Emirates Palace Christmas tree

	WORLD’S ‘MOST EXPENSIVE’ Christmas TREE: $11-million Christmas tree at Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Pregnancy update

We made to 37 weeks, yeah...........We are so excited. Thank you so much for all the Christmas gifts and remembering us this holiday season. I have to say we are really blessed this year and we even had an amazing Christmas lunch and dinner together just the three of us. It is really something to think in just a few days we will be parents again.

I have to say this pregnancy has gone by so fast and with all the worrying and praying this little girl seems to be perfect. God has blessed us beyond measure. As this time ends I still think of little Angela and know she is watching over all of us. I have to say we are proud parents of three little girls.

I am drying the last load of little baby Batey's clothes and going to put it away. I have my bag ready and Sydney's bag is ready just need to put a few toys in there and I need to get Paul a bag together too.

Here's hoping we can make it all the way to the scheduled c-section, but who knows just knowing that she is healthy is wonderful.

We will keep everyone posted.

Take care and Happy New Year.

Tom Cruise

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, explaining to Hollywood actor Tom Cruise how to balance a falcon on his arm. Cruise is in Dubai shooting for the movie Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol. - AFP Tom Cruise Dangles in Burj Dubai for Mission Impossible 4 Nov 3, 2010 → By Raissa Would you be willing to dangle thousands of feet in the air for the sake of a movie? Well, Tom Cruise is! This is not the first time that he did it. Remember he also dangled on the rocky face of a mountain in the Grand Canyon. But for the fourth Mission Impossible movie, Tom is not challenging the rocky mountains of the United States! He is taking on the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. They filmed there during the weekend.

Yas Tunnel

Yas Tunnel, which connects Al Raha Beach to Yas Island was officially opened to the public on Monday. The 1.1km long tunnel, which is 43m wide and has a height clearance of 4.5m, is made up of six lanes and will play a vital role in connecting key attractions on the island such as Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island Hotels and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to residential communities such as Al Bandar and Al Raha Gardens, and improve connection times to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport. - Wam

Pregnancy

Baby update:

This pregnancy seems to going really fast and now that summer is over and Sydney is back in school it seems to be going even faster. I will be 21 weeks on September 5. We have had several appointments already and the baby seems to be doing really well. We still don't know for sure the baby's gender, but at our last appointment the doctor thinks it is a girl, but I guess we will have to see. If it is a girl she seems to be enjoying different foods then the last 2 girls. I was really thinking it was a boy, but we are really happy with either one. Now picking out the bedding and a name is the fun part. We are truly blessed that we get to be parents again. We finally know it's a girl.

19 weeks photo

24 weeks photo



33 weeks photo

Back to School

Well, summer is now over in our house. Sydney started FS1 on September 1, 2010 and we have been going for a hour and a half and she seems to really like it. They are just getting used to being there and some of the kids are not back yet and we should be going full time starting September 13, 2010. She will be in school from 7:45am/8:00am to 1:00pm Sunday-Thursday. She has already enjoyed painting, playing with a doll house and riding a tricycle outside as well as story time. She has already learned her teaches name. I stayed with her the first day and then the next day I told her that Mommy would leave and come back to get her and she said she wouldn't cry, she is not a baby anymore, but she will always be my little girl. :) I am so proud of her.

Trike

I took Sydney out to let her ride her trike this evening and I am happy to say she doesn't need the handle for help anymore. The trike had a handle for you to use to help them along, but off it comes and just look at her go.

Robot

	A robot on Khalifa Highway at Sadiyat Island. - KT Photo by Iftikhar Shaheediajman

NASA

	UAE nationals Hamad Rajab, Shamma Al Qassim, and Hazza Bani Malek, are the first non-US citizens to be inducted into the NASA training programme. - WAM

Desert Chill

Abu Dhabi is getting its vary own ice cream van. I have to say I love the camel on the side. Desert Chill started 18 months ago in Dubai and now they are heading to Abu Dhabi. I can't wait to take Sydney and I wonder what she will think of the van and in my day it was a truck, but needless to say every child and adult should remember hearing the famous music come summer time in your neighborhood. I am hoping it is as good as I remember as a child growing up. We can't wait to try it out.

A WOW Moment

We talked with this lovely couple at the mall tonight and we were talking about our kids and then she said something about one on the way and I was taken for a moment and I said yes I am due in January. Wow, so I guess I am starting to show now. :)

I was thinking I was starting to show more and more, but was surprised when someone that didn't know me said something about the baby.

