Gong Xi Fa Cai

Hello!

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year! It is the start of the year of the pig. We hope you have a prosperous, happy & healthy year!

Since returning to Doha, I have been busily adding more personal touches to our home. It has been super fun! Each room has a splash of colour, and we've got a comfy bench and sandpit for Matilda outside. I am about to embark on another semester at university, this time taking on the maximum number of units. Should be interesting (aaah!)... no, really, I am looking forward to it. Brendan is relieved, since the "home improvements" will finally cease! He has started on his fitness regime in preparation for the gruelling hills of Tour de France 2007. He is meeting his parents and some friends in France for this awesome experience in July. He is offshore on an unmanned platform at the moment, enjoying his time out of the office, getting his hands dirty. The bugger skipped town just in time to avoid Valentine's Day! (Thanks for the surprise gift, Bren!)

Isabelle got her birthday present from Grandma & Grandpa early - a bright yellow pair of Roces rollerblades! It took her all of 5 minutes to master the art of gliding, and zoooms up and down the streets of the compound with her buddies. She got her first report card from school, and of course aced it. She is reading well, and starting to write herself. We're very proud. She is on the verge of losing her second tooth, which is barely hanging on.

Matilda just started nursery two mornings a week at Little Angels. She is still struggling a little with the separation from Mummy, but has a great time once I've left the room. Still only saying a handful of words, but loves to sing and dance. She is now out on the street with the big kids, either scooting along on a pedal-less trike or pushing her doll around in it's pram. Fascinated by cats, and miaows loudly every time she catches a glimpse of one. She has a photo of Amber (Uncle Rob & Aunty Gem's cat) in her room, and she is always talking to it!

The cold weather is gone, and it is starting to heat up again. Days right now are gorgeous, lovely for being out and about. Perfect time to visit Doha (hint hint).

Take care,
Samantha Brendan Isabelle Matilda xxxx

PS. Great to see more friends on Skype! Look forward to chatting with more of you this year!