The Spirit of the Union..40 years Old!!

Mike attacked by Robert, Sallie and friends with cans of silly string.Don't worry, he  got even.

Denise and Steve from the UK. This was their first National Day here.

On December 2nd we had our annual chili party to celebrate 40 years since the UAE's creation. Nearby neighbors came over for chili, cornbread, brownies and cookies. I say nearby neighbors as no one really wants to drive on National Day. Roads are packed with crazy cars and celebrating families! It can take hours to drive what would normally take 15-20 minutes. After our dinner we walked to the Corniche  to take in the festivities. People from all over the world joined in the birthday celebration. I look forward to this holiday every year.... Good times!!!

Thanksgivng Again

               Thanksgiving Table 2011

Ligia and Mary  

Once again the Kenneys hosted Thanksgiving at their villa. This is our traditon now.  Sadly, it was their last one in Abu Dhabi. After working here for 6 years, making many friends, and being a blessing to all of us, they are moving to Oman.  As I have mentioned before, the good byes over here are very hard.  On the bright side, we love Oman and expect to visit them often after they are settled.  We also expect that Jeff and Mary will pop in over here periodically, as well. :)  I'm not sure how we will do Thanksgiving without them....maybe our gang will have to rent a bus and head to Oman next year.  We shall see.  

Setting up for the Celebration

Getting ready for the big day! 

Inside all the malls are decorated.

And outside too!  The Royal Family.

All over the city preparations are underway for the big day! The UAE's 40th birthday.  For those of us who celebrate Christmas, it is double fun.  Lights going up. Malls decorated.  And everything in green, red, white, and black.  :)  This is our 5th National Day here, but this one is over the top.  Jets have been flying over with streams of flag colors winding out behind them.  Buildings covered in banners and flags. Little girls wearing patriotic dresses.  And the cars.... Rumor has it that one lady spent 150,000 dirhams to decorate her car.  That's over 40,000 dollars.  On Friday night these crazy cars will be parading through town, honking horns, racing engines and generally making lots of noise.  Tomorrow is a national holiday but the real day is Dec. 2.     Sallie's school will have parties all day long today.  No uniforms today. But the kids are required to wear the right colors....You got it. Green, Red, White and Black.  More pictures to come.  

Sorry about the slow entry on this one. I have had "technical difficulties" with my pictures.