and now April time

around the home front w/o a live-in nanny and kids update:

tried several housekeepers, after about 3, I finally found one that I like, only problem is he's really busy so the only time he can fit me is 1:30, which means kids go down for their nap a little later those days and I really can't unwind while they're napping b/c of the noise, etc., but atleast he's a good one. I have him on Saturday and Tuesday for 3 hours. I'm having to do all the laundry, really shouldn't complain since that's what I would be doing in the States and a lot of clean up and picking up after kids. Because of this, I've started the kids to help me clean up. They do well when they want to, atleast it's a little bit. Now the rule is they have to pick up their toys before we can go on playdates/school or if we're leaving the house. It also helps that Molly and Redford chews their toy if they leave it out and I show it to them so they know what happens when their toys are not put away.

Also I've started doing time out, it's a corner by the door to the garage. If anyone has a tantum or meltdown, they go to the corner. It's mostly been Skyler, I guess she's showing me her terrible two's, I can just imagine what terrible three's will be like! They have also learned how to open the fridges and "seek" out their food. I literally have to hide the extra yogurts or whatever extra we have so they can finish the ones I want them to. Now they have a shelf where I put their water and milk so they can go get it when they want it. I like this independence but at the same time, lots of messes...there's a spilled something daily.

We were hiring a babysitter, Mrs. Beth to come to the house after the kids go to bed so we could grocery shop. Then Dan wanted to do it by himself b/c the kids have been waking up sometimes, 1 hour after we put them down calling out for water or tuck ins, maybe their blankets came off or they couldn't find their lovies...anyhow when he goes by himself at night, it takes him 3 hours or so...he says it's b/c the fruits and veggies are not as fresh so he spends more time picking out the good ones. I had to nipped that in the bud a) he was so tired when he comes home and he has to go to work next day and b) I'm tired too, cuz I have to put the groceries away, it ends up being a way too late night for us...now he does it after work and comes home before dinner time. It's almost better this way b/c he aims to get out of the store before prayer time! And he's getting really good at picking out fruits and veggies- something I never thought would happen!

On the days kids go to school, I jog w/the doggies in the desert...one morning, it was a bad start for us. Only 10 minutes into my jog and Redford got attacked by two stray dogs, ones we've seen before out there. Molly came back to me when I called her name, Redford didn't and since he's an alpha dog, he stood his ground and of course got bitten by them. After realizing he was beaten he walked back towards me. I felt so bad for him...I couldn't pick him up so we all walked home. He had a big cut on his side and thank goodness blood was not gushing out. I called the vet and they saw me right away. Vet said this was not the first case he's seen, he thinks those stray dogs had pupppies and are out protecting them. Nonetheless, he made sure the other puncture marks were only on the surface and didn't damage any muscle nerves...800 SR/ $214 US later, Redford was all stitched up and ready to go home. He had to wear the collar thing for 1 1/2 week which made it difficult for him to eat his food and drink water w/o making a mess. Dan and sometimes Skyler would hand feed him his food, pretty cute on Skyler's part.

what mommy and daddy did:

tried an amazing Thai restaurant in Al Khobar! Took the advice of Mike, Caroline's hubby to try this place out. Of course it was crazy getting there, since it was in downtown Khobar w/it's one way streets. Ambience was not so great, let's just say seeing the bathroom as the main thing before you eat doesn't make for an appealing sit down dinner w/your hubby on date night, but atleast it was one of the best Thai food I've had in a long time.

Dan had his 1st BNO (boys night out) in Bahrain. He and Clay went w/John for John's birthday. They all left after work and had a great male bonding time doing what guys love to do: drink, eat, relax and of course talk about their wife and kids. They came home around midnight. I'm glad he got to do this, especially with how the kids have been treating him on the weekends. Everyone wants his attention and they all cling to him...it's been really difficult for him when we're out, but he's such an amazing dad to try to accommodate all their needs. These kids are very lucky!!!

While they did that, Ana and I took the kids to Bee's for girls night in and Bee ordered yummy Thai food (different place than the one I went w/Dan...still delish)! We had a great time chatting about our guys, kids, and life, etc.

I was also invited to watch the Royal Wedding, Prince William to Kate at one of the playgroup's mommy house. We ended up putting the kids to nap earlier so I could sneak out...made it back and they were still napping. Then waited for them to wake up so we could take them to Aidan's 4th birthday party at the Snack Bar (Caroline's kid).

what went by this month:

Spring Break time! Schools were out for 3 weeks so I spent quite a bit of time w/Ana and her kids since both of hers were home. We got to know each other better and I'm really glad we became friends.

Also had Tina over before she left for the States. Kids got to play w/Ismi one last time before they'll see him in a few months. We've become really good friends. I'm really glad I met these wonderful ladies who have become dear friends to me and our family.