Baby Batey is coming really fast!!!!!!

Artificial Fruit

	The giant plastic date that has got the approval for entry into the Guinness Book of World Records on display at Liwa. - At 10.5 meters long, five meters wide and six meters high, the plastic date has already been approved entry into the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest artificial fruit. The final approval will be submitted soon. The yellow shiny date is hallow inside to accommodate a traditional majlis for 20 people. The idea came from poet Hamad bin Sarhan Al Darei. Making the plastic date took one year and Dh2 million.

Sharjah

Sharjah (Arabic: الشارقة‎) (ash-shāriqah; pronounced /ˈʃɑrdʒə/ in English) is the third largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.

Sharjah is the seat of government of the emirate of Sharjah. Sharjah shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Sharjah has been ruled by the Al Qasimi dynasty since 1972^[1].

The city is a centre for culture and industry, and alone contributes to 7.4% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates.^[2] The city covers an approximate area of 235 km² and has a population of over 800,000 (2008).

Sharjah at night.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

I just found this out today that they are still doing tours of the Grand Mosque during Ramadan and we have not been yet, but I was thinking it might be the best time to go because it said that the tour will be given by UAE national guides and you will learn about the mosque, architecture and the significance and traditions of Ramadan and I think it might be really cool to go during this time of year. We hope to go when Sydney starts back to school in September.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA) complimentary guided tours of the UAE capital’s magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest – are to take on special significance during the coming Holy Month of Ramadan.

The tours, which normally run from 10am-11am Saturdays to Thursdays, will run from 11am during Ramadan with UAE national guides who will give visitors a detailed brief on the mosque and its architecture and the significance and traditions of Ramadan.

Visitors will also receive a commemorative complimentary pack of Ramadan focused postcards being produced by ADTA.

“Our guests – whether residents or visitors will be able to get a better understanding of the meaning of Ramadan through our tours and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a most appropriate setting for this cultural dialogue,” said Nasser Al Reyami, Director, Tourism Standards, ADTA.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which stands as a welcoming beacon to the UAE capital, has emerged as one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular attractions in ADTA’s first international visitor survey. The mosque, named after the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is an architectural statement which combines traditional and modern Islamic designs and construction techniques with craftsmen from around the world being involved in its creation.

“The mosque has been a culturally inclusive facility since its very inception – a fitting legacy to Sheikh Zayed and his work in promoting international co-operation and understanding,” added Al Reyami.

Highlight features of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque include: seven chandeliers that together encompass over a million Swarovski crystals and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet and was hand-knotted by 1,200 weavers in Mashhad, Iran.

During Ramadan visitors can see the mosque without a tour from 9am until 11.30am. On Fridays the mosque is open to worshipers only. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately for a place of worship.

Dog Day

DOG DAY Saturday October 30th 2010: SAD is delighted to announce we will be having a SAD dog day this October. Al Ghazal golf club kindly agreed to provide the venue for this event. Dog day is a fun social event for families and dog lovers. Dogs are most welcome to attend with their owners but must be sociable and kept on a lead at all times. The current SAD dogs for adoption will be attending the event and there will be a dog show with categories to suit all types of dogs and handlers. There will be entertainment for the children (bouncy castle, face painting etc) and pet trading vendors/arts and crafts stalls for the adults to browse. The golf club will be putting on a tasty BBQ and ice cold beverages. So mark the date in your diary now!

I have to say this sounds like fun and we are having a Dog Day here in Abu Dhabi and it will be colder then so our pugs should be able to go.

Big news

We have big news here in Abu Dhabi. We just found out that we are having a baby and we just shared it with our family and friends. Life is full of surprises, but we are so happy that we get to be parents again. I am 16 weeks right now and I am due January 16, 2011 my mom's birthday. So far the baby is healthy and the doctor seems to think that this pregnancy is going really well this time around. Our life is soon to change, but we are looking forward to the new baby. We are hoping the baby waits until at least New Year's so let the count down to the new year begin.

Bu Tinah Island

Bu Tinah Island is one of the 28 official finalists for the “New7Wonders of Nature”. a campaign which will see people worldwide vote to nominate the seven most remarkable, beautiful or otherwise awe-inspiring natural locations and features on our planet. In 2011, the "New7Wonders of Nature" will be selected and announced to the world. Vote now and bring Bu Tinah Island into the final seven. It’s your opportunity to be part of history. And the future!

