Halloween 2009

Well, now that Thanksgiving has passed, I figured today would be a good time to post some Halloween pictures (at least it's not December yet!).

We actually celebrated on October 30th (Friday) because someone at the compound decided that celebrating on Halloween would interfere with the beginning of the work week (Sunday-Thursday here).


H dressed up as Iron Man.  It was the only costume I was able to find at Bawadi Mall in his size.  He was not too happy at first with the "muscles."

Eventually he calmed down...

We had a couple of H's friends over for Halloween cupcakes and treats before heading out for trick-or-treating.

These cupcakes looked better in my head than real life.  Baking supplies/equipment are hard to come by.

Hanging out with friends...

And trick-or-treating!  (Notice his nice plastic bag being used as a candy carrier.  I was really on top of things this year.)

Next year, I'll know to be a little more organized regarding costumes, pumpkins, etc. but H had fun regardless.  


Now, on to Christmas!

Thanks Giving

It's been a long time since I've posted.  There was plenty to blog about--furnishing the apartment, setting up TV and internet, dealing with the bank, adjusting to life as a stay-at-home-mom , grocery store experiences--but, frankly, I wasn't up for it.  I have had a hard time adjusting to life here and didn't really want to relieve the trials and tribulations we've been through.  It seemed like for every positive there were 10 negatives following.

This week, as Thanksgiving approached, I tried thinking mostly about the positives.  Most of them don't have much to do with life in the UAE, though I may eventually revisit some of the things I mentioned above to really let you know what we've been through.

So today I celebrate Thanksgiving with my thanks giving:

*I am thankful for the health of my family both here and abroad.

*I am thankful for my wonderfully supportive husband, who has tolerated my "grumpiness" over the past few months.

*I am thankful for my sweet H, who is so smart, funny, helpful, and who tells me every day "I love my Mommy."

*I am thankful for baby number two we are expecting next year and for a (so far) easy pregnancy.

*I am thankful for being in the final stages of setting things up here in Al Ain so that we can finally concentrate on the goals we came here to achieve: furthering E's education and saving money.

So, from here in our little "oasis," I wish you all (all three of you?) a Happy Thanksgiving!