Our 1st family trip to Bahrain. We went w/Ana and Bee's family. Caroline's family went to London for Spring Break. The ride there was not so good, Skyler had serious tantrums, not sure what was bothering her, but we pretty much had to listened to her cry and whine the entire ride there. Dan even had to hold her hand while driving a few times. Our first stop was the mall to a waterpark called Wahoo. Wasn't so sure how they would do, but it turned out fine. At one point, Bee and John even watched the kids for us so we could sneak off to the big water slides. Dan and I felt like little kids hiding from our kids, but it was really cool to do these fun things with your hubby! We headed to Fuddrucker's for lunch afterwards- table for 16 please! Then did some mall shopping before heading to a restaurant called Trader Vic's, it's located inside the posh Ritz Carlton. It was only us and Bee's family at this time, Ana's family went to visit one of their friends who lives here. They have their own private beach and kids got to play on it and watch the fish pond, while the parents had some refreshing beverages. To cap the evening off, we headed to a grocery store and bought a bunch of the forbidden meat!!! Never spent over a $100 US dolllars on meat before, but boy was it worth it the next morning! We had some DELISH bacon w/our breakfast! :-) Then porkchops, then apple/pork sausages the next few nights for dinner, omgosh, it was DELISH after not having it for so long! We've been having bacon every weekend and I think it's time to make another trip as our stock is running low. One day during the week, I even called Dan to let him know I was cooking bacon for the kids and I...don't know why, just felt wierd to be eating it w/o him...like I was getting his blessing or something...only in KSA do I feel the need to do this! Anyways I just went on a tangent about pork...back to that night, kids slept on the way back and we just slided them sraight into bed. What a long, fun and exhausting day that was!

We also ended up going to Rastanura Beach w/both families and then having dinner at Applebee's w/the Lowrey afterwards.

We've become good friends with these families and the kids love to hang out w/their kids. It's really cute the way these guys know everyone's names and constantly ask where they are and what they're doing. Almost daily I have to answer questions about their whereabouts...it's pretty funny!

Kids were sick while Dan was still in Singapore, took them to the doctor all by myself one morning when boys woke up w/major fever...they ended up having ear infections and stayed home from school/playdates for a week. They actually did really well with me at the hospital...I had to carry Tobin while Hudson and Skyler held each other's hand and my other hand. I think when it comes down to it, they know there's just me and they really do their best to listen.

Also while Dan was in Singapore, Caroline let me borrow Harley, her nanny since they were in London. Harley was able to help me out on a Friday when there are no school or playdates and I needed to take them to the park. We tried taking them to the Kings road park but they didn't warm up to her so we left. Loaded everyone back in the car and tried the elementary school park. For some reason, they were OK there so we stayed for a couple hours. I like this park too b/c it's covered and they have an area for the little ones. Came back home and Harley was really good watching them, gave me some time to do some things in the kitchen.

We also went to Hallel's 4th birthday (Ana's kid) this month. It was at the swimming pool so I don't have any pictures. It's very hard to take the camera out when I'm contantly worried that someone will fall in the pool, I can't wait til they can take swim lessons...have to wait til they're 3.

Still continuing w/our Sunday, Wednesday playdates and doing one on one playdate. I've noticing more that even though we go on playdates, most of the time they still just play with each other, I guess that's just the way it is until they get older.

Pictures of the month:

Our Bahrain trip, outside Wahoo water park. The water park is next to a mall and the entrance is in the mall. Everyone trying to fit on the surf board.

Kids in their strollers with Ana and Selah.

Josh and Hallel

Kids and their train set. Thanks Aunt Carol for their awesome Christmas gift, they love it!!! We debated about getting them a train table or Dan making one...but in the end this coffee table works perfectly. Besides we don't have anymore room for another big toy and does Dan really have time to do this????

These next 3 pictures are reversed. Hudson was the first to pose w/these animals...then Skyler then all three of them.

Rastanura Beach w/Ana and Bee's family one weekend.

Dan and Hudson

Skyler and Tobin

Bee, Me and Ana. Logan peeking behind the umbrella. I think Josh, Ana's boy took this picture- not bad for a 6 yr old kid.

one of the many huts on the beach

Daddies hanging out w/the kiddos

our crew

one day, kids were bored so we moved the Kangaroo Climber out of the way and Dan set up the train tracks on the play mat...kids couldn't get enough of this!

Hudson

They wanted a turn in the "circle" track. Tobin

Skyler

Hudson

Tobin and Skyler

They've been lining things up as "caboose" on a train. Did this one evening, they kept playing even when it got dark...we didn't care, wanted to soak up as much outside time as possible before the heat hits...as I'm blogging about this a month later, it's been in the 100-108 degrees.
Boys taking a break for mommy to take a picture: Tobin, Hudson. Man aren't they handsome?

Tobin, I couldn't resist! :0)

Here they are doing it inside the house, and of course they decided to take off there shirts too.

Aidan's birthday party. Caroline ordered McDonald's Happy Meals for the kiddos and had the McDonald's team come out to do face painting and games.

Need to see next picture...he was fine until Barney's friend gave him a hug. Note to self, maybe not ready for Chucky Cheese this summer, we'll see.

Hudson was the only one who wanted to follow the "purple" fellow. We were calling him Barney's friend. The other two were scared of him.

Tobin was in his clingy mode, didn't want his face painted.

Hudson and Skyler's 1st face paintings!

More home pictures, come to realize most of these pictures are from home...it's so much easier to bust out the camera at home. I guess it's because I know they can't go anywhere! :-)

Daddy time!

Brotherly Love! I'm one lucky mommy!