Monroe Sherwood News

Friday, March 7, 2014

Grandma & Grandpa Arrive!!!!

After nearly 30 hours of travel, Grandma Maribeth and Grandpa Ed arrived in Doha! Jon and the boys picked them up at the airport because with all of the luggage and people, we weren't sure if all of us would fit. The boys were beyond excited and couldn't wait to wrap their arms around them. We were all incredibly spoiled with hugs, kisses, and lots of Western treats, clothes, and toys!!! Jon had to take off to Germany for a conference for part of the time so that meant that #1 we missed him terribly and #2 that I was going to have to drive around this crazy place. It was insane and uber stressful but darn it, I did it. Not that I plan to do too much more of it if I don't have to, but I have proven that it can be done ;). My mom was surprisingly calm about the traffic so that was a relief. She really adapted to everything here quite quickly and quite well. She's a natural in the Middle East for sure! think everyone got to see how well the boys have adjusted and how happy they are here. Mom made it to the local market "souq" twice and I think she is still being talked about for her mean haggling skills and business sense. :). All in all, an absolutely amazing time that we will remember forever. The sweetest and saddest was when they were pulling away in their taxi and Adam confidently says to me and Jay, "First one to cry loses"...as tears start to build up in his eyes he says, "No, first one to cry wins." And promptly begins sobbing. :(. Poor guy. It is always hard to say good bye. Thank you so much for coming all this way and putting up with all if us. Mom and Dad ! We love you!!!!!

Airport Reunion

Field trip to the movie

The Persian Gulf

St. Regis Brunch

Pedicure Time

Gondola ride at Villagio

Fanar Cultural Center

Jet Lagged Grandma Time

Singing Sand Dunes

Brunch at the Torch

Flying Carpet Restaurant

Gotta Check the Ashland News

World Traveling Mom & Dad

Resting in the Amsterdam Airport

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Christmas Vacation in Thailand

It was truly a dream to be able to travel all the way to beautiful Thailand for the Christmas holiday. The even cooler part of this adventure is that we were able to meet up with our dear friends, and next door neighbors in St. Paul, Dan, Ericka, and Xochitl, who are currently living and teaching in Shanghai, China...who would have ever thought, when we moved into the neighborhood 10 years ago, we'd embark on adventures like these with our Congress Street counter parts. As usual, Xochitl, Jay, and Adam picked right up where they left off :). We started in Bangkok for a couple of nights and really enjoyed the grand palace, fantastic street food, friendly people, and moments for giving thanks. Those moments had to do with innocent children and babies out on the street at night begging for food. Needless to say, we had some good discussions and moments serious reflection.

On a lighter note, Koh Samui was gorgeous, we relaxed until the cows came home, Santa found us, kids never wanted to leave, and elephants had us all enamored. Jay and his elephant, tai kel, really seemed to have a connection and Jay never wanted to leave. We will never forget this amazing experience and are now on grandma and grandpa alert as we wait for my mom and dad to arrive on the 20th of January. Believe it or not, after 18 days off for Xmas we are at the end of term one in 10 days and will have two weeks off to fully enjoy our time with them and show them around Doha. I just hope they can handle the driving insanity and me at the wheel :)