Off the western shores of Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, lies a unique natural treasure, wild and undisturbed by human activity: Bu Tinah Island. Bu Tinah’s thriving ecosystem forms a unique living laboratory with key significance for climate change research. An undisturbed paradise, Bu Tinah has much to teach mankind about environmental protection and survival. This distinctive natural habitat has shallow waters, seagrass beds and tall mangroves, set amid extensive coral reefs. It hosts beautiful and endangered marine life. Seabirds, including flamingos and osprey, various species of dolphins and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle live in Bu Tinah. The island’s waters host the world’s second-largest population of dugong, a large marine mammal that is threatened worldwide. Bu Tinah Island, rich in biodiversity, lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve - the region's largest marine reserve. Its protection and survival must be ensured.

There are seven reasons to vote for Bu Tinah Island:

1. Coral Reefs: Their survival, despite the harsh environment, has given researchers insight into coral reef survival elsewhere in the world in the face of global warming.

2. Natural Mangroves: They reach an average height of 5 meters and support wildlife including birds, fish and crustaceans.

3. Hawksbill Turtles: Every year, these critically endangered species arrive to Bu Tinah Island to nest.

4. Dugongs: These threatened species are often spotted swimming among the Island’s extensive seagrass meadows. They have been able to live without disturbance in a clean natural sanctuary, thanks to EAD’s management of the marine biosphere reserve.

5. Dolphins: The Indo-pacific humpback, bottlenose and common dolphins swim around the Island.

6. Ospreys: Bu Tinah Island is a major breeding site for this globally important bird.

7. Socotra Cormorants: Bu Tinah Island is a roost site for about 20,000-25,000 of these birds.

ISLAND CAMPAIGN: Bu Tinah has been shortlist for the Official New7Wonders of Nature title.

Owl

	A bird caretaker feeds an owl at a bird show held at the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort. - KT Photo by Rahul Gajjar

Su-per Mileage Vehicle

	Five engineering students from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) designed an eco-friendly vehicle, as a part of graduating project last spring 2010, to help save fuel — called the Su-per Mileage Vehicle (SMV), which is a single-seater. And, this vehicle, believe it or not, cuts 643km per gallon (3.7 litres) of fuel. They are also participating in super mileage vehicle contest in the US. - KT Photo

Paul's new ride

2005 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Edition

SpongeBob in Dubai

Stories of SpongeBob

Patchy the Pirate agrees to share his most prized treasure with the audience - his favorite stories under the sea, all about his favorite absorbent friend SpongeBob SquarePants! As Patchy regales the audience with his stories, SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward appear, reenacting these classic scenes.

SpongeBob Stories is an international cartoon show and an attraction for children and families alike this DSS.

July 22- August 7.

Dora in Dubai

Nickelodeon's Dora The Explorer's Best Friends Day opened to a huge gathering of children at Mirdif City Centre on July 6 as the international character show, part of the Dubai Summer Surprises itinerary, got off to a rousing start.

The official opening was attended by Yousif Mubarak, Chief Operations Officer of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), Mohammed Al Kamali, Acting Marketing Director of DEPE, and Yousif Al Ali, Vice President of Mirdif City Centre who welcomed the young audience before the first show began. Being held at the central galleria in Mirdif City Centre, the fun filled kids show is free for all and will run till the 21st of July.

Staged in the UAE for the first time, Dora the Explorer and her best friend Boots celebrate Best Friend’s Day by celebrating the day together for a picnic on Rainbow Rock. But first they need to find it! The exciting, educational adventure begins as Dora and Boots set off on a musical adventure with the help of the audience to find their special picnic spot using English and Spanish vocabulary. There will be no shows on Mondays.

Barney in Dubai

InterContinental Dubai Festival city will be opening its doors to Barney the friendly dinosaur in July, with a special performance at a family-themed ‘Purple Brunch’ on July 23.

The brunch, which will cost AED 150 for children and AED 75 for adults, will run from 12.30 – 4pm, and includes prizes such as ‘best dressed Barney’.

Those unfortunate enough to miss the brunch will be able to see Barney perform in a series of free live shows in the hotel lobby from July 20 – 24.

In addition to the live shows, the hotel is also running a raffle which will offer 100 lucky children the opportunity to meet Barney in person.

To enter the raffle, participants must spend AED 100 or more at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, which will earn them a purple ticket from which the winning 100 will be selected to meet Barney after the purple brunch.

For more information or to book tickets for the brunch, call 04 7011128 or email: restaurant.reservation@ichdfc.ae.

