Jason and Kim: Twice in one year!

We were so thrilled to host Jake's very, very good friend, Jason, and his wife, Kim, for a few days.  They graciously let us stay at their house in the Bay Area this summer (which is no small offer as we are a large family of six!) so we were glad to not only get to return the favor but also spend more time with these dear friends.

We're all jealous as Jason earned an eight week sabbatical from his work.  He and Kim traveled through Turkey for three weeks before spending a week in the UAE.  They spent a couple of days in Dubai, headed out to our favorite desert resort at the Qasr al Sarab and then joined us for a few days in Abu Dhabi.

After a month of non-stop travel, I think they were ready for a slightly slower pace.  They shopped for souvenirs for nieces and nephews and visited the famous Emirates Palace hotel.  We then headed out for a grown-up night out at our favorite Indian restaurant.  The next day the kids had school but Jake took off so we hit the golf course as Jason is a big golfer.  Usually there is a nice breeze at the Saadiyat Beach golf course where we play but that day was pretty still and pretty warm!  We still had lots of fun and even saw some gazelles out on the course.

We also managed a trip to our beach club with a dinner out on the beach with the girls and took a nice sunset boat ride along the Corniche and were able to enjoy the pretty city views.  I am continually amazed at how much the skyline has changed in just the short time we have been here.  When Jake and I came to visit in January 2010, his work was the tallest building in town.  I bet there are 20 taller buildings now.

The girls also loved seeing Jason and Kim.  Kim loves board games and dived right in and played several with the girls.  Jason loves to rough house and the girls couldn't get enough of playing tag, chase and pushing each other into the pool.

Thanks for coming and seeing us, Jason and Kim.  We loved spending time with you both so much.  

The girls made a welcome sign for Kim and Jason - and it included
 a quick "We miss Bandon" as the girls loved getting to know
their beautiful dog this summer.

Kim and I wrapping up a round of golf - they were brave to
weather the October UAE heat.

Enjoying the sunset and the skyline.  All of the buildings that stick
out above the lower line of buildings are new since we moved here.

Windblown on the boat

Jason and Kim with our girls

A family shot!  We're all six there!

About 15 new high rises on this edge of the city.

   

The small building on the left if Jake's work - used to be the
tallest and now it is quite dwarfed by its new neighbor

Another shot of Jake's work on the left

Anna at our pool bossing Jason around a bit

Kim and Jason's dog (Bandon) loved Jane's giant stuffed dog (Sydney)
this summer.  They are now introducing Kim to Sydney's new
puppy (Flower).