Visitors!

Don't worry, Nick made it back safe and sound from Saudi Arabia, without even a lash. We've just been busy because we had our first visitors. Nick's parents came halfway around the world from Utah. They were here for ten days and we did lots with them, after they got over the 11 hour time difference. The kids were happy to have Grandma and Grandpa around, especially because they brought with them many Christmas presents. We did lots of eating, shopping, exploring and even went on a desert safari, which, for all those of you out there who are planning to visit us (I know there are tons!), this is a must do. A guy named Sunil (who was an awesome driver) came to our house and picked us all up. We drove about half an hour into the desert. We drove up, over and down all the sand dunes. They call it a roller coster through the sand and it really was. It was amazing the car didn't roll. It felt like it was going to about 20 times. After the safari, they took us to a little camp where they had camel rides (yes, I finally got my 3 wisemen on a camel picture! We'll post it on Christmas day - be waiting), sand boarding, henna tattoos, pictures in traditional dress, an Arabic barbeque and to top it all off, a belly dancer. Then, we got back in the car and Sunil (who, fyi, happened to double as the bartender at the dinner) took us home. Here are some pictures:

Our drive in the desert.

The car in front of us got stuck. You could tell this has happend before - they towed it out in about 30 seconds.

Bret and Cole playing in the sand.

Drew in the sand.

The camp

Bret sandboarding.

Cole getting a henna tattoo - don't worry Mom, they're not permanent.

And finally, Nick and I in the traditional Emirati dress. I'm wearing an abaya (the dress) and a hijab (the head scarf). Nick is wearing a dishdasha (the robe) and we can't remember the name of the head piece, it's something very "throaty."