG) playgroup, met Leanne, Julie's, Travis's wife, and 3 other moms there. Returned Luke's Nissan Pathfinder and got to borrow Brian's Dodge Charger again. Dan's working on getting minivan registered, plates, insurance, housing sticker...process takes a long time so Brian let us borrow his car so we're able to leave camp otherwise we would be limited to grocery shopping inside camp and it can be pricey! Why pay for things 3 x the cost when you don't have too! Especially w/triplets! I also started making my springrolls for the kids party. Semira made beef and cheese sambosas, these fried appetizers type of food that Muslims eat when they break their fast, which the kids have been sampling since Ramadan started. They've also tasted dates, they all like the really sweet ones and Skyler likes the fresh ones from the tree too, the boys not so much.

Thurs, 8/19- I continued w/all the food preparations for their party and worked up until 10 pm that night. Kids actually hung out w/Daddy for most part of the day. When they went to bed, Dan decorated the house and moved some furniture around. I can't believe that I didn't stress out about this party...preparing a party for them this year was A LOT easier than last year. This year they were able to play and occupy themselves for the most part and they can feed themselves. Last year, we were still on bottles and minimal eating. What a HUGE difference a year makes! Thanks to Tina for letting us borrow their party decorations. Saudi Arabia does not have much party supply stores, I think they have (1) and I didn't bother going to it b/c I heard it's ridiculously overpriced.

Normally I would blog til Friday, but I'm doing a special one for that, for the kids party. Stay tuned!

Hanging out pictures. I tell ya, all of the pictures are usually inside b/c it's still too HOT to take them outside!!! Hurry up October!!!

Hudson and I

Hudson showing Daddy what he knows in the book.



their favorite game is "cooking". We did get them a kitchen and cooking stuff for their bday presents. Also got some tools stuff too (to make Dan happy). Skyler, Tobin, and Hudson.

Skyler and Hudson w/Mommy

Tobin "cooking". I did try to trim the boys hair and I kinda butchered his. Sorry Tobin!

Maybe he got a crank call?

Boys and their trucks!

Skyler joined her bros.

Tobin

slow week---Ramadan begins (08.07-08.13)

Sat, 8/7- Tina and Kamal let me tag along at night on one of their shopping excursions. We went to a few stores...I was mainly looking for a light fixture for our dining room b/c the one Aramco installed only has one bulb and it's so dark in that room, it was just bugging me! You can make those minor cosmetic changes to the house as long as you leave things as they were when you leave. They took me to a street where there was nothing but lighting stores in Downtown Khobar, some really beautiful, but just not my style. I was happy to finally found one I liked! I was also shopping for the kids upcoming birthday gifts and bath toys. They def need some new bath toys, but I wasn't so lucky, only found an alphabet foam toys where they can stick it on the walls. Kids really enjoy their baths, they actually look forward to it and say "bath bath bath" as they're walking to the bathroom. I bought them a new shower curtain, the theme is "travel", it has cars, planes, suitcases and travel stuff on it. Everytime Hudson would point to the cars and airplanes. BTW, he says "airplane" in a really deep voice, it's so funny how he changes the tone of his voice to say that. We're still doing baths on Sat, Tues & Thurs. Maybe when the weather is nice and we'll be outdoors, we'll prolly do baths more.

Mon, 8/9- We went to a Dharhan Women's Group (DWG) meeting. It's a place where women get together to socialize. They have meetings where you can learn about different things like a country, culture, etc. There's also a playroom for the kids where you can drop the kids off while you're in the "meeting" and babysitters are available to watch your kids for 10 SR or $2.67 US per kid. I have Semira so I don't need to pay for any babysitters. The topic that day was Ramadam, which started 8/11 and ends 9/8. They had a Muslim lady explained what Ramadam is, what to expect, certain changes during this time. It's a religious time for Muslims where they still pray 5 times a day and have extra prayers after the night prayers. They also are required to fast, from sun rise to sun set. No food, water, gum, basically anything that involves putting things in the mouth. Semira is a Muslim and I was a little worried about her taking care of the kids while she was fasting, but so far nothing has been different. She told me she started doing this at 15 years old so she's used to it. And the previous family she was with, she had to take care of the kids while feeding them and preparing meals so it doesn't phase her. The first few days she was a little light headed b/c she didn't have her coffee and was feeling the caffeine withdrawal, but other than that she's been able to maintain taking care of the kids and the house while fasting. It's really amazing b/c she still plays chase w/them and is not able to drink any water.

