Meet Our Friend Pinnochio

We decided to take a horse carriage ride to give our legs a break. The name of the horse is Pinnochio! He's so obedient and the boys love him. He's 15 years old and does tours 3x's a week. The carriage ride lasted for two hours. This gave us time to actually tour each historic location. Our first stop was the Pantheon. It was built in the year 118. Its the best preserved ancient building in Rome. The Pantheon was orginally built as a temple then later converted into a church. Our next stop was the Spainsh steps. It was such a "happening" spot with lots of people. There were guys all around trying to sell roses, lasers and toys. We had such a great time just sitting on the steps and people watching. The weather was perfect. This area had the finest stores. On the way to the steps we passed quite a few fruit trees. Unfortunately, I couldn't reach 'em from the carriage. I was so tempted but knew that I would fall.

Rome: Spring Break, 2011

Day 1:  Leaving Murjan Village to catch a flight to Rome never sounded so good. It has been 15 years since Jeremy proposed to me at the Fountain of Trevi. We wanted to share the beauty of Rome with the boys. The weather was awesome and of course, "the past is always the present here in Rome." We stayed at the Westin Hotel - Excelsior right in the center of it all.  For once, I really didn't mind walking for miles and miles.

We arrived at our hotel around 11 a.m. We actually flew from Damman to Amsterdam to Rome. A total of 8 hours. We enjoyed a snack at the hotel, went upstairs to unpack and then headed out to the streets of Rome.

Update: from Saudi Arabia

As most of you know, we've been evacuated to Saudi Arabia. We've been here for a couple of days. I'm so thankful that Jeremy works for a company that cares and are concern for our safety. The unrest and uncertainty in Bahrain just shatters my heart and am in disbelief. We love this little Kingdom, the people, the culture, the school, our friends and the food! Our adventure has been nothing but the BEST! 

No one really knows what will happen in Bahrain. Now that the GCC defense is in Bahrain we hope and pray that they will restore order for the Kingdom. Luckily, the media coverage is slim compared to what is happening in Japan. It helps me put my concerns into perspective. I realize that our inconvenience is small compared to theirs. I ask that while you are praying for Japan and their people please throw in a little prayer for Bahrain.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path. Proverbs 3: 5-6



London Here We Come.......

"Arsenal Way"

Participants

Codeman

Is he saying a little prayer?

Top two Teams

May the best team win

Gregor, Qoasi, Cody and Kirin

This past weekend, Cody participated in the Arsenal 3v3 Tournament. It was such an exciting tournament. There were a total of sixteen teams that participated. Cody and his team started the tournament slow. They tied their first game 0-0. The following games they dominated. The team only gave up one goal thru out the tournament.  Each game was six minutes long. During the finals, if there was a tie it went goal to goal. (First team to score)  They ended up going goal to goal during the quarter-finals. Our team scored within the first minute advancing to the semi-final. They were up against the team that won the tournament last year. In my opinion, Cody’s team definitely dominated and deserved the big Win! The final score 1-0. Advancing to the Championship! Of course, I was a nervous wreck but excited for the team! I must say that I felt good going into the Championship! Our team was playing aggressive and they were in sync.  They started off great! This allowed our team to score the first goal within the first couple of minutes. Our defense was unbelievable! We scored another GGGOOOOALLLL to put the icing on the cake! Final score 2-0! Needless, to say we are so proud of Cody and all of his accomplishments! He played hard and totally deserves this opportunity! I am so thankful that we can be part of it! Way to go, Codeman!!

Hugs and Kisses from Bahrain

Here's a couple of pictures of our Boys! I bought a new Indian frame and needed an updated picture. Oh, how they love my photo shoots (nothing but sarcasm)!???! I keep reminding them that they'll thank me for it one of these days! I can't believe how time flies!

Sending you our Hugs and Kisses from Bahrain!

What an Awesome Game!

Cody

Sugi

John

Great Play

Intense

Stand up DOUBLE

End of Game

Okay, so here's the scene: Top of the 5th the Tigers (Cody's team) is down 5 - 7. There's a runner on 1st from a walk and no outs. The Coach calls time out to gather the infielders together. He comes up with a play where Cody (1st baseman) walks away from the mound with the ball. The pitcher (Sugi) acts like he is ready to pitch. Meanwhile, the runner gets off the base and Cody tags him OUT!!! After that Sugi strikes out the next two batters. Tigers are up to bat. Cody's on deck. Sugi gets a base hit. Cody's up to bat and hits a stand up DOUBLE!! (Sugi scores 6-7). The next batter strikes out. John our clean up batter is up and he hits a pop fly. (two outs). Cody steals 3rd. There's a runner on 3rd with two outs! The next batter count is 2 balls 2 strikes. The following pitch is wild. Cody slides into home and SCORES (to tie it up 7 - 7)! The Tigers start a rally on two. They score one other run (8 - 7). Top of the 6th: John's pitching. He walks the first batter and strikes out the second. The third batter is up and hits a pop fly to the pitcher. John barely makes the catch. Meanwhile, the runner on first ran to second so John throws it to Cody for a double play (and of course, 3 outs)! End of Game: Tigers 8 - 7 with the win. Way to go, Tigers!

Cody's First Baseball Game......Ever

Cody was selected to play a friendly game against Saudi's baseball team! The league selected three players from each team to create a Bahrain team. I think I was more excited than Cody. For a player that has never played baseball before he has done very well. His Coach couldn't believe that this was his first time playing. He did a wonderful job playing first base. He went 3 for 3 at bat. The team came short of winning. However, this was the first time they had ever played together as a team. Saudi's team is very good and have played together for a while. I'm excited to see how well he does for his regular baseball season. Jeremy thought he was going to watch the game from the stands. But Coach Chris asked if he could help Coach. He did a great job coaching first base. Devin and I had fun watching and cheering!

Way to go, BAHRAIN!!