Jet Lagged

The boys got along pretty well this voyage home making our trip happily uneventful except for the two bouts of motion sickness, one pair of soaked through clothing, a new potty trained little one who can't go without taking practically everything off, and going through customs with 8 pieces of check luggage (one over-sized), two carry-ons, and three car seats. Normally I go home with little and return with lots however, since we aren't returning I had to bring 4 months worth of clothing, sundries, and a few favorite toys.

(Amsterdam Airport during a 4 hour lay over. They ran around with other Expat Kids the first 1.5 hours then settled in for a few cartoons before boarding the next flight.)

On previous trips I over packed the carry-on with things to keep the boys busy and all they wanted to do was watch the non-stop movies. This time I brought practically nothing....I even left the stroller behind and they complained of being bored at times. I've found that every time we travel they are at different stages and I don't always anticipate what they'll want during these insanely long voyages. Thankfully Graham was happy to watch episodes of Handy Mandy and Phineas and Ferb repeatedly....and I mean around 4 times each. Also starting off the journey on a red eye makes the boys want to sleep for a portion off each flight and they still flip times fairly quickly upon arrival.

But every so often something like this happens.

When I left our second night here to go biking with my Dad around 7 pm I warned my Mom that if Ethan stopped moving and sat down he would fall asleep as he'd been up since 4:30 am. True enough when I returned home at 10:30 he was asleep, fully dressed, on the office floor and he been so for quite a while as my mother had been unable to move him. I decided to just let him lay there while I got a few things down. Just as I was ready to head down for a shower he began to stir but when I tried to guide him down the stairs he refused and went to lay down and snuggled up by the oven on the kitchen floor instead. Boy was he MAD when I tried to pick him up and carry him down the stairs. He began kicking and screaming so much I set him down mid way where he fussed for a while. After that he decided that he would indeed come down the stairs but refused any help getting his PJs on or going to bed and decided to curl up on the bathroom floor. At this point I just gave up for a few minutes and let him just sort out his feelings. After about 10 minutes, while gently rubbing his back, I sweetly and softly asked if he wanted to sleep in the bathroom all night or get in bed and he finally chose the later.

Of course this morning, as I suspected, he has no recollection of the event.

That's Jet Lag for ya.

The World Is My Inspiration

It wouldn't truly be Pre-K if my child weren't prolific in art.

I was sure these art pieces were inspired by our travels of the world these last few years but I guess I over romanticized it a bit because I thought this painting was similar to the ones the elephants made in Thailand. But no, Ethan said his teacher just asked him to paint a flower.

Or this gorgeous Mother's Day creation (which I love) was in remembrance of the flowers the flamenco dancers wore in Spain. Again not really, it was just the craft his teacher had prepared for the kids to do.
This one I knew was a lady bug because they had just finished a unit on insects. However, I had to laugh because when Ethan showed it to me he was pretty ticked to realize that the spots were lopsided. He swore up and down that he had painted them balanced and equal.

I found the title Ethan gave for this one quite unique and fitting:

Mud On Everything

This one came soon after watching the monkeys climb around at Animal Kingdom.

For his desert theme painting he chose two main elements: the first a Pyramid, which we saw last December in Egypt and some cacti which we saw the December before last on our drive through the American Southwest.

This whale was surely painted because of his longing for all things Alaskan but again I was wrong as he was asked to just paint something that lives in the sea.

This last and final stunning piece; I knew without a doubt came solely from his love of glitter paint and the dot paint bottles his class uses.

I'm glad to know I got at least one guess right.

Ethan, we are so proud of all the progress you've made this year in school. Not only did it give Mom a few hours of peace and quiet in our home but you were able to share all your insights, eagerness to learn, and curious intellect with Mrs. Glabb and Mrs. Edgington. You are beginning to read and can count to around 100. You have been a good friend to your class mates and a leader especially when it comes to building cityscapes with the blocks. Mrs. E will miss you terribly as she has been weepy every day since she heard we were leaving. You almost burst the flood gate of tears when you generously gave her your Woody doll because of her love of the Toy Story movies.

3.2.1.Blast Off!

Attending a middle school rocket launching party last year ignited Ethan's desire to build and launch his very own rocket.

Fortunately for him is best friend J*'s mother is the middle school science teacher in charge of the rocket launching materials. Once Ethan and Mr. Me Too designed their very own Lego inspired rockets from soda bottles Ethan then become relentlessly insistent, as only he can, about setting a time to launch these bad boys. With only days left we finally squeezed in an hour of launching between school, packing, graduation ceremonies, and everything else that comes right before skipping town for the summer.

Mrs. Karen only had to show the boys once how to fill the bottles with 1L of water and they made sure each and every subsequent bottle was full and ready to go.

No one minded at all a few water mishaps along the way- even in our shady spot the heat was intense.

There are a couple of ways to actually launch these rockets one of which uses a compressor. To simplify things we used a bike pump instead.

Always the teacher Karen had the boys figure out how much pressure they needed and where to find it on the pump.

After one last technical difficulty......

the real fun began.

Graham was loving everything about this! It's not often that 2 year olds get to be so involved.

