It is HOT here! As Ryan and I stood by the baggage waiting for Mike, Sallie and Robert to bring the car around...his exact words were..."Mom, I have never been this hot and it's midnite!" I must agree. :)
Trip over went well. The Dallas Frankfurt leg was a beating but we managed. Poor Ryan had to eat his knees for the 10 hours but other than that we did well. Sallie and Robert crashed in the airport and I had to literally shake them awake....I was jealous, what can I say?
Spent our first day...sleeping in. Then Mike and I ran back to the airport to pick up a forgotten suitcase. When we got out of the car to walk to the terminal I once again commented on the heat. Mike mentioned "Oh yeah, we always walk in the shade...." I quickly moved under the awning...and then laughed....still really, really hot(not sure what I was hoping for there...my normal optimism kicking in????) After picking up the suitcase we went back to the house where we are so thankful to be staying and picked up the kids.
We went to see our apt. It is great! Cheerful and although small compared to our home n Dallas, it will be just right for us. Marble floors and bright white and cream walls. Lots of light and from one window in the living room we can see the Persian Gulf. I find that amazing... The kitchen has plenty fo cabinet space which surprised surprised me and a nice dish washer...Yee Hah.
We visited the Abu Dhabi Mall. Pretty much find anythng you need. Which for that trip was clothes for Ryan as we left his suitcase in Bonnie's living room. Ummm, where were my friends with brains when I really needed them??? Hmmm? Good thing Bonnie is coming in Sept. Good grief. I am just glad I got here with all three kids..and so is Mike, by the way. It was wonderful to see his tall self when we walked out of the baggage area. Smiling and waving.
We had Pizza Hut and Baskin Robbins for a late lunch or early dinner. Mike said today it will be Indian Curry to give Robert a taste of reality. :) He talks big but I figure it will be Mcdonalds.....I'll let you know.
Gee, it's 5:30 am. Just finished trying to get the kids to go back to sleep...Robert just came in to sit with me. Ryan and Sallie are trying to sleep again. Ahhh yes. Jet lag is a beautiful thing. We've all been up since about 4am. Ugh.
I don't want to get all mushy but let me just say how much all of you mean to us. To know you are praying. The memories of all of you at the airport. The incredible help we had this summer. Ok, I am getting mushy but it has to be said. We love you all. Please keep praying. Today we shop for furniture. And you know how I lovvvveeeee shopping. Sigh. :)
Missing all of you, but glad to be here. Hardest thing? Missing Russell.
Love, Mattie (for the Abu Dhabi Hildebrands)
