Leiden with Old Friends (& Family).

We embarked on this part of our summer journey knowing that it would be filled with wonderful, warm memories. We reached Amsterdam and took the train to Leiden. What ensued was six days of simply beautiful reunions with family (Tia, Avi and Πmouz had been in holland for a while) friends from our ISKL days. Both young and younger were happy as can be as they rekindled friendships, shared stories, laughed and shared this small chapter of their lives. 

For everyone it was as if no time had passed. We walked the pedestrian streets of Leiden, took boats around town, visited the farmer's market, passed by the church and ate the great food on offer. We witnessed the annual Woodstock on the Water festival where bands of amateur artists roamed the canals and sang to those on the banks of the canals. It was the type of visit that one never wants to end.... everything in order, the weather perfect, the positive vibes of great friendships, everything in one place. When it came to a close we were left with such warmth that it is hard for us not to be completely appreciative of the life we have and of the friends we've made. 

A Castle Wedding.

There are weddings, and there are weddings. This one as A WEDDING. Our girls were delighted that it would take place in a castle (of sorts), but what was most wonderful about this wedding was the couple, Brooke & Anthony. Both wonderful in their own way they have made our lives that little bit more joyful, and more complete. They were hosts even if they were in the middle of everthing. They were perfect, both as hosts and as the couple of honor. Our being able to share their special day was the cherry on top of the cake, so to speak, as they have enriched our lives for the past four years. 

The girls were gitty with the idea of the wedding but even more excited about being asked to be the flower girls at the event. They practiced their walk and went through the steps, and then were smiling broadly when they entered the room where the crowd had gathered. They were followed closely, of course, by the beautiful bride, Amalia's teachers in prep junior three years ago. This was just the beginning of a lovely ceremony, followed by a great dinner and time outdoors overlooking the lake just behind the building. 

By the time we headed out at the end of the evening our girls were exhausted. But we happily returned to our 'home' and went to bed. We will see them again - hopefully often - as the clocks keeps on ticking. All the best to the new married couple. From all of us to you both, love and best wishes for a journey where every step is memorable and filled with the love that binds you. 

Independence... Equine Style

Our girls are growing, and learning, and doing things that they haven't before. As parents we are thrilled to see the little changes, the little victories that, added together, make our girls more able, more confident and more skillful. This year they took on horseback riding and, despite Amalia's complaints about the heat closer to the end of the second term, they are now able to trot on their horse independently. In their last day this very skill was 'the test' to ensure that they were able to pass to the next level. And so there they are. For a brief time they were able to ride without support from the assistant that normally holds on "just in case". Our girls are growing, and learning, and we cannot be prouder!  

Amalia's 1st Recital

Our little girl is growing, and with that growth have arrived new interests and passions. Lately she indicated that she'd like to try out piano, especially because her good friend Eva has been playing piano for a while now. When we visit Eva's house the girls can sometimes be heard upstairs having fun at the piano and, after a while, Amalia decided to turn this amateur approach into a more formal one. So, for the past few months she has steadily worked to understand how to play, how to read notes, how to share her abilities. 

Her teachers, Mr. Oleg, has indicated that she is a "very quick learner" going through the first two books at a term which usually focuses on just one (we believe). Apparently he is very impressed with her development and loves the fact that, unlike most other students, she likes to sing as she plays. He finds this a beautiful part of his work with her. 

At home she practices (though not as often as she's been asked to) and, as she plays on a used keyboard we just purchases for her, she sings away as well. We love the sounds, the music, the wonder of the experience. Who knows where it will lead?  Either way, no matter where it might lead (or not) we will celebrate the enjoyment she puts into it and be proud of all she does!  

But, for the time being, here she is in her very first performance (a short one, but she's pretty awesome!). 

And then she was seven!

 

Amalia had a hard time getting used to the idea of our having moved countries, so it was important for us to "get this right" when her birthday came around. The problem in Dubai in May is that, by that time, those temperatures are starting to "get up there", meaning that special events have to be moved indoors. Thankfully Amalia was happy to go to a trampoline park named Bounce for a birthday bash with a few of her good friends in her new town!  

The children bounced around as the adults chatted away upstairs, until they all got together to sing happy birthday and enjoy some cake and snacks.  It was a great end to the day, especially given that her special day was followed by an entire weekend of celebration. 

Earlier on her birthday our growing girl had been welcomed to the day with the now tranditional numbers on the floor leading the way to her first present of the day. This was followed, as per usual, by a pancake breakfast (earlier than normal due to it being a school day) starting with a birthday pancake in the number of the age of our girl. She ate it happily!

Later in the morning daddy was invited to visit her class and read her a book or two of her choice. She had chosen Guess How Much I Love You, daddy's favorite book. She also chose The Giving Tree which during the reading, she wanted to join in. And so, as her classmates sat on the floor and followed the reading, Amalia and daddy took turns reading one page each of the book. 

All in all it was a wonderful day for our little (or now not to little) girl. We are so very very proud of you Amalia!  Love to you, always!