A new way to play.

Undoubtedly the biggest concern in our move to Doha is the well being of our children.  P and M are fun kids and are very smart for their ages.  They are very perceptive, like most kids, and ask question after question about everything.  We haven't kept our move a secret from them at all, we want them to be able to prepare (as much as is possible given their ages).  We've talked about what we will take (toys and books are of utmost importance of course), how we will get to Qatar, people we will miss, feelings we have or may have, but most importantly that we will be together.

There is some confusion on their parts as the concept of moving is so abstract in their minds.  They can't and won't fully grasp it probably until we are actually there.  But I have noticed it coming out in their play times together.  They have played games like, "flying to guitar" (yes, they call it guitar at the moment), "packing all our stuff," and "new languages" (it's always a treat trying to figure out what they want in gibberish...).

It is worth noting that you MUST wear shoes on the airplane and pants are also required.  If wearing boots, they MUST be zipped up (according to the "airplane man").  When packing it is best to heap everything you want to take in a giant pile... add to it often.  Every empty bag in the house should be filled up and drug around said house.  Put those bags in the most obscure places so mommy and daddy have no idea where they, or their contents, are.  Just a few of the joys of the months before the move to Guitar. 

Here are a few pictures of the heap..  That took a while to clean up. 

Here's another fun game.  A "map" on the floor and shoving all the princess in the car and carriage to transport them to Qatar.  Not sure how the cash register comes into the game, but it works. 

If you've moved overseas, what did you notice about your childrens' play leading up to the move?


A few notes and updates:

I'm still hoarding stickers.
Our houses haven't sold yet, but we're having some good showings.
We're still waiting on passports to get here.
We found out that our laptop and ipad are 110/220v and can be easily used in Qatar!