Into the Wadi

This was part two of our trip to the desert, a visit to the wadi (that had just recently received lots of rain--adding a whole new level of challenge and fun to our trip =)).

My man in action. =)  This area was actually used for a cliff diving event at one point (but from a platform higher up).

 Still it was a pretty good distance, more than I needed to try out at that point in our trip (I climbed a waterfall (crazy!) and jumped from another ledge later) all with Husband Dear cheering me on.  He likes to remind me of my adventurous side. =)

Part of our hike included walking on/along/in the irrigation system that has been used here for hundreds of years.

The views were incredible and far beyond any pictures I can take; the hike was challenging and rewarding and a good time was had by all. =)  Can't wait to do it again sometime!

Desert

Husband Dear is channeling Duck Dynasty..."Desert Style."

 We had a chance to take a trip as a family out to the desert before the weather warms up too much and I had the opportunity to go dune bashing!  Of course we added in some educational aspects--constellations, animal tracks, patterns in nature.  And I actually saw a shooting star!

The sand is beautiful here, but extremely hard to climb--gives you a whole new perspective about crossing any distance of it on foot!  The Dune Bashing was fun, until the end when we went down this crazy tall dune and I looked out and realized how "vertical" we were sliding down the sand...
I was hanging on to the seat with all my might, so no pictures of this part of the experience, you'll just have to take my word for it--or come see for yourself! =)

Recap on January

It would be an understatement to say that January was busy...but I did manage to capture a few pieces of it with my camera.

 The long 10 chain (or the cube of 10) took every rug/quilt we have, but the eldest two had fun. =)

 A creative spin on recycling:  rag rug making.  I think the favorite part thus far has been the creating of the "rags."  Who knew tearing denim could be so much fun!

 Getting started on the rug...

 Making a galaxy...I will credit myself with a little bit of creativity on this one.  It was supposed to be an art project with glitter and paint to make stars and nebulae, but I couldn't find glitter in this country, crazy considering how many sparkly dresses I see here...but I digress.  So, what I did have was chocolate and SPRINKLES. =)

 We all had fun making different galaxy shapes...although to be honest, I think we were just aiming to put the most stars (SPRINKLES) possible in the chocolate, but oh well.

 Eldest son's galaxy quickly disappears into the black hole between his front teeth...

 My hazel eyed girl.

 I told Imp to smile and this is what we got...

 Showed her her funny picture, we all laughed and this is take two.

 Ahem, Momma's galaxy included tiramisu. =)  But don't tell the plus 3! ;)  Husband dear and I had a date night in with these beauties--I found the "deconstructed tiramisu" here (and it happens to be gluten free if that interests anyone):
http://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/2012/02/tiramisu-chocolate-cups-low-carb-and-gluten-free.html

 Imp's work.

 We studied parts of the seed and then sprouted some of our own.

Hopefully, these sunflower seeds will grow and bloom before it gets too hot here.

 This moment was precious.  The Plus 3 made a carnival of sorts, with games for us to play, including musical chairs (thank you Mimi and Grandpa =)). This was a picture of the "Magic Show" part, where Eldest son with the help of his assistant, Imp, made one of his stuffed animals disappear.

We studied Europe and also a little bit about Impressionism and Renoir and Monet.  Here's our take on it.

 Imp plays catapult math, which I borrowed from this site:
http://deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com/2013/07/catapult-addition-diy-math-game.html

The henna adds a nice touch I think. =)

Our catapult "buttons" are extras that have been liberated from the chair cushions, waste not...

Hope you enjoy our recap of a very whirlwind January!