My favorite part was watching Graham get blasted back with each of his launches.

Right before touchdown.

I'm not sure who had more fun here- Mrs. Karen or the boys!

We love, love, LOVE the Hasiuk family. We've made some of the best memories (laughing crying, talking, and talking, and talking some more) of our stay here with you all and we will miss you dearly. Let's not let Dubai and Shayba be our last vacation destinations together.

As If

This kid needs any more attention!

He insisted on wearing this warm winter fleece frog suit to get an ice cream treat.

While Dad was away I wanted to do something a little different as part of Family Home Evening.

We drove up to the Golf Club to redeem some free ice cream cone coupons the boys received at a birthday party.

Ethan didn't just wear the suit and drip ice cream all over it. He also spent a good amount of time running around with friends outside in it. I wasn't too sure that the small ice cream cone would have enough cooling power to keep him from passing out in this Alaska weather appropriate costume. But he didn't complain once nor did he suffer any ill effects.

Graham on the other hand decided to do a belly flop off a ledge and bruised up his noggin pretty good. He was more upset about losing his ice cream on the dust covered ground then being concussed.

Wet and Wild

Some of you may question if sending a 5 year old to school with two full bags of water balloons is a good idea. Especially when it's this 5 year old.

But it was Teacher approved.

From now to the end of the school year Wed. afternoons are water play days at the splash fountain park adjacent to the school. Oh what fun it is to be in K4. Last week Ethan asked his teacher if he could provide some water balloons and low and behold she said YES! As if this kid needs any more encouragement.

So, I spent the morning filling about 50 balloons- getting doused along the way.

Ethan I hope you have a "Funderful" afternoon because I'm quite sure that this won't happen next year in Kindergarten.

What Are Friends For

Ethan is hooked on phonics.....he loves to rhyme as most kids his age do.

He also loves his rubber ducky in the tub....can you see where this is going?
Before our Spring Break trip he was happily playing with his favorite little ducky and rhyming it with that word that also rhymes with yucky. He had no clue that he was being offensive and I just let it pass knowing that silence and not bringing it to his attention was best in this moment.

It hasn't happened since.

More recently Ethan loves to have friends over every day and often begs to do so as I pick him up from school. Friends over can mean a pleasant afternoon for me as he is entertained or a constant stream of fighting with his brother about what is or is not supposed to be happening.

On this day the Tunisian Twins were over and the boys were battling on the trampoline; to impress them I guess. One of the girls came running in, frankly I'm not sure which it was, saying Ethan had been hit in the face.

She was quickly followed by Ethan, who was not crying by the way, saying, "Mom! I just got punched in the face. But I didn't cry because I'm being brave for the girls." Followed by, "Come on girls! Let's go back so you can cheer for me."

His preschool teachers tell me he is quite the ladies man and has a different flavor of the week. He also likes to make special gifts such as pictures or princess crowns out of cereal boxes for all his little lady friends.

I'm just glad he likes girls!

Ethan's best friend's mother also recently recounted this story to me.

J* still needed a little assistance with bum wiping and with a new nanny in the house his mother wasn't sure he would feel comfortable with the nanny's assistance. When his mother went to help he said, "Don't worry Mom I don't need your help because Ethan taught me how to do it."

I'm not sure when this life skill teaching moment took place but J's mother is thrilled she no longer has to assist with this.

A few days after this took place J* didn't do such a good job and his Dad questioned him saying, "I thought Ethan taught you how to do this." J* replied in a whining tone, "I just forgot."

Whole Lot A Baking Going On

Sometimes I pleasantly surprise myself. Recently I baked this lovely loaf of bread. My mom makes Spinach dip then serves it in a round loaf of bread that has been hollowed out. Since that bread doesn't exist here I had to create it for a recent pot luck. See, Mom, you didn't completely fail me. I can do more than just boil water now.

The same week my Saudi friend and neighbor Haifa was asking me if I had a chocolate chip recipe she could have as the one she tried did not work. Not only did I have one but I invited her over to teach her how to make them. When she arrived I didn't even scream when answering the door this time. After unveiling we got right to work while Ethan and her son, a classmate played. The night before I had changed all the amounts from cups and tablespoons to grams, which she appreciated. We had such a fun morning talking about desserts, family life, and summer plans. She just kept smiling and scooping up dough saying how excited and happy this was making her. We cooked half so she could see the process all the way through and froze the other half for her to take home. It was a very pleasant morning and one I hope to repeat soon.

After lunch I was surprised to hear the door bell ring. And even more surprised to see Haifa's nanny with this beautiful plate of pasta with bechamel sauce. One thing about the Saudi people in general is that they are EXTREMELY hospitable and gracious.

A few days after this Chris mentioned, "By the way, Haifa's husband is my new boss. So, you might want to keep those cookies coming."

.......................................................................................

Now the two cakes below for the double birthday party I did not make. I am not that creative nor that talented, but my friend Marla is. She is one of those ladies that always brings the most amazing dishes to the potluck. If it's an international celebration you don't want to miss her table of Bahamian goods. She's a mom of four, styles/colors/cuts the hair for most of the westerners on camp, and can put the hurt on during cycling events; as long as her helmet is on correctly.