I was able to be in the meeting while Semira watched the kids in the playroom. Since it was a new place for them, they didn't even mind that I sneaked out. I kept checking on them every 15 minutes, but everyone was fine.

Afterwards we went to Tina/Ismael's house for our playdate. Met Leanne and Isak there, they had came from the DWG meeting too.

Later that day, Dan and I did our weekly shopping trip and Semira watched the kids by herself after their nap. When we came home, we were so shocked!!! We looked through the front window and saw ALL the kids sitting at the table eating dinner! We didn't want to come in and interupt them. Usually at meal time, they would eat some then run and play and come back and eat some more. We were watching them for almost 15 minutes and they were still at the table...unbeliveable, why are they always on their best behavior for someone else?

Some pictures for the week:

My new chandelier---LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!

Hudson and his backpack. We waved "bye bye" and tell them to have a safe trip. They just get a kick out of it!


He's here w/Skyler dancing. I'm able to find ONE American station on the radio. It plays different genre of music each day and time so you never know if you'll get rock, classic, 80's, alternative, rap, it's kinda cool not knowing. They're getting good w/the dancing moves, they like to groove and move their head to music--- love it when they dance!

And Tobin joins them...BTW, this is our room.

Daddy and his boys: Hudson w/his backpack again.

Hudson- had his first real "boo boo" here. He was walking up the stairs and forgot a toy so he quickly turned back and somehow fell and hit the metal gate at the bottom. It happend so quick, and when it happened he didn't even cry until a few seconds later. His "boo boo" lasted a few days.

The kids love to kiss "boo boo" and get kisses for them. Sometimes they will call something a "boo boo" even when it's not one.

I love it when they all sit together, they've been doing that a lot.

Hudson, Tobin, and Skyler

Princess Skyler, man those lashes are long!

Was able to give her a ponytail...didn't last very long!

Tobin

Semira w/the kids: Skyler, Tobin and Hudson

We took turn to be in the picture w/the kids

Tunnel time: Tobin & Skyler

Skyler and Hudson

Can you see us mommy? Skyler, Hudson and Tobin

playdates---Hobby Farm---etc. (07.31-08.06)

Sun, 8/1- Semira watched kids by herself after their nap. Dan and I went to Ikea to buy drapes and grocery shopped at Panda. Can you tell this is a weekly thing? It's kinda nice b/c Dan and I get our couple time even if it's grocery shopping for a couple of hours.

Mon, 8/2- Tina and Ismael's playdate

Tues, 8/3- We took the kids w/Semira's help to the Hobby Farm to join Dan's friend, Carlos for dinner. The Hobby Farm is the on camp equestrian center, they also have the best U.S. grade steak, especially on Tuesday nights. Everyone had steaks, potatoes, and salad even pecan pies for dinner. It was so delish, we make it a point to eat this atleast twice a month. The kids had the kids meal of chicken quesadillas and chicken nuggets. Afterwards, we took them outside so they could watch the horses. They got to pet a few of them w/the horse's owner standing by and then they also got to roam free (what they really love)!

Wed, 8/4- Tina and Ismael's playdate with Leanne and Isak. We normally only do this once a week, but we did it twice this week since there was a date confusion. I couldn't remember if I told Leanne Mon or Wed for the playdate, b/c Mon in Saudi is technically hump day for us, since the men only have two more days of work. Anyways we decided to meet again. BTW, time flies by really fast here, I don't know what it is, maybe b/c we're always confused as to the days of the week, but every week that goes by, Dan and I are just amazed how fast it's moving!

