Irini Shines in Volleyball

 

So there she was, on day one of try outs. 50+ girls were trying our and her daddy, the co-coach, was looking out over the sea of girls trying out wondering what things would look like. Irini would go on to impress enough to make the team (she did make it last year, after all) and move onto the season with another 13 girls. As the season moved on, and the pieces were slowly put into place, it seemed like she'd be a critical piece to their work. The team, as one might suspect, had their ups and downs but lots of potential and Irini worked, and worked some more. 

By the time the end-of-season tournament came around, in Delhi (her first time to India) it was apparent that she was a pretty important piece in the big puzzle called ASD volleyball. She was a setter (one of two) and slowly began to do a bit of hitting as well (helped, a bit, by the system we were playing). In India the team did a great job, playing as we had hoped they would. We had rotations in every position to make sure that every girl got breaks to be ready for the final day - day 3 - when the playoffs would matter most (from a competitive standpoint). 

The night before, as daddy and his co-coach Stefanie, made their way to the hotels rooms of the girls for curfew, he spoke to his girl about "tomorrow" being the last time he would probably ever coach her. He began to cry in the middle of a small corridor on the third floor of a hotel in central Delhi. Irini walked up to hug him and together they stayed that way for a short while, being observed by her roommate (and one of her best friends) Nadia and Stefanie who, watching, were both fighting tears of their own. 

By the next morning the stage was set for a day filled with passion, and stress and overcoming. Irini played her heart out and did the little things that indicate incremental change - a dive here, a communication there, a set pushed outside a bit harder than before, a hit in a critical moment. 

The tournament ended with our girls winning first place (undefeated and proud as can be). But for daddy there were two moments (in the videos below) - his personal highlight reel of his daughter growing up - that showed him that she's ready to move on to a higher level. One was a dig that he had been asking her to do for years (a dive without worrying about the floor) and the other was a hit at the net. Both came at very crucial moments of the semi-final (with the hit being the next-to-last point, as it turned out) and both were done with focus and without hesitation. 

Daddy will miss his girl when she moves "up" (hopefully) next year, but boy is he proud of how far she's come and how amazing she is. Love, glykoula. Love!

Amalia's Final (pretty awesome) MS Volleyball Chapter

 

To say that Amalia finished her middle school volleyball career on a high would be an understatement. The team went 11-0 and lost only one set the entire season. But beyond that, Amalia grew as a leader on the team and, perhaps more impressive, was that little thing called confidence and maturity. She seemed completely under control even in the most difficult of moments. She dove to play a play and then got right up ready for the next one. If she, or anyone else, made a mistake she'd be the first one to support and brush it off, focusing on the next play. In so many ways her no-nonsense approach was a stark contrast to her personality (so bubbly and exuberant). But there she was, doing her thing, being the leader that the team needed her to be. 

Together with her teammates they made such a strong team. Without the "superstars" who defined the team in years past this team was all about working together, dealing with difficulty together, celebrating together. Together. Literally every girl on the team had an important role in the wellbeing of the whole and Amalia was a backbone on the court and an avid supporter of her teammates when off the court (as a parent hopes their child will be). 

After the season ended, and celebrations were done, the parents challenged the players to one final game of teh season. The parents, of course, were a total hodge podge of experiences but the girls really shone why they had done so well. There were moments when the parents thought it would be easy when suddenly, out of the blue, a girl would fly and get a ball seemingly destined for the floor. Again, there were no superstars but they kept at it, solid and together, and handily beat the rowdy parent crowd. Daddy, who played opposite of his girl on that day, realizing just how good this team is. And happily, as he thinks ahead to next year, he realizes that this team will do its part for many years to come. No frills, but moving forward. 

And then, when the season was aaaaaaall over, Amalia grabs a ball and sports a new jump serve. Out of the blue. She gets eight out of ten over. Daddy is floored. Her coach, Mr. Cook (who loves her, by the way) asks "where did you get that from". Amalia answers, "Oh, Sophie showed me how to do it yesterday". There is lots to look forward to with this girl. And, of course, we love you sooooo much!

Sisters

 

When the girls were young(er) daddy used to worry about how well they'd get along. Would they be there for each other?  Would they stand up for each other? Would they tell each other secrets?  Would they rely on each other for support when things get tough? Would they enjoy each other's company?  Would they be each other's best friend?  

