Julia and Saige's Birthdays

Siage's very 1st birthday went almost un-celebrated. It was right in the middle of a busy summer in Texas, Daddy was in Dubai, the big kids were away, etc. We had made some little cakes when Aleah visited us because she wanted to decorate them (more sprinkles than cake!).

Julia's 4th birthday was not to be missed - she reminded us constantly! So we had a group of friends over for a dual party a couple weeks after we returned to Dubai. We had a wonderful time with all the friends we missed during our summer in Texas. And the girls were spoiled rotten with gifts! Katelin and Macey made a balloon cake for Saige (to match the dress I made her!) and an unicorn cake by Julia's request.

Saige received her very first baby doll, and Julia received twin girl baby dolls from American Girl.

Desert BBQ Dubai-style

The kids wanted to go to the desert for a bbq (so did their mom!), and we knew just who to call: Uncle Dewald! He and Martin are our desert experts - dune bashing, braai-ing (South African BBQ), bonfire, even coffee!

Uncles Dewald and Martin

I found some boerewors (and I can even pronounce it!), hot dogs, and marshmallows at the grocery store. Throw in a few chairs and sand toys, and we're good! Everyone brought something to share, and we spent the evening around a man-made oasis in the middle of the desert. Yes, Dubai has a waterline to fill ponds and water trees in the desert!

Setting up the camp site

There were about 20 of us - and no one got stuck! I know that disappointed a few guys! We drove 20 minutes out to the desert, deflated the tires a bit, and rode the dunes! Then we set up camp, played a bit, BBQ'd, roasted marshmallows, drank some coffee without milk (forgotten!), pulled Julia away from the fire (we thought she was burned, but it was just a bad scratch - silly girl!), cleaned up, and headed back to the road. At the asphalt, we aired up the tires and drove home - sandy, tired, but happy to have friends to spend a evening with under the stars!

Jolee and Julia and their sand toys

Mavey and Saige taking a walk

What? I can't eat it?

Aunt Yvette and Saige

Those of us not dune bashing - relaxing!

Geraldine, Yvette, and Katelin

Justin and his visiting family

Getting ready to bbq

Katelin's 14th Birthday

Can't believe my first baby girl is such a Teenager! She is such a great girl - kind, helpful, loving. I think we'll keep her awhile longer!

The weekend before her birthday we went out with friends to an international buffet at Kitchen 6 in the JW Marriott Marquis - oh, la la! Gotta love a chance to dress up and eat wonderful food!

Then on her birthday (holiday here in Dubai) we had Mexican food and cupcakes from the Hummingbird bakery. The kids got her various clothes, and Mom and Dad gave her a Fossil watch.