The Qatar Masters

You can't beat getting to go to the Masters and watching/following the pros...for FREE! Matt followed everyday that his schedule permitted and Ella and I went with him on a weekend.  I never thought I would enjoy following around golfers - but - it was actually fun.  We decided to follow John Daly who actually lives over where Matt coached years ago and where Ella was born in Arkansas.  With him was Sergio Garcia which was very appealing to Mommy! :) (insert whistle!) Ella started the day getting a ball tossed to her by ____(forgot his name)'s caddy saying "Here ya go, little bugga" which made her day.  She had no idea what was to come. Neither did we for that matter!  Later in the day, she got worn out and we left Matt to go find some food and to take part in the games.  When we returned to Matt and Sergio, Sergio himself handed her a ball. We were in disbelief!  She was so happy! Then on the last day, Matt picked Ella up from school (she always finished about 1 1/2 hour before me) and took her back.  They were able to get Ella a pic WITH Sergio and he even gave her a kiss on the cheek!  That is when the crush on Sergio started! :)  Can't say I blame her! :)

Sports Day At Newton International School

I started a job (wasn't there too long) teaching at Newton International School (Ella's school) but taught preschool. This was the polar opposite of teaching High School although I was teaching a foreign language to some - English! I taught the sweetest, cutest little 3 year olds from all over the world.  I was teaching from the British curriculum (British private school) which was a challenge since some knew little English.  I made some great friendships, fun days and exhausting days! We only stayed through that term and then Ella and I headed back home to the U.S. for good.  Although I didn't stay long, it was still a neat experience and one in which both Ella and I made some lifelong friends.  These pics are from Sports Day which was a big event for the school that we were bused over to a stadium for the day to take part in athletic competitions. It was fun...but exhausting! I got to experience coaching...if you can call it that...by trying to get these tiny little 3 year olds to take part and do each activity. The kids in Year 1 (Ella's grade) were divided into groups that were put into preschool and reception classes to help.  Unfortunately she wasn't put with my class. But that explains why she looks like a giant next to the other kids.  She is about 2 years older than them! :) Matt came and took pictures.  Thank goodness b/c I missed all of Ella's activities while working on my little kids' activities. Turned out to be a fun day. The next to last pic is so sweet of Ella hugging her best friend - Aisha. The last pic is of Ella with her teacher Mr. Portworth that she had a crush on. :)

New Years spent with friends!

Matt and I had a night out thanks to babysitter Mima Dee.  We went out with Becky and Scott and had a great time.  Pictures are on other computer but will get them on as soon as possible!

Fun While Traveling

Matt had a work trip to South Padre Island after the New Year and due to some weather issues and ticket black out days, we were still in the U.S. so we tagged along with him down to Texas.  We had a lot of fun on our family road trip even though we drove through some blizzards along the way. When we got down to South Texas we were excited that the temperature was moving right up.  Then we were SO excited when we saw our ocean front hotel suite...more like apartment! Then the next morning when we had planned to hit the beach...it started pouring and got cold! Disappointing! So with Matt working, Ella and I hung out and watched movies, painted nails, played Barbies and then took one day to explore.  We went to a Sea Turtle Rescue center and to a huge (very touristy) Sea Shell Store.  More sea shells than we had ever seen! Then that night we joined Matt at the Slam Dunk contest.  Then we headed back up to Houston and made the LONG (15 hours) trip back to Doha. But this time we rode as a family, which was nice.
(pictures coming soon - on other computer in Qatar)

Home for the Holidays

We spent a few days at Mima Dee's and then headed up for the day to Aunt Amanda's.  Here are some pics from those days. (coming soon...pics on other computer)

Age is Just a Number - Bisa is Proof!

I've never met anyone who proves the saying "Age is just a number" more than my Grandma! She works out daily (Grandpa too! :) and enjoys taking trips to Tunica to hit the machines and on cruises to see the world.  She isn't slowing down one bit so matter if she is 81! It is just a number!  Hope to be just like Bisa when I grow up! :)  Happy Birthday Grandma/Bisa! We love you!

Our Last Christmas as a family

We made it home for the holidays, at different times, but had a nice holiday together. We made it to Mommy and Daddy's families and Santa even found Ella. This ended up being our last Christmas as a family. At least it was a nice one. These are some nice pics of us still in Qatar. We are at the Doha Mums Christmas party and just hanging out at the Pearl which is a beautiful place.