Does anything say Christmas like a multi-national group of children acting out the Nativity?  I just love these kids. It was so much fun to watch them.  Especially Cairo as the sheep in the stable.  What a funny costume.  And she looks kind of sleepy, like a gentle lamb.

Cairo the monkey girl.  If they plant it she will climb it.  This stunt nearly gave our security guard, Mohammed, a heart attack.  Haven't we all grown up climbing palm trees for fun?

Brad's parents with HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and  Scientific Research.  (AKA: Brad's boss) While attending a festival day at the Abu Dhabi Women's College, Brad's parents had the opportunity to meet the Sheikh.

Atlantis-Palm Dubai

When Brad and I stayed at the Atlantis a few weeks ago for our anniversary we had dinner with Sargon at the SeaFire Grill on the property.  It was fabulous.  Sargon's company supplies the beef to this amazing steak house.  The specialty is "Wyogi" beef from Australia.  The best steak you will ever taste.  (The most you'll ever pay for one too.)

THANKS UNCLE SARGON!

We joined Sargon and Co. for dinner the evening of the 26th. It gave us one more opportunity to see Ron and Sargon before they headed out to their different cities the following morning and a chance to show the resort and aquarium to Brad's parents.  It's a great place to visit.  We all agreed it's got a much friendlier, warm, laid-back vibe than the Emirates Palace.

A Photo Shoot After Church 26th December

From left to right: Ron Heinrich, Gil, Chee, Brad, Virgil, Marilyn.  Outside in our garden Christmas Eve dinner.

Doesn't everyone from Utah love a buffet?  It seems this is the easiest way to feed a crowd, that's probably why we like it.  At least there was no pushing or shoving.  We managed to behave ourselves.

The SPREAD.

Cairo loves Uncle Sargon.  She is proud to call herself "His Little Princess" (Gag)

Purple was the color of choice for this group.

Turkey Time...

The gingerbread houses..This may become a tradition, we all had fun.  I've decided we need to start earlier in December though..

Grandma making her rolls on Christmas Eve.

Christmas tree at the Emirates Palace.  

Grandpa helping Jack figure out one of his toys.

The Christmas Booty!

One of our favorite memories of Christmas in Abu Dhabi will always be the Filipinos from our church coming to sing Christmas carols at our door.  This is such a talented, energetic group of people.  They don't just sing carols, they have a few who dance while they sing and this year, two guitars.  It always helps us get into the Christmas spirit.  I wonder if they will travel to Utah next year?

Jack Gets a Remote Control Car

Grandpa John and Bobbi sent each child 100 dhs. for their Christmas gift.  Allowing the kids to pick out just what they want and eliminating the need for round-the-world posting of gifts. 

On December 26th I was finally getting some MUCH NEEDED rest, sleeping in.  Suddenly, I felt someone pulling open my eye lids, saying "Excuse me!".  Jack, he knows to say "Excuse Me" when interrupting a conversation. I guess he thought it would make waking someone up at 6:30 am a little more polite.  When I gained consciousness he said, "Mom, I want a remote control car."  Just like that.  The day after a magical Christmas, he was ordering more toys!  I was frustrated and embarrassed for obvious reasons.  Then, before I lost my cool, I remembered the money from the Logan grandparents.  I told him he could buy that and send pictures to show what he spent his money on.  Later that day Jack was the proud owner of a new remote control car and he had Grandpa Cook to share in his excitement.  Thanks Mom and Dad!