One Year in Abu Dhabi

July 6, 2009-July 6, 2010

Well, its a year already that we moved clear across the world and I have to say it has been an adventure here in the sand. How would you sum up a year well lets just say amazing. We have been to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, WV, TX and Athens, Greece. I have to say we have really traveled this year and I never thought I would be in Greece for my 30th birthday, but never the less it was amazing. From tall buildings, to sand, to animals and to the never ending roundabouts on every turn. Life is really interesting here in Abu Dhabi. Here's to another year in the sand.

4th of July

Sydney and I went to one of the malls this morning and meet one of our friends from Butterfly Preschool when she went there. Her mom got in contact with me a few months back and told me they were having twins, wow. She has another little girl Charlotte that will be 4 years old on July 14. I counted today they are 7 months apart in age. They were so cute today. They played in a play area at the mall then we had lunch. We gave a gift for the twins and you couldn't leave Charlotte out. I think she loved her gifts too.

After that we went home so Sydney could take a nap and when we picked up Paul we went to Subway and I had another sandwich from another restaurant. I have to say it was fun to spend the evening together. Then Sydney wanted to ride one of the toys in the play area so she got to ride a boat and a car. I think she had a great day. She looked really cute in her red, white and blue. She was really good today so we got her this zebra for the 4th of July, I love it when things are on sale. :)

Well, we missed spending the day with family, but we hope you had a great 4th of July.

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!

Last day of preschool

June 30, 2010 was Sydney's last day of preschool at Stepping Stones. They had pj day at school along with a birthday party as well as a shared snack. Barney and a clown paid a visit at the school as well. I think it was a big last day for everyone. I have to say we will miss Ms. Carol.

I am looking forward to spending some time with Sydney this summer and she will start back to school on September 1, 2010 at BISAD.

I can't believe our little girl is going to a big school, but I hope she likes it as well as Stepping Stones. I am looking forward to helping out where I can and going on school field trips and even reading to the students. I can't wait to join the parent group there as well.

Can't wait for school to start!!!!

Capital Gate

ANOTHER ACCOLADE FOR ABU DHABI: The gravity-defying Capital Gate is now officially the ‘World’s Furthest Leaning Man made Tower’. - The tower is really close to our villa. It is really cool to see it being built everyday. Seems like here they went to be the first of everything, which is really cool. Here are some facts about Capital Gate: Capital Gate, owned and developed by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company), has been certified as the ‘World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower,’ by Guinness World Records. The 160-metre, 35-storey Capital Gate tower has been built to lean 18 degrees westwards. When fully complete by end of this year, the tower will house the 5 Star ‘Hyatt Capital Gate’, as well as 20,000sqm of the most exclusive office space in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. I told Paul that I thought it would have a hotel in it and I was right the Hyatt. Information on the Hyatt: Hyatt Capital Gate Situated in the iconic Capital Gate tower, and occupying levels 18 – 35, Hyatt Capital Gate, is a unique 5 star hotel that is set to become a landmark on the Abu Dhabi skyline and a leading business hotel in the region. The hotel is also the very first Hyatt to be located in the UAE capital and will be operated by Hyatt Hotels Corporation, one of the world's premier hotel companies which offers travellers more than 136,000 rooms in over 735 hotels, located in 44 countries around the world. Conveniently linked to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the 189-room Hyatt Capital Gate will have a sleek contemporary design, offering guests a refined experience of contemporary luxury when it opens in late-2010. The hotel’s ‘sky lobby’ is suspended 80 metres above the ground on the 18th floor, offering panoramic views of the city. The spa and fitness centre on the 19th floor will include a swimming pool which cantilevers from the side of the building with 270- degree views of the surrounding horizon. Due to unique shape of the tower, each room in the hotel will have a different shape and orientation. A host of dining and entertainment outlets will be on offer at the hotel with a selection of international cuisines. Hyatt’s culinary expertise and creativity will be evident in every outlet, providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience. Hyatt Capital Gate benefits from direct access to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, making it ideal for incentives, product launches or corporate events. The hotel will also feature two select meeting rooms and two exclusive boardrooms available for private meetings. Could you imagine having your office in the leaning tower? I think it would be really cool. The No.1 Business Address in Abu Dhabi Imagine your office being located within a truly iconic building unlike any other on Earth. Imagine a waterfront property with stunning views over the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi Island, the Mangroves, Yas and Saadiyat Island. Turn your dream into a reality and re-locate your headquarters to Capital Gate. The benefits are immense: Your office space will be amongst the most flexible commercial space in the capital. The public areas (lobbies, elevators etc) will amaze your visitors, creating the ultimate first impression. You will be located in the focal point of an established world-class business and lifestyle destination. You will be surrounded by other commercial towers, hotels, restaurants etc. You will be as close as possible to one of the UAE’s most exclusive hotels – Hyatt Capital Gate. You will be walking distance to ADNEC and over 100 events a year; many of which will be directly related to your business. You will benefit from the massive infrastructure investment in parking and road improvement. Not to mention the development of ADNEC’s Public Transport stations, as outlined in Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision. You will be 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi City Centre / Corniche, 20 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport and 40 minutes from Jebel Ali, Dubai.

