Back 'Home' in Dubai.

So, I have finally arrived back in Dubai after a very lovely (albeit very hectic and at times stressful) holidays. We actually had a white Christmas this year and I wanted to share some photos... The weather was invigorating and wonderful, but after three weeks of it I was definitely ready to head back to a warmer climate... Maybe I can do this Dubai thing... at least for awhile... or maybe just for winters...

A Christmas Tree -- Dubai Style. This is the 4 Floor Christmas Tree that adorned the Star Atrium at the Dubai Mall... It wasn't completed though by the time we left for Christmas on December 17th and was taken down by the time I got back to Dubai on January 8th. Jared said the finished product glowed blue. Not surprising.

A Christmas Tree -- New England Style. This is the Faneuil Hall Christmas Tree which was quite lovely and much more my style than tacky blue effervescence.

The Winter Wonderland that was Upstate New York, where we were from the 25th to the 29th of December. So pretty, until New Years Day, when I was ready for the holidays to be over and, therefore, ready for temperate weather again.

The one very nice thing about getting an extra week at home was getting to spend lots of quality time with my little cousins and aunt and uncle in Wellesley, MA. My cousins are 8, 6, and 4 and I absolutely adore them. The middle one celebrated her 6th birthday while I was home and I was able to take her on a special excursion to the New England Aquarium in Boston. I also got to bake and play a lot with the kids (in the snow) and to make this gingerbread house. I was able able to catch up with friends I didn't get a chance to see before the holidays and spend more time with others. Great to have the extra time, even if it wasn't for a great reason.

Finally, this is Taffee, Jared's Dad's dog. She is a Coton and this picture was just too cute to pass up posting.. Glad to be back, but grateful to have had the opportunity to spend the holidays with those I care about.