Dazed in the dunes

We've just finished up a long weekend in the UAE (for the Prophet's Birthday), which is going to be the last public holiday for a very long stretch.

The weather is still blissfully cool, but over the weekend I felt a change. A subtle change, but a change none the less. It's staying lighter a little later and the sun in warming up. While it's beautiful, I can't help but feel a little afraid of what's coming.

To make the most of this top weather while we can, we went out to the desert with some friends for a BBQ. We drove about 30 minutes from home pulled up next to some dunes and climbed over to set up a little base.

The kids were in heaven running up the dunes and sliding down on boards. Darbs toddled around. The men took the 4WDs for a bash on the dunes (and got a little stuck at times). A small group went for a hike and found a camel skeleton. I sat and soaked it all in, in between chasing kids, munching lunch and chatting and laughing.

The more time I spend amongst the soft dunes the more I fall in love with it. The silence, the way the light hits the sand, the silky softness of the ultra fine sand, the fact that you may stumble upon a camel at any time.

I don't think my kids have had a more fun day. When we climbed in the car to come home they were caked with sand and exhaustion.

I still have to pinch myself that I live here. In the Middle East. With sand dunes and camels and endless blue skies.

I can't wait to get out there and do it again. I know if and when we leave, these are going to be the memories that are etched on all of our minds. How lucky are we?!