Gentoo Penguins

I have to say they look amazing. Can't wait to see them when we go to the Dubai Mall.

	Five of the three pairs of Gentoo Penguins, added to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at the Dubai Mall on Wednesday, seem in no discomfort as they glide in water. - KT photo by Kiran Prasad

Cloned camel

I didn't think I would ever hear of a cloned camel, but I guess you learn something new everyday. I have to say the camel is really cute.

	Dr. Nisar Ahmad Wani, the scientist behind the creation of the world’s first cloned camel, with cloned camel Injaz at the Camel Reproduction Centre; right, Dr Wani in the laboratory. - KT Photos by Rahul Gajjar

Sun set

I saw this photo online and thought it was just breath taking. It is cool that it was taken during the longest day of the year. I just love sun sets.

The sun sets on Tuesday, the longest day of the year, at the Sharjah Corniche. - KT photo by M. Sajjad

Dust storm

Dust storm adds to summer discomfort

(Staff Reporter)

25 June 2010,

Winds kicking up dust added to the summer discomfort on Thursday, with more dust storms predicted over the weekend.

Visibility was reduced as dust swirled in the air catching many motorists and other road users by surprise.

A dip in temperature was no consolation for residents and travel plans for the weekend were put on hold.

The National Center of Meteorology and Seismology predicted hazy weather in general, with another fall in temperature. Moderate to fresh winds would turn strong by the afternoon, according to the forecast

Winds were expected to gather speed over sea and open land areas, according to the NCMS. This would cause sand to rise and suspended dust would reduce horizontal visibility, it said.

“The sea is rough and is expected to become very rough by the evening,” the bulletin said.

The dusty conditions will persist till tomorrow and a further fall in temperature is likely. “Hazy weather in general, with another fall in temperature. The sea will turn rough to very rough,” the weather report said.

The mercury is expected to range from 35 to 42 degree Celsius along the coast, while the internal regions will be hotter at 42 to 47 degree Celsius.

35 C is 95 F

42 C is 107.6 F

47 C is 116.6 F

I have to say that is hot!!!!!!!!

Sand Sculpture

I thought this was really cool. It is hard to believe he died 1 year ago today June 25, 2009 at the age of 50.

People walk past a sand sculpture of US performer Michael Jackson created to mark the first anniversary of his death, at the Bay of Bengal coast, in Puri, Orissa state, India, Thursday, June 24, 2010. (AP Photo)

Movies

I am surprised that we get most of the movies that are shown at home.

So far I have seen:

Micheal Jackson this is it
Princess and the Frog
Shrek Forever after
Despicable Me
Tangled

Summer in Abu Dhabi

Summer in Abu Dhabi is here and they are kicking off the summer with events at local malls and with shows coming to the city. It is going to be another hot summer. These two events are coming to Abu Dhabi. I am hoping to take Sydney to them. It looks like fun.

• Big Apple Circus

• 

• Fantasy On Ice

• 

Caracals

Caracals donated to AWPR

31/05/2010

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 31 May 2010: Two caracals recently joined the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort’s (AWPR) growing family of arid land carnivores. Perhaps the last of the medium-sized cat species surviving in the UAE, the caracal is a special conservation concern of AWPR’s arid land carnivore conservation program. Caracals, widespread in Africa and parts of Asia, are also indigenous to the mountain areas of the UAE, where they are severely threatened by human persecution and habitat destruction. In February 2010, reports surfaced of caracals trapped and killed by farmers in the northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Caracal sightings, let alone killings, are very rare because of their shy nature and near extinction in the UAE. Caracals mainly inhabit dry mountain areas with small shrub-like vegetation and larger acacia trees similar to the habitats of RAK and the Hajar mountains. Caracals have a short reddish-brown coat with a white chin, throat and belly. Their ears, tipped with black fur, are pointed. Males grow to 18 kilograms and 90 centimetres in length. When gazelle, francolin and hares were plentiful and people more scarce in the mountainous areas of the UAE, caracals flourished. The pair was donated to the park by a family living in Yemen who was unable to provide proper care for the animals. “These are feisty cats. The family wanted to ensure the animals were provided with the best possible shelter and care,” said Farshid Merhdadfar, AWPR’s animal collection manager. To learn more about the caracals, visit the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort “Wild Nights’ from 4pm to 12 midnight and on Fridays from 10am to 12 midnight.

