Easter Bunny....

The Easter bunny comes a little early in the Middle East since most people have to work on Sunday's.  This year, Jacob's Easter bunny brought a very special surprise!

Baby Sperling #2 Coming November 1, 2014

USA- Houston pt 1

Last year, Micah was told he was going to get to attend a conference in New Orleans during April for work.  After much debate, we decided that Jacob and I would go back to the USA with him to get in some family time.  Qatar airways ended up having a great sale so we decided to hop on it and book our tickets.  And then, the company decided that maybe Micah didn't need to go to the conference after all.... Again after much debate, we decided that Jacob and I would still return to the USA for a visit.

Jacob and I landed in Houston March 11 and proceeded to spend a week and a half in Houston before making any trips north.  When we arrived, my niece and nephew, Bailey and Coleton, were spending the end of their Spring Break time with my parents.  It was fun to get to see them for a couple of days before they headed back to Dallas.  They both grow so much between every visit.  I was a little (or maybe a lot) jet-lagged during this time so sadly I didn't take any pictures.

On Sunday, we were able to pick up my niece Madasin to come spend some time at my parents with us.  This was the first time we have been able to spend that much consolidated time with Maddi and it was fun to be just with her.  Mom really wanted to do something fun with both Jake and Maddi so we decided to take them to the Houston Children's Museum.  We attempted to stay together at the museum but the stuff that Jake was interested in was too little for Maddi so we ended up splitting up and then meeting back for lunch.  It was a fun day and Jake was worn out from all the playing. 

Since the Children's Museum is part of the way south to Clear Lake, I decided this would be a good day to go visit friends.  Luckily it worked out for them too.  Jacob and I were able to visit the Harris' for the afternoon before heading over to the Carpenter's for dinner.  It had been a long time since I've seen the Harris' so it was really nice to catch up and hang out.  Susie had just started back to work after her maternity leave so we decided it would be easier if I just picked up dinner and ate at their house.  It was a nice, low-key evening full of catching up and holding babies!  Once again, I only took a picture with Emerson but I did get to hold Easton too.

The rest of the week Jacob and I spent hanging out with my parents and getting ready to make our way north.  Next up, girls weekend and visit with the Perry's.  

Family Pictures

We found a wonderful photographer here in Doha, http://lindsaykirkcaldy.com, to take some family pictures.   Jacob of course decided not to nap on this day and wasn't in the best of moods but we were still able to get some great pictures.  Lindsay was great and patient to follow us around and do our best to get smiles out of Jacob. I love that the background is the Doha skyline.  It will be great for memories one day. 

Doha Lately: Feb/early March

One of the things I've enjoyed most about living in Doha is that Micah and I get to play softball together.  Every Saturday night we get to go out and play a fun, semi-competitive game.  A sweet high school girl on the compound babysits Jake while we go play so it's sorta like a "date night". We have been playing since October and it will end at the end of March.  Since Jacob and I head back to the USA tomorrow, this week was my last game.  We appreciate the "Rough Riders" letting us join their team.  For the most part, Micah has played short-stop and I have played Right Center field.  I am NOT an outfielder but the coach insisted he needed me out there so I did my best to be an outfielder.  We had a fun season and hope to get to play again.

The weather here has been perfect so we have spent lots of time together at various parks.  This past Saturday we decided to go as a family to the Museum of Islamic Art Park.  It was a fun morning playing together.  However, it's amazing how hot the playground equipment already was and it is only early March!

I forgot to mention in Micah's birthday post that we decided to watch Star Wars together as a family.  I use this pretty loosely since Jake watched the opening credits and then basically played around the living room while we watched.  But Jacob was sporting his awesome Star Wars pjs.

Jacob and I have still been going to My Gym.  This kid definitely knows what he wants and when he wants it.  He is NOT a fan of being told what to do when which has made My Gym a challenging activity.  I keep doing it because I know that these are skills he needs to learn even if it's tough on me. Plus, once he gets over having to wait his turn or sing in a circle he really does have fun!

Personally, I've been busy with Bible study, Mom's group, and hanging out with friends.  I've decided to start doing things with the American Women's Association so Dawn and I decided to go to the tour of the Omani Souq.  This is basically just a rougher, more true to form souq and not touristy area.  They sold a RANDOM assortment of items from plants, to home items like brooms, to cheap furniture, to shisha.  It was an area I have wanted to explore but was too nervous to do on my own.  We had a fun morning and I hope to do more things with the AWA when I return.

Now it's time to finish packing for Jacob and I's trip to the USA tomorrow morning!  Prayers appreciated for the 16 hour flight.