Eid Mubarak-Abu Dhabi Style

Fun to celebrate Pattie's birthday with her. The four of us took a boat across the water and ate at The Meat Co. Brought back lots of fun memories as it was a favorite place for birthday dinners. 

In a spur of the moment decision, we decided to spend Eid in Abu Dhabi.  Pattie and Barry were going to be there as well, so being with them, and with Russell and Talitha ,clinched it for us.  We bought inexpensive plane tickets and made our plans.  Also motivating us was 7 days in Doha wondering about a job... Pretty sure we would have driven each other crazy.

Our visit was great.  Lots of time with Russell and Talitha is always special, even in the high humidity and hot weather.  We got to see a new park that opened. Our friend, Milt, worked on that project for several years and it was nice to see the fruit of his labor.  Along with seeing the kids and the Gardebleds, we also had lunch at The British Club with Talitha's folks.  The Club was opened in 1962..and nothing else was around!  Fun to spend time with Russell's fantastic in laws and deepen our friendship with them as well.  I'm glad we are getting to know them better and are able to see them on our visits!

When we go to Abu Dhabi it feels like going home. It's nice to know our way around and  revisit favorite haunts.  It's also fun to hit the new restaurants and malls that have opened since we left.

Russell and Talitha spent the day with us at the park and we all enjoyed just hanging out.  It's such a blessing to be living close to them at least for now.  (Being in Abu Dhabi though also makes me pensive as wherever we went I thought of other times and people that we miss.  Especially our other kids!) 

Mike and I are back in Doha now.  There are a few of us left after the summer exodus. :) Went to church today, had lunch with the summer survivors, and now we are hanging at the house. It's good to be home.