Baby Nubian Giraffe

Nubian Giraffe born at AWPR

26/05/2010

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 26 May 2010: Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (AWPR) has announced the birth of a male Giraffe and is launching a naming competition to celebrate his birth. This giraffe, also known as a Nubian Giraffe, is a threatened subspecies inhabiting Eastern Sudan and Northeast Congo. Farshid Mehrdadfar, Manager of Animal Collections at AWPR said, “Nubian giraffes have suffered a major collapse in recent years due to habitat destruction, poaching and armed conflict in their native habitat. The Nubian giraffe is an uncommon subspecies of giraffe and AWPR’s collection is among the few represented in captivity. The calf is a very welcome and important addition to our family of giraffe’s and we look forward to finding him an equally special name.” AWPR is home to more than 25 of this rare and endangered subspecies of giraffe. This birth reinforces AWPR’s continued efforts to ensure the conservation of the subspecies. AWPR is actively involved in several internationally co-ordinated conservation projects to conserve and reintroduce threatened arid land species. These include the Arabian oryx, Addax, Dama gazelle and the Scimitar-horned oryx. The juvenile Nubian giraffe is currently on display at the mixed African exhibit, and AWPR has launched a competition to name the new giraffe calf. The winning entry, chosen by 30 June, will receive an exclusive giraffe feeding experience for themselves and five guests, as well as free entrance to the park, a picnic lunch, and a souvenir plush toy from the park’s gift shop. To enter the competition, visitors should collect a form from the ticketing counter at the park entrance or visit www.awpr.ae The competition will close on 17 June. The best time to view the giraffe calf is during the evening feeding beginning at 6:15pm, when the animals are fed at the front of the exhibit near park guests. As the giraffes and other animals adjust to their summer routines, the park is open for Wild Nights from 4pm to 12 midnight and from 10am to 12midnight on Fridays.

Father's Day 2010

Father's day was on Sunday, June 20, 2010 and since it falls on a Sunday Paul had to work. We picked him up and headed to Applebees to celebrate for dinner and he was able to watch one of the FIFA world cup games at the restaurant. They had a special that if you ordered this meal combo you could do a scratch ticket to get either a Applebee's key chain, cup or soccer ball. We ended up with a soccer ball and a key chain. It is really cool since it has Applebee's name on it. Sydney got her Dad a card, colored him a picture of Dora and she helped me pick out a PlayStation 3 video game and a shirt. I got him a card too and added pictures to this cube so he can take it to work for his desk. It is cool because every side has a different photo. We called both our dads and I think they both liked there cards and the picture of Sydney we sent. We hope everyone had a Happy Father's day.

Athens, Greece

We took off on a plane for my 30th birthday on June 14 and it was still a surprise to where we were going on our way to the airport.

Finally, I learned where we were going to Athens, Greece.

We stayed 5 days, 6 nights at the Ledra Marriott. The hotel was really cool.

We toured these ruins:

Temple of Zeus
New Acropolis Museum
Parthenon
The Old Olympic Stadium
Delphi

Used local transportation including a taxi and a speed ferry.

We ate wonderful food at the Marriott for breakfast, then had Domino's Pizza, the Hard Rock Cafe' for my birthday lunch. Had some pasta and sandwiches at some local restaurants close to the hotel. I have to say we didn't go hungry.

We had a wonderful chocolate cake for my birthday, Paul ordered it from the hotel and I have to say it was really rich, but I loved it. They even included a birthday candle. Wow, my husband really knows how to throw a party.

I have to say this was the best birthday gift ever.

FIFA World Cup

FanHouse Coverage Of FIFA WORLD CUP 2010

United States

• Nickname: The Yanks
• Roster: United States 23-Man World Cup Roster
• Head Coach: Bob Bradley
• Captain: Carlos Bocanegra

Quick Facts About United States

• Group: C
• FIFA Ranking: 14

• Area: 3.7 million sq. miles
• Population: 307.2 million

World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1934, 1950, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006

The FIFA World cup is under way right now in South Africa. The USA just tied with Europe 1:1 on Saturday.

