Greetings all,
Yesterday, as planned, we went to the beach where we always go. It's a private beach, as I said, so we can swim and play in our swimsuits, without abayas until we return back to the hotel. It's lovely. The boys were so happy, playing in the sand, swimming to the island, and playing with other kids and rafts and paddle boats. A whole group of kids rented a paddle boat that they peddled around on, acting like it was a great big ferry picking up kids and then letting them leap off into the balmy, salty water. Hayden is a strong swimmer, and becoming more so, and Logan has learned an amazing style of swimming using a dolphin kick to propel forward quickly and then lift his head to grab a breath of air. He's really getting it and gaining strength and confidence. To give him a bit more security, in the ocean he uses 'water wings' on his arms, but in the pool now he does not really need them because there is always an adult pretty close by and he can swim the entire width of the pool.
David and I and another friend rented a kayak and paddled out to the reef which actually has created the sort of inlet where we swim and have the beach. At the reef, we are really IN the Red Sea. We bought new snorkel equipment and so we were able to swim around and dive down a little to see all kinds of incredibly vibrant fish in various bright colors. I think we found Nemo even! It was a stellar day, with sun, sand, 105 degree temps (typical for every day), and relaxation. The beach time was followed by the huge Marriott buffet once again - including this time sushi, apple pie with ice cream, and tacos. It's pretty amazing. Hayden was in heaven with five tacos and a chocolate ice cream sundae, including chocolate sprinkles and powdered sugar (!). Gratefully, he's an active boy!
Since we have received our resident permits, called iqamas, we can now open a bank account, which we did today. Tomorrow David is going to attempt to get his driver's license and we are going to pay for our tickets to London in September. Busy details and exciting times.
Look for more details soon. Thanks for reading!
Jennifer
Jen and David,,,we are enjoying your time as we are sure you all are ...the pics are great.....Nancy and Jim D....
ReplyDeleteHi from the Stazels!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your comments about the rules regarding Ramaden. I get the feeling that you're all very eager to get into your new home and for school to start!! Sure am glad to hear that you'll get a little vacation in London though. Considering all the traveling David did as a youngster, how incredible to have friends living all over the world and to get to see them again as you will soon in London!! In my next life, I want to live abroad as a child and experience the cultures of other countries too!!
Life here in Colorado is very busy at our house. My oldest daughter and her family moved from Connecticut to Boulder 3 weeks ago because her husband was recruited to join an advertising firm there. One forgets how stressful a move can be until you go through it again and REMEMBER!! And, when you have 2 very young children aged 1 and 4, it's all the more complicated. Nevertheless, we're thrilled to have them living so close by now!
We often share with friends your stories that we read here on your blog. Everyone is always curious about your experience so it's fun to share some of your stories with them.
Jennifer, your folks are coming over here for dinner next Monday, Labor Day, so we'll get an opportunity to catch up on more of your news, I'm sure.
Someday Hayden and Logan will appreciate what an incredible experience they had living in Saudi Arabia. Continued good luck and getting into your new home SOON!!
Judy and Steve