In the Olives

Everytime we're in Greece we try to make a point to visit some olive grove, if only for a quick photo opportunity. It's as if the photo opportunity allows us the opportunity to get out of a car (in this case) and roam within the trees that have such a story to tell. Their meandering trunks, the personality the all have and their quiet demeanor is perfect for a family visit to say hello!  In this case we were driving along the single lane road from Methoni to Pylos when we decided that this place - among so many - was perfect for our stop. The area is well knows for it's "Kalamata" olives and the experience was perfect!  Here are the girls enjoying the trees and doing the traditional "airplane" that our family is known for. :-)

Messinia Calling

On the west coast of Greece, on the far side of the Peloponnese, one will come upon a place named Messinia. This space, ever so green, hides little gems of Greek paradise within it's otherwise low-key personality. The town of Pylos, for example, gave us a perfect respite from the long drive from Athens as we made our way down the coast, a short way further, to Methoni. Then, just a short drive through the olive groves, Methoni beckoned, with its castle and sleepy personality. 

There we met a most wonderful woman, Alex, who is setting up to live in Methoni permanently. She is an international school teacher, recently retired, who welcomed us to her home for four days and three nights. As we got to know Alex we learned about her passion in art and community engagement, but we also had the chance to see the little hidden gems that this area hides. The Community Center with a painting opportunity for our girls; a boat ride across to the island of Sapienza for a hike across the ridge and a swim in nothing but transparent waters; a taverna visit and a chat with the local real estate agent. It was a time of discovery and a time to connect. And what a wonderful few days it was!  Thank you, Alex, for the hospitality and the friendship you offered us in welcoming us to your home. We look forward to many more such connections!

Finishing Elementary School!

When we got off the plane in Dubai for the first time it was hard to imagine what it would feel like to live her. Questions, as is expected, included how well the girls might like their school, whether they would have good friends and how well we might all adjust. Those questions, of course, in time, took care of themselves. The girls did what they had to adjust to their new environment, meet new people and develop the friendships that would support them as they grow. 

And finally the end of a chapter came and went. Irini's 5th Grade Celebration marked a bit transitional point in her life. For the parents it was one of those "our girl is growing up" moments, marked with a mix of pride for all she has accomplished and the longing for that little girl to stay little. But time waits for no one, and as our daughters grow up we are followed by exactly those two elements... celebration of all they are accomplishing with a smattering of trying to hold on, all enveloped by a powerful love for what we have and the wonderful beings that our two girls have become. 

Irinoula, we cannot be prouder of you for all that you are and all that you will be. Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishments and nothing but love and support for your next chapters!  We love you soooooo much!

Baller in the Makin'!

Last year Irini decided to try her luck in the three formal sports that the school provided: Soccer, Track & Field and Basketball. She loved all of them with a special affinity toward soccer. This year she decided to continue with all of them but had the additional bonus (?) of having daddy as her co-coach along with her favorite Ms. Turner!  She loved the combination of the coaching with Ms. Turner being the loving, supportive teacher of the basics and with daddy jumping in during games and competitions (in a less-than-overly-intense way, that is). The combination allowed her to flourish and become one of the leaders of the team. 

As a fifth grader now Irini had the chance to show the other girls what is was like being on the team. She loved leading the cheers and was particularly motivated to play hard-nosed basketball. The highlight moment of the season probably came on the last day of the season during a round-robin competition where all the girls at the school were subdivided into teams and played for fun. Score was kept but otherwise it was an informal day of great basketball. Irini's team was down by 2 with about 10 seconds left as the other team picked up the ball and brought it down the court. At this age level the defenders have to wait until the other team crosses half court and so she, and her teammates, did just that. Then, as the half course was crossed she jumped out to intercept a pass with about five seconds remaining on the clock. She rushed down the court, dribbling on her right side, passed the opposing players and did a lay up just as a buzzer sounded to tie the game!  Though there was no overtime for this one it was as good as a win in our books!  

Irini wasn't the highest scorer on the team, nor probably the best rebounder. But when it came to defensive stands, steals and effort she is solid gold!  Daddy can't be prouder!