Surprise get away for Beth's birthday

Well, my wonderful husband just booked all three of us a trip from June 14- June 19 for my 30th birthday on June 16 and I have no idea where we are going. I did gave him some ideas locally, but he is such a great guy that he did the booking all on his own. I do know that it is 6 hours away and not in the UAE. I am so excited and we will be packing very soon for our trip. So June 1 let the count down begin. Here's to the best birthday ever!

BISAD

Sydney got accepted into the British International school for Sept 2010, yeah. She is off to the big school now.

She will be in school from 7:45am to 1:00pm and she as a option to have a after school program on Sundays for a hour, but we will see if she is up to it since she is still taking naps these days.

They have a parent group at the school and you can go on field trips and read in the classes and help where you can so it should be a lot of fun.

We will miss Stepping Stones, but we are looking forward to the new school.

She can eat at school or take her lunch they have a restaurant style there at the cafeteria where they bring there hot lunch to them.

We are going to a open house on June 2 to see her classroom and do activities there and meet the teachers. I am hoping Sydney will have a lot of fun that day at her new school.

I am already taking Sydney to BISAD for swimming on Saturday mornings and I am hoping that since she has already been going there it will make a easier adjustment to a new school, but meeting some new classmates should help too.

Everyone is going to be new at the open house. We plan on going for support and then Stepping Stones is having there summer concert as well so we have a busy day ahead of us, but we are looking forward to it.

Nuclear Security Summit

On April 12-13, 2010, President Obama hosted a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, to enhance international cooperation to prevent nuclear terrorism, an issue which he has identified as the most immediate and extreme threat to global security. President Obama has invited over 40 nations to participate, including the United Arab Emirates, represented by His Highness, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These nations represent a diverse set of regions and various levels of nuclear materials, energy, and expertise. The goals of the Nuclear Security Summit are to come to a common understanding of the threat posed by nuclear terrorism, to agree to effective measures to secure nuclear material, and to prevent nuclear smuggling and terrorism. The Summit will focus on the security of nuclear materials, leaving other broad topics such as nonproliferation, disarmament, and peaceful nuclear energy to different forums.

I thought it was really cool that they have the Presidents together in a photo. Our US President and the President of the UAE.

Lord of the Dance

The world's most profitable dance show is coming to Abu Dhabi June 23-25 the Lord of the Dance. Created by the famous Irish-American dancer and choreographer, Michael Flatley in 1996, the show features more than 40 dancers retelling time honored tales of Good vs Evil handed down through Irish folklore, blending tradition with the latest in theater design and pyrotechnics.

Flatley, known for his Guinness Book of Records feat of the Fastest feet in the World delivering a staggering 35 taps per second. WOW!!

Abu Dhabi Weekly Magazine

Abu Dhabi weekly puts out every Thursday a local magazine and it got voted best in its class by the BPA for magazine publisher's so this week they were so excited and since the magazine was produced 18 months ago they have published 81,659 free magazines here in Abu Dhabi. Some people didn't think they would have that much to talk about in a local magazine, but I think it is great you get to see what is happening around the area and if you are new like we were it is nice to get the inside scoop on the Capitol city. Thanks Abu Dhabi weekly.

Middle East Leading Destination

Abu Dhabi has been named the Middle East's Leading Destination. The top honor, presented at the World travel awards 2010, marked another achievement for the capital-and the first time a destination other than Dubai has received the award.

Wow way to go Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari World opening soon

It's official Ferrari World is opening up October 28, 2010, three weeks before the second Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.

Stats on the fastest roller coaster in the world Formula Rossa, it is designed to simulate the performance of Ferrari's F1 cars, accelerating from 0 to 100kph in just two seconds and reaching speeds of 240 kph. The ride is so fast that occupants are provided with protective eyewear to shield against the wind.

The park will also contain over 20 extra rides.

I have been waiting to see when they were going to open it and when I was at Yas Island a few weeks ago I couldn't believe how far they have come and so let the count down begin.

Our foster dogs

Marco was our first SAD puppy. His new forever family renamed him Shorty. I got to be apart of the adoption and see him go on adoption trail what an experience and it is so wonderful that the family that took him on adoption trail did in fact adopt him.

Jenny was our second foster puppy. Her new forever family renamed her Mia.

Hamish is our third foster puppy.


