Summer Fun

Sometimes, when you look back at your summer, the things that jump out at you aren't the beautiful places or architecture. They're not the landscapes or seascapes. Sometimes all you focus on is the smile and laughter of little beings. Though they are certainly getting bigger, our two little pumpkins (as Amalia referred to herself) are certainly enjoying things. Was it a bird that pooped on your head? was it an ice cream that somehow ended up on your nose?  Was it a swing where you decided to be too cool for words? Whatever it was, it was a wonderful example of happiness in being in the moment. Love and more love!

Mommy's Special Day!

The summer was the longest we've had in a long long time, if not ever. It gave us time to see friends and family, to travel the world and to return rejuvenated and ready to go.  But as luck would have it our return coincided - roughly - with mommy's special day!  So, despite our being rather relaxed to begin with, we headed out for a special 'staycation' in honor of a wonderful person, a beautiful wife, a loving mother and a simply pretty awesome being!  

The choice of location, as it turned out, was dependent on whether the place offered an outdoor experience with a "small" hotel feel. After some deliberation and last minute decision making, we were off to a rather posh kind of place with its own gold course and everything!  We happily played in the pool and munched on a yummy breakfast. It was just the right touch of "special" for a special kinda mommy!

Happy Mommy day to you, mommy!  We love you more than words can explain and waaaaay beyond the horizon!  

Year 2, Here We Go...

And, just like that, it was year two!  The summer quickly pushed back into the memory banks as we revved the engines for the new year!  Our arrival found the place to be pretty hot, though not as hot as we remembered. Was it us?  Was it really not as hot as the year before?  Whatever it was, we felt more prepared, our arrival so much more uneventful and expected. The "wow" factor lingered a bit but this was nothing compared to the wide-eyed arrival just one year earlier. The place - both the city and the school - was familiar and the home welcoming. 

By the time school began we had were ready to go. Walking through the door brought with it a sense of familiarity that gave us a good feeling. It's nice to return to a place where you know people, where you aren't constantly asking "where is this" or "who do I talk to for that".

The girls settled in rather quickly as well, with Irini taking it in stride (and loving her new teacher). Amalia needed a bit more time, as she always does, but, in the end, she too is well adjusted. It's "go" time!  :-)