Thank you for all the emails. It is just lovely hearing from friends & family... we love it!
Let me update you on the month of August... The big news is that Isabelle was accepted to two schools, so we ended up having a choice, which was great. She started school today at the Doha Montessori & British School, which runs a Montessori kindergarten then a British curriculum school. She is in the reception grade, which is equivalent to pre-primary in Australia (before first grade). We went to the tailor to get her school uniform made, and it is adorable! There are half a dozen kids from our compound attending her school, so plenty of friends nearby for Isabelle.Matilda continues to develop in leaps and bounds, is actually running around the house, and playing dressups with big sis. As soon as she hears Daddy come home from work, she rushes to the front door with her bathers in her hand, hat on her head, and goggles around her neck! We spend every afternoon at the pool with all the other families, yes, very relaxing.
Brendan celebrated his birthday on Sunday (which happens to be the Qatar national day, so he is guaranteed a day off every year!) by flying to Copenhagen for work. I have heard from him - he's enjoying the rain, cycling & the bacon! We had a cocktail/pool/dance party on Friday for him, which was a huge success (photos from that night are available only on request, not for general viewing!!) - see photo of Matilda enjoying her first Mudslide!
I am struggling a little with uni, getting completely distracted by anything... like writing emails to you all! My parents are coming to visit next week, which we are all super excited about (of course, this has nothing to do with the suitcase packed full of gluten free food for me!!).
Keep the emails coming! 
Love,
Samantha, Brendan, Isabelle & Matilda xxxx