Ever since we moved into our villa I knew I wanted to foster some of the dogs with SAD and once our dogs arrived and got settled I did just that. So far we have fostered three puppy's at different times this year. Two were saluki's brother and sister Marco and Jenny. Our latest puppy is a crossbreed named Hamish. Both saluki's have found there forever homes and we are looking forward to Hamish's adoption very soon. Since we already have two dogs we don't really want to take on another dog and this is a way to help out SAD and help mold these dogs for there adopted families. The dogs are with different foster families as we try and cut costs since there is only one kennel here in Abu Dhabi and it is even better for the dogs because they get to be with people before there adopted families come along. Most of these dogs have been abandoned on the streets and by chance we have collected them or a good Samaritan turned them into SAD at the hope we could find them a forever home. We have homed more dogs then ever last year and since SAD was founded 4 years ago this past April we continue to make more SAD dogs happy.

SAD Ball

Beth and the SAD sign we really do make SAD dogs happy
Beth, Shavon and
Beth and Shavon with our Masquerade masks
Beth with her Masquerade mask

The Strays of Abu Dhabi Masquerade ball was held on April 30, 2010. The SAD ball helps raise 60% of our funds for the year. This year the ball was held at the Crown Plaza on Yas Island. We had great food and wonderful prizes and a live auction. I went with some friends and enjoyed a great night out with the girls. We raised 95,000 aed at this fundraiser. That is more than last year. Way to go SAD, we did it!!!

Internatioanl Babylost Mother's Day

May 2, 2010 is International Babylost Mother's day. Women who have lost their children come together in their own special ways to celebrate International Babylost Mother's Day, a day created by Carly Dudley to honor the never-ending bond between a babylost mother and her child.

I didn't even know they had such a day, but I am so thankful that I got to celebrate Angela today for her special mother's day. We honored Angela today by a special flower to call her very own.

We planted a red Ixora in honor of Angela today. Paul took some pictures of me planting the flower and Sydney even helped mom it was so cute. After we were done planting the flower I put the prayer shawl on and took a photo with the plant. It was a very special moment for me and after that Paul was able to put the camera on a timer and we all were able to get in the photo. I think she was smiling down on are family today during the whole planting experience. God gave us just anuff light to finish planting the flower.

Our house feels complete now that we planted something for Angela because at the other house we did too and it just seems more complete now. We will be able to see the plant everyday because it is outside our dinning room so every time we eat we will see it. I am so glad we were able to be apart of IBMD today while other moms out there shared something special to honor there child as well. We are so blessed to have had two little girls.

Angela Nicole Batey October 8, 2008-October 8, 2008

You will always be our little girl Angela and may you rest in peace until we meet again.

The Little Big Club Concert

I am taking Sydney to The Little Big Club Concert in May to see Barney, Thomas the train, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Pingu etc… Live in Concert. I must be the world's best mom because I am going to seat for a hour and a half with little kids at a concert for kids. I might need ear plugs, ha ha. She is really into Barney and I am sure it is going to make her day. She keeps wondering when we are going and I have to keep trying to explain to a 3 year old that it is not time for the concert yet. May 7, 2010 is the big day at 6pm. Wish me luck everyone I am going to need it. :)

Paul's birthday

Beautiful sand dunes
Paul sand boarding
Beth riding a 4 wheeler
Paul riding a 4 wheeler
The family riding a camel, what an amazing experience

I surprised Paul this year with a trip to Dubai where he could sand dune and sand board. We even got to ride a 4 wheeler in the sand as well, but the best part is we got to ride a camel. Sydney did really well to be in the SUV and go sand dunning. She wanted mom to hold her in her car seat because she was a little scared, but even I was a little scared as well, so we held on to each other. Paul has been wanting to sand dune ever since we got here and I thought it would be better with a tour guide since they know what they are doing. I had know idea that you let your air out of your tires before you go sand dunning and put more air back in the tires to drive on the road. I guess you learn something new everyday. We had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe in Dubai and then we took pictures of the world's tallest building, but we didn't go in because Sydney was already tired by that time so we will have to do that next time. I also got Paul a few gifts for his birthday as well. I have to say he was really surprised because he said I can't believe you would be interested in sand dunning and I said it was your birthday. I think we were both surprised and soon realized we are not as young as we used to be. So we can really remember his 32 birthday and we can say we got to try something we have never done before. It was really pretty out there to see nothing, but sand dunes and it kept going and going not a building in sight it was so nice to be out there with not a care in the world, but I am glad we went early because when we left it was already getting hot and it is not even summer yet. Until next birthday I wonder what we can do next year maybe see another country it is so cool to be in a place that you can do just about anything you can imagine.