Well, perhaps the verdict is in. There is no need to worry (too much) any more. Perhaps they aren't the type of sisters that are inseprable but they sure do support each other and hold each other up. They go to each other's games, and watch each other's events. They chat into the night about this and that and the other thing. They run their ideas by each other. And they do, in fact, seem to appreciate what the other brings to their life. 

The parents, too, are so happy to watch them grow together, to learn together, sometimes to play on the same teams, and to do what sisters do... sometimes complain or be short; sometimes celebrate; sometimes help each other with the homework; and always appreciate the persons they have become. It's pretty amazing to watch their growth unfold before our very eyes. And we gotta love amazing!

Jumping Off the Rocks

 

South of Sorento it's hard to get lost among the green and lose your way beyond that one little bay you're looking for. In our case we drove south looking for a place we had seen the day before from the boat. From that vantage point it looked like a great place... just high enough on the rocks to make is difficult to get to but accessible enough that we could jump in if we'd want. And so it was that we made our way to Bagni Regina Giovanna. 

Parking was a nightmare but when daddy dropped off the girls to make their way into the trail to the ancient Roman villa ruins (the view would have been, and still is, absolutely amazing!) he needed over 35 minutes to find a parking space that was within walking distance. Still, after some looking around, he found the girls happy as can be, sitting on the rocks overlooking the sea below and Sorento to the right in the distance. There were spots to jump - some higher than others - and the girls decided to give it a shot. Irini took a shorter outcrop to jump in and Amalia followed. But later Amalia decided she needed to challenge herself a bit more, and so she did. 

We must have stayed a couple hours and it was just what the doctor needed. Just a low frills opportunity to be in nature, and in water. As we left the smiles were pretty broad and, still in bathing suits, we made our way to a hotel with a view just down from where we were staying. As luck would have it we'd have a delightfully traditional Italian dinner overlooking the sunset (with the addition of a couple of family celebrations for children coming of age - why not?) 

Amalfi Coast

 

So there we were. Amalfi Coast. We opted to avoid road transport and, instead, got a round-trip ticket on a boat to Amalfi and Positano before returning to Sorento where our car awaited for the trek back up our mountain. 

It was early June but that didn't stop the tourist trade from going strong. The place was beautiful but we found it packed with people, like us, roaming between streets trying to find that perfect spot to get a drink (it was pretty hot too) or a meal. We found ourselves somewhere between the masses and the side alleys (much quieter) and doing our best to keep up with the boat schedules. From time to time we'd find a glimpse of 'normal' life and watch for a bit. Perhaps it was a chat between friends or, as in the last piture here, an elderly man looking out his window to the crowds below. What might he be thinking?

We liked Postinano much more for its ambiance though it was even more packed than Amalfi. The crowds filled the small alleys and walk ways and as we made our way across a narrow beachfront, thankfully, we found a table to sit at with a view to the beautiful, but overpriced beach, lined with umbrellas across the expanse of sand. We sat and chatted and ate and made our plans to keep moving, upward. As we made our way through the town it became apparent that it is quite steep which, in some ways, was a good thing... up, up and away from the big crowds and into a more calm (though still very touristy) area with a wonderful view below. Here we stopped for while to take it all in. 

Our return, by boat, brought us back to Sorento, a majestic city sitting on cliffs below. We had enjoed the beach there the day before but on this day we'd make our way back up to the room.  Tomorrow we'd love for a place to jump in the sea, perhaps with fewer people (is that possible?). Still, what a beautiful part of the world!

Verano Italiano

 

One always has to love summer, right?  In our case, this year, we headed to Italy. Mommy had a course to take in Rome for five days so we decided it might be a good chance to head over there straight from Dubai and make our way down the coast toward the Amalfi Coast. The Coast had been identified by Amalia as a 'go to' destination for the summer so we used the time we had between the end-of-school and beginning of mommy's class to roam just south of Naples. We found our way to a small Airbnb up the slopes of a hill/mountain village just outside Sorento and got used to having Waze force us into inhospitable little-and-shrinking streets that would barely fit a Vespa. But up and down the hills we went and finally worked our way around the place. 

