Many forms of Entertainment

While we're here, we're attempting to have some kind of fun.  However, it is sooooooooo HOT here (again, not complaining just stating a fact) that I'm searching for creative ways for Gavin to have some form of entertainment.  Since our TV wasn't hooked up, Gavin wasn't able to watch cartoons, so one morning for breakfast I got on PBS.org and found Gavin's favorite cartoon, Dinosaur Train online so he could have something from home.  He loved it as you can tell. 

We sent over a few of Gavin's toys, but I think he's already bored with them so he'd rather play with his toy hamper.  At least it brought some excitement for him.  

Stephanie, Cherie, her little boy, and Gavin and I decided to brave ourselves and we headed out to Khobar yesterday, in the middle of Ramadan.  Our first stop was a mega grocery store called LuLu's.  To my family-- I didn't know if you'd believe me or not so I took a picture of the store's sign.  

As soon as we got there, we found some grocery carts that had cars attached to them.  We knew we were going to be spending a lot of time in the store, and we were very concerned with keeping Gavin and Tucker entertained so these worked GREAT.  Since they are under the age of 10 they were allowed to eat in public, but we still kept their snacking discreet.  Since I'm pregnant, I am allowed to eat too, but I was very nervous so I would take VERY small bites of a granola bar while pretending I was covering my mouth to cough-- how pathetic is that??  Anyways, Gavin and Tucker had a grand ole' time in their shopping carts and would honk their horns, call out to each other, and give high fives when they passed each other.  

On a side note-- I found goldfish, stuffed tortellini pasta, and nestle toll house cookies.  I was VERY excited after that trip.  I'm still searching for dryer sheets, sunscreen, and swim diapers though.    

After our grocery shopping trip, we had a few minutes before prayer time (which stores close during prayer time), so we rushed to IKEA- yes, there is an IKEA.  The beauty of US stores (and some local stores), if you are in the store before prayer time is called, you are allowed to stay in the store and shop, however you have to wait until prayer time is over to check out.  We were searching for a few items and ran across these CUTE, CUTE, CUTE kiddie size shopping carts.  Gavin and Tucker went to town with these buggies.  The best part about these carts was the long handle (you can see it in the pic) that is used for the adult to grab on to when your child is about to run right into a LARGE display of glass vases.  

Gavin and Tucker raced each other through the aisles.  

I've been asked a lot of times by family and friends at home if I've worn my abaya since I've been here and yes, I have.  I wear it every time we go out of the compound.  It hasn't been that big of a deal. I try very hard not to trip on it and Gavin likes the way it feels so he rubs it between his fingers.  Here's a picture of me walking through IKEA wearing it.  It's not the best pic of showing me wearing it, but you get the picture.  

Gavin and Tucker are having a lot of fun.  They play great together, chase each other, and goof off a lot.   I'm grateful Gavin has a buddy to hangout with.  Last night, Tucker and his mommy came over for dinner while our husbands went to an Iftar Party (where Muslims celebrating Ramadan get to eat their first meal at dusk time).  We gave the boys spaghetti, hence the no shirt zone, but there wasn't much eating going on, but a whole lot of playing!  As you can see, they were being very silly!