Our journey to Abu Dhabi

Well, where to begin...I'm no writer, but several of my friends and family members have urged me to write about our journey, so here we go!

In October of 2010, Joe took a new job in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with a development company called TDIC www.tdic.ae .  After a quick visit here, Joe and I decided that this was an opportunity that we would be crazy to pass up.  We began sorting and purging...Wow, I didn't realize how much junk I had accumulated!  Joe left for Abu Dhabi on November 18.  The kids and I stayed to finalize things in Port Saint Joe, said our very sad goodbyes to dear friends, and headed to Texas, Beverly Hillbilly style!  We spent a few days in Belton with Grammie (Joe's mom) and then headed to Fort Davis where we spent Christmas with my family.  The kids had a great time in Texas, as always!  The boys each shot their first dear and were thrilled!  Thanks Tio!  We spent lots of time with Gran, Tio and Tia, Tanner and Trent, Poppi and LeeAnn, and the Whitesell clan.  It was a great Christmas!  Finally, on the 29th of December, after two more days of packing, we headed out.  Our day began with a three hour drive from Fort Davis to El Paso, where we got on our first flight, which was three hours to Chicago.  From there, we had a two and a half hour layover, and then a 14 hour flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi.  Needless to say, we were all rather exhausted upon arrival!  The kids were excellent travelers and didn't complain...they must have sensed that I NEEDED them to be on their best behavior!  After lots of hugs and kisses for Joe, we headed to our new home in Al Maqta Village.  On Friday, Dec. 31st, my birthday, Joe surprised me with a three hour spa service at Chi Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel.  What a great treat!  We also have tickets in Feb. to see one of my favorite bands, TRAIN, at the Dubai Jazzfest!  We didn't go out New Years Eve, but did visit our new grocery store, which stressed me out a bit.  I think I was just tired and overwhelmed...next time will be better!  On New Years Day, we lazed around until mid afternoon, then headed out to see some sights.  We drove all over town...I don't know if I'll ever find my way around!  We had a nice dinner at the Saadiyat Island Golf Club, a TDIC development, then headed home.  That's about it, so far.  The kids and I still haven't adjusted to the ten hour time change.  Today, Jan 2, has been a very lazy day.  Joe is at work and the kids and I haven't left the house.  The boys, at 4:30PM are still in their p.js.  Tomorrow, we plan on venturing out to Marina Mall for a movie.  I'll let you know how that goes!  We'll go by cab, as I don't have my driver's license yet.  Joe tells me this will probably take about two weeks!  Well, I could ramble on, but don't want to bore everyone!  We miss you all so much.  Please come visit!!!  I'll post pictures very soon!  Oh, and the weather is very nice right now.  It's in the mid 70's during the day and cools off nicely at night.