Muscat, Oman

We didn't have any plans to go on vacation for Connor's spring break, but as it got closer we decided that we didn't want to be on the compound alone.  We spent most of the winter break in KSA and Connor drove me crazy.  Almost all the other families went home for the holidays or were on vacation and we didn't leave for ours until after the new year.  He's now at that age where he's "sooo bored" without his friends!  That boy is going to be in for a reality check when we move back home.  Our compound has so many kids, there is always someone to play with!

 

We wanted to go somewhere close by and we didn't want to do any touring.  And quite frankly, I didn't want to do any planning.  We just wanted to have some down time together.  We decided that the Shangri-La in Oman would be perfect!  It's a beautiful resort with lots of restaurants and things to do.  And to make it even better, we had enough points on our credit card to pay for the flights.  Score!

 

On March 23, 2015 we started our Oman adventure!  We were way too excited about having a flight at a decent time of day and one that was only an hour and a half long.  Flying in and out of Dammam can be torturous!  Most of the time we leave and return at all hours of the night.  

 

Even though the sun had gone down by the time we arrived at the Shangri-La we immediately knew we were in for a treat!  The place is beautiful and so unique with the mountains surrounding it.

 

This picture was right outside our room and you can see part of the mountains.

We ordered room service and enjoyed our first night in Oman!

We were ready for our first day of relaxing!  Sunscreen was a must because we planned to be outside all day.  It was beautiful.  The weather was perfect!

 

The splash park was right across the yard from our room and the boys were excited about that! 

Off they go!

I think it's safe to say they loved it!

Next up we spent a little time at the pirate ship.

We rounded off the afternoon at the pool.

 

Connor LOVES to swim!  That kid could spend the whole day in the pool.

 

The next day was our designated beach day.  Another fan favorite for our boys!

 

The landscape of this place is just too cool!

Connor's sand smiley face :)

Jameson was obsessed with these little ketchup bottles.  He wanted to play with them every time we got them.

Spray park pit stop on the way back to the room.

We ventured out around the grounds before dinner and stumbled on these camels.  I wasn't thrilled with the idea of the kids riding them so we just used them as a photo op.  I don't think Connor would have gotten on one anyway and I know Jameson wouldn't.

One really cool thing about the Shangri-La there is that lots of sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach.  They put stakes out so you know where the nests are.  One of the nests was supposed to hatch while we were there, but the date ended up getting pushed back.  The sand has to reach a certain temperature for a certain amount of time for the turtles to hatch and the weather had been a little cooler than normal so it would take them longer than expected to hatch.

Our hotel!

Jameson's photography of his Saudi sister.  I promise it wasn't me!

Cool formation in the rock.

Spectacular sunset!

 

You can see the spray park in this shot and how cool the surroundings are.

Having a little fun at the end of a great day!

 

The next day we continued to do nothing but hang out!

 

After dinner we hit up the put put golf.  

Playing with Jameson was interesting to say the least.  He wasn't the easiest player to deal with.  Here you can see him throwing a fit about something.  I'm sure it was because he wanted either my club or my golf ball.

He insisted on being all over the course while we played.

 





He also insisted on having the big clubs even though we got him a little one.  So we were stuck playing with his baby club!

 

Of course our last full day was spent doing nothing much again! Well except for making funny hairstyles at the pool.

 

That afternoon the resort set up a few games in the grass area outside of our room.  Connor had an absolute blast playing!

It was a great ending to a much needed getaway.  We relaxed on the lounge chairs while Connor played and this little maniac ran ramped.

 

The next day we flew back to KSA and reality.  Connor was a little upset that he was going to miss movie night at the kids club.  When we explained that he couldn't go because we would miss our flight he said we should just change our flight to a later time.  Who does that kid think he is?!? Hahaha!  I felt a tinge of guilt for being in a different country and not even leaving the hotel, but we definitely accomplished our goal of doing nothing!