Our spot was a cute one even if it seemed like a vertical climb from the parking lot at the foot of the hill. It didn't seem to get in the way of the girls, though, who without effort made their way back and forth between car and room (with a nice view over the Gulf of Naples). 

Between runs to town and down time in our spot we were able to unwind from the run-run-run that one feels sometimes with work. The year had been a long one, but it was finally time to re-connect with a world that had nothing to do with deadlines. Aaaahhhh, Italia!

Amalia Turns 13 (when did that happen?)

It's soo hard to believe that our little girl is not so little anymore. We suspect that this is somewhat of a right-of-passage for all parents and their children around the world but our girl has been ready to be a teenager for years!  This day came with nothing but excitement and a sense of "I know what's coming", particularly when it came to gifts. Where her sister was complete surpised at the arrival of a birthday present in the form of a phone, Amalia was waiting for it and asking about the specific model she might have. No surprise factor whatsoever.  Her parents did, for a fleeting moment, consider not giving her a phone (now that would have been a surprise) but decided it was probably best to stick with 'tradition' and provide not just the phone, but the independence (and parental stress) that goes with it. 

So there it was... the customary family birthday wake up. It's preceded, of course, with hours of preparation the night(s) before. The batter for the pancakes, the signs for the journey from the bed to the present, etc. 

It begins with a set up (signs on the floor) and then the rest of the family moves into the birthday girl's bedroom. Time to wake up!  Happy Birthday (not so) little one!  Amalia wakes up, groggy as she is, and makes her way across her room (with a stop of a photo or two) into the foyer. There her present awaits. As she said, no surprise, but you can tell just how happy she is, can't you?  The end of a couple years of waiting. Communication independence at last!  

Photos (even Pearl joined us!) and more photos and then the march downstairs. Somewhere between the gittiness of receiving the present and the fact that we need to get to breakfast, we work out way toward the kitchen. Amalia begins to 'play' with the phone, of course. Open it. Check it. Set up backgrounds, In the kitchen the batter is ready and daddy is already moving on to stage two (or is it three): The pancake of her age!  It's a bit small this year but that's okay because she's not that hungry anyway first thing in the morning. But there it is, and she gets to add whatever syrups and fruit she'd like (the choice seems to be a combo of maple syrup with blueberries and strawberries.. yummy!). 

More photos, of course, to the point of complaining (the signal that we should probably sit down and enjoy the meal). On this day the birthday is on a weekday, so of course we have to move on to getting dressed and ready to had out. 

And out we go. To another day. Another year. A continuation of a pretty amazing life for a pretty amazing (not so) little girl. With a phone. And love. Lots of love. 

Irini Sings (and hearts melt)!

 

Irini has been singing for years, in choir, in the car, on her own as she studies. And as she'd done that she's found it to be hugely satisfying. In HS she decided to stick with choir (something she started in MS) and she happily hides in the visitor bedroom as she practices away for hours on end (sometime). Then, once a semester, she stands in front of a full house in our school's theater to sing her heart out. She is one of many voices, but boy do they bring hope to one's soul. 

It's hard to leave one of these events, as a parent, and not have gone through a bit of a catharsis as you've watched your child be part of something so beautiful. Unlike sports, choir has a sophisticated, collaborative beauty to it that speaks directly to one's soul, especially if that someone has a connection to one of the choir members. And so there they are, mommy, daddy and sister, all looking down on this symphony of voices speaking to many things - broken hearts, dreams and all those things that give life meaning. How amazing that our children are able to be part of this all. 

Our hearts melt just as they become whole. 

Silent Winter Beauty

 

There's something about snow and clear, beautiful days that fills the soul with that quiet luster and makes one's heart happy. Daddy's time in Sweden, though unexpected and anxiety-ridden, was also a chance to take a deep breath and find the calm splendor of nature. But it's not only the seen. It's also that cold chill enveloping one's cheeks, and warmth of the sun, as if making its way to you through the cold to give you a personal "hello". It's the breath of fresh air, over and over again. And with every breath it's as if the natural world is sharing it's self with you. And it just does it's thing, without worry about the stresses we all face. It was the yin to daddy's yang in moments when a respite was needed, and also the listener of thoughts. And, in some strange way, it fills one with hope, even by saying nothing.