Charcoal and Face Cleaning. Who Knew?

Ah, the things one has to do to be a parent. There are times when you have to sit back and wait to ensure that all the left overs are eaten. Or there are times when you have to do the driving to ensure that your children are having fun with their friends. There are times you have to read with them. You have to make sure they've done their teeth and gotten ready for bed. Other times you have to be there to support them during games or performances. Other times still you just have to listen. And every once in a while you have to be part of the beautification process.... and so it was when daddy was introduced to charcoal face masks. The girls will insist that it does wonders for their skin. Daddy's not so sure about the quality of the skin, but it sure was fun to share the experience!  Here's to many more such fun and new experiences!

Dubai Fun

When we first got to Dubai, now over three years ago, we promised ourselves that we wouldn't be caught up with a lifestyle of over-consumption of high-end presents, experiences and the like. We'd keep things real, so to speak. But, as the daily life moves forward it's hard not to be allow one's self to be sucked in to the many options for fun that exist in this place. Before long we were going to the pool, then the mall, then the water park, then the escape room and, of course, the amusement parks that call this area home. 

On this October day we took advantage of the good weather and headed off to one of the amusement parks. Each girl brought a friend and together we did several rounds of the fun and exciting things on offer. Rollercoasters, running around, special theme events, etc., were all on offer and though daddy, largely not interested in the adrenaline rush of near-death-like experiences, opted for watching from afar, the day was a huge success. The girls wore smiles from ear to ear, even if mommy and daddy showed a bit more wear and tear. :-)

For the record, we still still try to focus on the important things - family, friends, natural spaces - but we're also learning (some more quickly than others) of the benefits of having such entertainment spaces within such easy reach. Now, how does one complete with this stuff?  :-)

Attica Sun & Sand

They say life isn't the same without friends (or at least we say that) and in this case it's quite true. With our biological family out of town for mostly-good our summers home mean reconnecting with our good friends and their children too!  Whether we're enjoying crystal waters (as is the case with the ΚΑΠΕ beach that Stelio and Maria introduced us to) or arguing about politics (such a Greek thing to do) or savoring a rizogalo Athens is home and it's much, much better with friends!  

Our final chapter of the summer included around a week or so of interrupted Athens and Attica time (a rarity, for sure) and it was a great way to finish the 'year' for us. The final goodbyes included food and good times and we are now full with home-based, friend-filled memories to go hand in had with those extra kilos of Greek cuisine. :-)

Roadtrip Antics

Sometimes, when you're on the road for hours and hours, the mind starts to play games with you... and sometimes you play games with your mind. In this instance, here are the girls enjoying part of the ride between Kalamata (of the well-known olive variety) and Sparta (of the Hollywood blockbuster "This is Sparta" variety)... 

A Low Key Swedish Delight

After such a whirlwind Paros and Rotterdam trip it was time for some down time. Our arrival in Askersund was not without problems (Amsterdam's Schiphol airport was closed on the day of our departure, resulting in our flight being 3.5 hours delayed that, in turn, made us arrive after the car rental office closed, resulting in our needing to get a hotel room to stay the night, meaning that we had to scavenge opportunities in the hotel shuttle bus pick up lane) but once there it was nothing but relaxation and time outdoors!

Members of Moca's extended family where there and were gracious enough to let us join in their summer holidays. It allowed us a great chance to have great conversations, partake in board games, play some volleyball (though not enough, really) and, literally, jump in the lake (time and time again). We also were privy to some great cooking even if, at times, the new tastes challenged our mental models. :-) In there, also, were the fundamental elements of our visit... quality time, sharing conversation, sharing a walk in the woods or by the lakeshore, picking mushrooms and all the little things that make family time so very special. 

In the end our departure was as beautiful as our arrival. The Swedish countryside was as beautiful as ever with green fields and forests making way for rivers and lakes and then opening up to the small hamlets of wooden homes that make the Swedish countryside so idyllic. An amazing visit in every way!  Thank you to all for the hospitality and the love that makes this family such a wonderful life experience!