Red Bull Air Race in Abu Dhabi

I've been a slacker in posting... I know, I know. I need to get on it. I am still working on a big post from when my parents were here. Anyhow, this one was a quick and easy post so I figured I might as well push it live now rather than wait until I get around to finishing the other one.

Today we went to the Red Bull Air Races in Abu Dhabi. Dani and Elle each brought a friend or 2 in Dani's case (Laura, Tyler and Ria). We were expecting to sit in stands, not on the beach so we weren't at all prepared, but no worries, we made due! The girls went swimming in their clothes to cool off... it was almost 100. At least there was breeze off the water.

Dani, Tyler and Laura told some folks that they were all sisters of one of the racers. A few people actually wanted their pictures taken with them. It was way too funny! All the girls were into the race. They would run over to the jumbo screen to see who was racing next and cheer for them by name. Even though it was very hot we had such a great time. Oh and I sure hope that they all sleep because we let them try Red Bull.

My parents big day - a road trip to Musandam, Oman.

On Sunday (which was actually Easter) we took a drive to Musandam on Oman. This was my parents last big day here. Dani and Elle had to go to school the next day (Monday). Then they were set to leave on Monday evening around 10:30pm, but their flight was delayed until Tuesday.

Musandam is in the mountains. It is the top of the Arabian penisula. The mountains drop right off into the ocean. A road has been cut in the side of the mountain in order to access these areas. It is just beautiful!


Investigating an old restored fort. Oman is full of them. The UAE has very few as most have been torn down.








A picnic lunch. We were very glad that we brought lunch. There are very few places to eat along this drive and I think my parents had their fill of Arabic food by then anyway.







An acacia forrest at the end of the drive.


Feeding a random goat.

Easter

Well it wasn't exactly Easter, but Easter is not a holiday here so... we decided to celebrate it on a Saturday instead (which of course is kinda like a Sunday anyway). We celebrated with our whole compound. We had an egg hunt (which Elle was in charge of), made some little chicks, colored eggs, pinatas and had a big BBQ breakfast. It was such fun. Later that day we had a nice traditional steak dinner. Since it wasn't Easter anyway, why not mix it all up!

More touring Dubai with my parents

Full Moon Drumming... instead of the standard desert safari we decided to give full moon drumming a shot. It was a ton of fun! I can't say as the kids liked the drumming as much as I would have liked, but they did like running up and down the tall sand dunes. The view from the top of the dunes back down to the camp was great.

Walking into the camp. Me, Larry and Elle drumming.

Dad, Mom and Dani drumming.

Mom doing a little pow-wow dance to the drums. hahaha


Elle getting henna. Dani riding a camel.



Some yummy chicken sharma sandwiches.

Since we didn't go on the safari which includes dune bashing, Larry decided to take my dad out to "Big Red" which is where all of the safaris go off-roading. Here are a few pictures from their adventure. Larry took my dad in the jeep without the doors and top...




A random shot of the Burj Dubai. It looks much more impressive from afar where you can see just how much taller it is than the other buildings.


While Larry and my dad were out off roading, my mom, Dani, Elle and I visited Karama... copy handbag, copy watch anyone? Below is a photo of Elle dressed in her purchases.