Thurs, 8/5- Kamal took Dan car shopping in the morning. I can't believe he wanted to wake up early on his weekend to help Dan shopped for cars, that was extremely nice of him! Tina and Kamal came by after the kids napped and helped us hook our MajicJack up. Now we're able to call Houston and the calls are considered local calls. They have been very helpful to us, showing us things around, providing guidance, just genuine nice people---we're so glad for their friendship!

A few pictures for the week: Hudson

They love to sit at their table and play, "cook", and have tea even the boys. Tobin, Skyler and Hudson. Yes Tobin's wearing a girls shirt... on the days that we don't have any plans (not leaving the house), I just let them wear whatever.


Daddy in his favorite position after work, kids playing w/Semira.

I LOVE this picture! They happened to get on this chair all at once and I got the camera out quick! Of course there are several shots of this, but this is one of my favorite!!! My beautiful babes: Hudson, Skyler, Tobin

Tobin helping Hudson w/the blocks.

Hudson started this by himself. Notice his shorts on the floor. He just likes to be free!

Tina and Ismael's playdate: ballpit time!

Skyler and Ismael

Ismael and Tobin. Where's Hudson?

Our Ikea couch, not sure what Skyler was doing until I got closer...

...she unzipped the cushions.

lots of first this wk---playdates (07.24-07.30)

Sat, 7/24- Semira's 1st time to watch the kids after their nap by herself. We went grocery shopping at Hyper Panda on the weekend, but wasn't very successful. Kids were kinda cranky and Tobin didn't want to stay in his seat so Dan had to carry him. We split up in the store and meet up at the checkout line, but got caught during prayer time. Since Tobin didn't want to be in his seat, Skyler wanted out too, so I carried her and the lines for checkout was way too long and they were closing the gates to the store. I knew we couldn't be trapped in there for 30 minutes (prayer time) w/2 kids already out of the carts. People were cutting in line trying to make it out and two families were arguing over where the line is, etc. So we took the kids and walked out empty handed, left all of our groceries there. Kids and parents were tired and cranky! I was so HOT in my abaya carrying a kid that I just unbuttoned it and walked like this to our car. Not supposed to, but at this point I didn't care!

So that's why Semira watched the kids by herself...so we could grocery shop. Kids started waking up at 3:30ish and I went to Semira's room to hang out (this is when I usually do the blog) or "hide out" and waited for Dan to come home to pick me up. Went back to Panda and got everything on my list again. Semira feed them their snacks and took care of them until we came home to feed them dinner. She told me only Tobin cried about 10 minutes when he first woke up and didn't see me in the room, but after that he was fine. They were all fine, even smiled when we came home saying "momma", "dada". I tell ya they are so different when we're not around!

Sun, 7/25- Our E-boxes came that morning; I was so happy b/c finally they have some more different toys! Aramco shipped (2) 3' x 5' boxes that most people put essential things in there. You're supposed to get it about 2 weeks after you arrive. The boxes did get here after 2 weeks, but it sat at the port for another 2 weeks. There were some confusion about whether we needed our iqama (residency permit) before customs would release them. Everyone Dan talked to said "no", but then again, we're in Saudi and everything is so unorganized and time consuming and it all depends on "who" is in charge of your stuff and what moods their in! Our luck, we got a guy who wanted to do things his way. Go figure!

My 1st night out w/Tina and Leanne to an Aramco new wives welcome meeting. I picked them up and we went met some other new moms at the Carlton Lounge, a coffee shop on camp. Dan and Semira put the kids down for bed. Dan said the boys cried the most and the longest, of course, nothing new, but they eventually went to bed. First girls night out wasn't bad, just missing vino that's all! :-)

Mon, 7/26- Ismael and Tina's playdate. Their second playdate and they are slowly sharing toys and bonding.

