Vistors!

It's officially Visit Dubai Month!  After only having one visitor last year (thanks, Pops), we were pumped when we found out my mom, Carolyn, Andy and Jerry were all visiting this fall.  My mom and Carolyn visited over Thanksgiving break, and our first stop was Oman.  After the trip to Muscat last year with my teacherfriends, I knew Oman was beautiful, but the Musandam Peninsula is really REALLY beautiful.  

The drive to Musandam, not too shabby.

MOUNTAINS!

Our lovely guide for the mountain safari.

Cute little village on the tippity top.

It was surprisingly cold.

Carolyn, Ma, me, Casey

Our second day in Oman was spent on a dhow cruise.  Oman has stunning fjords, gorgeous water, millions of wandering goats and even dolphins!  Who knew?

This brave dude dove for this sea urchin.

Mama enjoying the dhow cruise.

Time to return to Dubai :(

Even though Oman is only a few hours away from Dubai, it's completely different in the best way.  It would be like going from Texas to New York, only in a really nice, happy, relaxing sort of way.  The people are friendly and incredibly hospitable, and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous.

Sadly, I didn't take anymore pictures of my mom's stay after Oman.  I don't know what I was thinking.  We had a lovely time, toured all the important Dubai sights and planned our first Christmas back in America next year.  Oman was definitely the highlight of the trip for me, and I'm glad my mom got to experience more of the Middle Eastern culture while she was here.  Carolyn spent all of her free time looking for teaching jobs in Dubai :)

Two weeks after my mom and Carolyn left, Casey's dad and brother arrived - yay!  Andy lives in Taiwan, so I've only seen him for a total of maybe 7 days before this trip.  It was lovely getting to know him and seeing Casey's dad again.  We sucked at taking pictures again, but at least we got a few goodies.

Brothers :)

Selfie on a camel :)

Riding camels never gets old, especially at Al Sahra Desert Resort.  They love their camels like children.  Spoiled camels = happy camels.

Big Mama asked me to take lots of pictures of her boys since she doesn't get to see them in the same place very often.  I failed her, but got a few good ones at least.  

The handsome Casler studs at our best dinner of the trip.

Cheeky brothers.

Smiley brothers.

Brothers and their dad.

Andy and Jerry - don't they have great smiles?

Our only group photo at my favorite place in Dubai, the Madinat.

When we dropped Andy off at the airport last night, I thought I was going to cry.  He and Casey have such a nice relationship it was sad to see him go.  We drop Casey's dad off tonight, and then Jessica and Caitlyn arrive the day we get back from Sri Lanka.  Having visitors is so much fun and definitely helps us pass the time 'til Denver.  Anyone else want to visit?? :)