Qatar

Although our final destination was Nepal it just so happened that we had more than a 24 hour layover in Doha, Qatar.  The airline (Qatar Airways) put us in the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in.  It was HEAVEN since we had just ended a 13 hour flight.  Let me describe Qatar in one sentence...A cleaned up Las Vegas on steroids with people in robes.  Majority of the people we saw were all in white robes including airport security.  Very conservative people and very friendly.

We ended up going to their mall the night we arrived.  It was everything we have in our malls here and more.  Sephora, The Body Shop, their market even had Tilamook cheese!  We were completely spoiled in Qatar when you stop and think about where we were headed.  The next day in just a 4 hour our flight we entered a land that was very different.  We had no idea we were about to enter the land of Squatty Potties!  I had imagined what Katmandu, Nepal (the capitol) would be like but my imagination was nothing close to what it was.  Very grateful I experienced it together with Daryl.

Qatar skyline

Our flight from Chicago to Qatar

The meals were delicious.  Daryl and I had a row to ourselves and watched A LOT of movies

What we were greeted by when we walked into our hotel.  He was serving dates and tea.

stairway in our hotel

back of hotel where we watched the sunrise

yes robes, robes, and more robes.  This was the most common outfit worn.

Trying on dresses.  They were around $400.00!

The mall

Watching the sunrise

With our best travel companions Jake and Marie

Seeing the sun on the other side of the world

Local market in Doha

Jake was loving the birds.  The bird even licked his ear!

Daryl and our parrot friend

Keeping my distance...

Marie and I with our head scarfs

Loved this alley way behind me

Believe it or not this man was the guy in the picture behind him years ago

shopping at the market

My favorite picture we took in Doha.  This sign about sums up Qatar!

Disneyland

"Happiest place on earth"

We surprised our girls last Saturday morning with a trip to Disneyland.  When Evelyn was 4 she would mention to me that she wanted to go to Hollywood.  Confused at why she wanted to go there I asked her why and she said because that's where the princesses live!  I realized she thought Hollywood was Disneyland!  When they woke up and came downstairs there were Minnie Mouse dolls, and Disney clothes laid out for them.  Daryl then told them we were going to Disneyland!!!  Evelyn's face said it all.  Her face lit up.  She asked when are we going to go?  Daryl said right now!  She ran and gave him a hug.  Jane was so excited to get a doll that she just kept saying thank you!

headed to our plane ride

view of California Adventure from our Hotel room--had a view of World of Color water show every night

Staying at a Disney hotel means EARLY mornings to get the first hour to ourselves!

The magical castle!  We stayed up late to watch the fireworks and see Tinkerbell fly across the sky!

One of the first rides we did.  Evelyn went on every single ride including Tower of Terror.  Nothing scared her!

Fortunately for us Jane is EXACTLY 40 inches and could go on all the rides.

Jane always wanted to ride next to her Dad

The HAUNTED MANSION all decked out!  Evelyn begged me to take her.  I swear she is not scared of anything!

Jane favorite roller coaster in Toone town

"Its a Small World" ride.....always interesting for the adults to endure.  Jane loved it.

Cars Land is incredible!  It feels like you are in the movie.  And Radiator Springs is the coolest ride.

Meeting Lightening McQueen

Mater ride

Always by her Dad's side

We were in good company on this trip!  The Robinson family, The Toone family, and Stephen and Damian.  The kids were all so good together and played really cute with each other.  I loved having this group together.  This picture kind of cracks me up too...

The crew

Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  We ate at the Blue Bayou--I felt like I was in New Orleans.  I love the magic of Disney.

Character breakfast.   Love these kiddos.

Meeting Mickey Mouse

Meeting Minnie Mouse

Minnie Mouse's house.  It was darling.

Goofy

Buzz

blowing a kiss to Mickey

"Janie" Mouse

going until we crash

Krew and Jane

Ferris Wheel.  When we got to the top two of them said they had to use the bathroom!

Jane loves Krew.  Not sure if the feeling is mutual!

Evelyn

Jane

Trey and Evelyn

Daryl and Evelyn

Jane on the slide

Princess Aurora

Snow White

Jane loved the Ferris Wheel

It was a magical week.  We made great memories and enjoyed sharing in all the excitement.  Daryl and I had just as much fun as the girls.  A family vacation success.  I really loved how brave Evelyn and Jane were.  Evelyn went on every single ride without hesitation.  She was game for everything.  Jane enjoyed way more than I imagined.  She really took it all in and got excited about all the rides, trains going through the park, and characters.  I felt like we were pretty lucky that she was exactly 40 inches tall too. It was really enjoyable having friends to share in the excitement.  It definitely added to the fun!  On the airplane ride home Evelyn very honestly stated "I love Disneyland more than Tri-cities."  We all agreed with her.