Not only is she gifted and talented; she is also beautiful both inside and out.

Boy was there a ruckus over who got to eat which character when it was time to serve the cake. The inside was amazing too with swirls of blue and green. In fact the next day Ethan was a little freaked out to see his bowels had turned blue and green. I reminded him of what happened when he drank the entire bottle of green food coloring and assured him it was the same phenomenon. He corrected me saying, "No, it's green because last night in my dream I ate a marker." I stand corrected.

Library Days

Our Community Library hosted Library Days recently.

The library was all decked out in super fun balloons sculptures for the occasion.

There were door prizes for the kids. Graham received a magnet drawing board. Ethan and Zach got really nice water bottles. Ethan was super excited that he got a watch and wasn't too fussed that it didn't work. He wore it religiously for two days until it completely fell apart.

I think the boys are finally "getting it" that it's fun to get these little prizes at community functions but they just aren't quite up to snuff. Graham brought this one to our attention last night from the gift he received at the Garden Show a few months ago. Zach was appalled when he saw it saying, "That's not a Yeti! Everyone knows they're evil disgusting monsters of the mountains." He should know as he's been writing a book about a Yeti on Mt. Everest, borrowing books about Yetis from the library, and basically obsessing about them ever since he was chased by one our trip to the Animal Kingdom.

To inspire reading and writing they had two nights of writing competitions by grade level and a 90 hour reading challenge.

Also, there was a table set up with Korans dating back hundreds of years. Honestly I didn't get close enough to take a picture. Many were very fragile and in poor condition. The last thing I wanted to do was have Ethan and Graham pulling them off the table or trying to look at them.

We did stop to look at some very nice encyclopedias for sale. I was tempted to buy them but when I thought about how fast current events change and the ease of internet access. I just didn't want them gathering dust on our limited shelf space. Plus we bought Zach an American History Book for kids last summer, which he loves, and that is keeping him busy when not otherwise occupied.

Explosive Situation

Now for some serious catch up.

In between weekly Shamals (sandstorms), occasional thunder storms, and crazy wind we've had some very pleasant days. Until three days ago that is and now it's 105 every day.

But a few weeks ago when it wasn't too bad we had a special visitor at story time.

Our K9 unit brought it's newest and youngest and very enthusiastic bomb sniffer for a visit.

With an audience of young children we thought they'd bring and older more relaxed dog. There were quite a mix of emotions, a few tears but mostly smiles, as this dog just wanted to work and play. Playing catch with a tennis ball is his reward for finding explosives.

The consensuses among the moms was that is was weird and a bit creepy to have explosives hidden in the toddlers play area. But when they brought the dog out he went right to work and knew immediately there was something there and went right to it under the merry go round and sat down. The children who wanted to participate got to throw the balls for him as his reward.

Glad to know the bomb sniffer knows his stuff. Sad to think we even need them.

A Runny Day For Ethan

This year the boys weren't the only ones to get a work out. With 3 boys in the different events at the same time and with G. needing extra supervision I was all over the place. At least this year Chris was able to make it and get the videos.

What form, what technique, too bad the darn breeze blew it back a bit.

I love Ethan's facial expressions. This day really is one of the most fun of the school year for the kids.

As usual the obstacle course was everyone's favorite. Really if they wanted to just do 3 different courses and the dashes at the end that would keep everyone happy.

I must preface this video. Chris turned the camera and I thought we could change it upright but I couldn't figure out how. What is great about this snippet is that Ethan totally biffs it but comes up with a huge grin on his face.

Now tilt your head to the right and enjoy.

In preparation for the event Ethan's K4 teacher had the students all wear tennis shoes to school the day before and they went out and practiced their sprints.

Ethan has always had a, uhm, how shall we say it....a unique running style clearly shown here.

I love this shot not only because Ethan is loving the experience but big brother Zach is cheering him on. That means a lot to a little brother.

Ethan was so exhausted after competing, then staying up a bit late because Chris and I had a meeting after dinner that ran long, he slept in until 8:30 the next morning. Two hours past he normal rise and shine time.

Exhaustion but happy exhaustion.

So Much For Time Off

So I haven't really gotten out of cooking and doing dishes like I hoped however,
I have had a helper...

Chris was out of town yesterday and the boys freaked out and completely refused to eat at the dining hall.

So I decided to go ahead and cook one handed yesterday only to have them not like what I cooked at home. OK they did eat the side dishes just not the main dish so it wasn't a complete waste of my time.

Thanks E for stepping up and helping Mom out. He does do a very good job with the dishes too I might add.

Mr. Muscles

No, not Chris, however, he is getting some serious definition now that he's half way through P90Sexy.
(Sorry, pictures will not be posted: this is a family blog.)

Ethan just can't stand letting Mom and Dad have all the fun.

This little guy is surprisingly strong and

loves the death defying drop. OK it doesn't really defy death but it makes my heart stop every time he drops. Can you say, "Another broken foot?" Chris just tells me we can't keep them from ever jumping so I just have to endure the fall.

Our tough guy gettin' a little tougher.