Tues, 7/27- Nadia's playdate, sorry no pictures. I guess it's b/c her kids are 3 & 6 so they don't really play with my kids; therefore, I never remember to bring the camera. It's really more for all of us to get out of the house to a new environment, they have different toys to play with and I have some adult conversations. Unfortunately this is the last playdate with them for a little bit, Nadia and her girls went to Europe to visit families.

Wed, 7/28- Semira babies sat for us at night after kids went to bed. We went to Ikea & shopped for a couch and drapes. Also shopped at another home goods store, Centerpoint. They really have a lot of stuff here that US has, but the styles are more arabic and just different. I also bought my 1st abaya. It's turquoise (my favorite color) on the inside and black on the outside. I got it altered to fit me perfectly and picked it up next day. The material is A LOT more lightweight than the one I was borrowing, and YES it's still F*ckin HOT to wear that thing! There's no law that says you have to wear it, it's more of a "do you want to fit in and not stand out" type of mentality. When in rome! Will get Dan to take a picture of me later.

Thurs, 7/29- gave Semira day off b/c of babysitting last night. Took kids to Ikea to buy couch and mall next door to pick up my abaya. Fits me perfectly! YEA! (NOT)! At Ikea, I wheeled (2) kids in the cart, I think Hudson and Skyler while Dan took Tobin upstairs. Remember Ikea is where we were not allowed to take the regular sized carts to bring everyone upstairs. Upstairs only had these small cart that only fit one kid- one kid, who has one kid these days, especially not Saudis!

Fri, 7/30- Ismael's 2nd birthday party, actual birthday was 7/25. We took the kids over once they woke up from their nap. They had a great time, they even got to go outside and play in the backyard once it "cooled" down in the evening.

A few pictures of the week. On Wed night when we shopped at night, we bought the kids these trucks and gave them the next day. The boys LOVED them!!!

This is a classic, they like to wrestle in the kitchen. Tobin and Skyler on the floor and look at what Hudson's doing! I LOVE IT!!! (this is on record for his future girlfriends) Now that we're here, I don't even mind that there are no gates in the kitchen...kinda like that they have access to all the rooms, of course after we baby proofed the cabinets.

Ismael's bday party: Tobin, Skyler, and Hudson who's hidden behind Ismael.

Skyler was so proud when she stood on this drum by herself! She can finally said "Tobin" and "Hudson".

Getting ready for cake time: Ismael, Hudson, Skyler, and Tobin

Boys hanging out!

Hudson- he can almost say Skyler's name, but the way he says Tobin is the sweetest sound.

Tobin, discovered the water hose and even turned it on.

Skyler, Ismael, and Tobin. They have a pretty huge yard.

Dan, Tobin, Skyler, Ismael, Hudson, and Kamal (Tina's hubby and Dan's co-worker)

Leanne w/Nic and their baby Isak. They were on the same flight as us coming over. Dan w/Skyler. Kamal and his dad in the background.

Tina, Kamal's mom, and The Ratermans.

Hudson, such a "manly" type of boy, he loves his boys stuff: tools, cars, trucks, trains.

I LOVE this one too! Tobin caught getting a cupcake and standing on chairs. Hudson too!

He definitely enjoyed it! I think they all like chocolate cupcakes, I guess they take after me on that one.

We tried to get them to all wear these masks: only two did it, here's Tobin.

Birthday boy: Ismael

Playdate pictures: Hudson, Skyler and Ismael

Tobin and Ismael

Tobin

Ismael and Skyler

Hudson and Ismael

Ismael, Skyler, Tobin, and Hudson

Tina- her baby girl Elena is due 8/30!

Skyler and Tobin

Hudson and Skyler

E-box pictures- we packed our essentials: kids toys, swim floats, vaccum cleaner, sweeper vac, microwave, coffee maker, baby gates (which we don't need anymore), kids shoes, a bunch of sunscreen, dog rawhides, diapers and wipes. We were missing some rawhides and sunscreen and hopefully our claim will be processed soon.

Skyler making sure her red dog ride was the same.