Pinkalicious

Our new favorite book series inspired our birthday cup cakes. 

1st day of 1st Grade

Big boy just got bigger. He was not worried about first grade. His primary teachers would change, French and Arabic, but the other four would stay the same. Same building, same hall, same schedule. Only he was warned, or threatened by teachers that EB1 would have tests. His tutor for the past two years has resigned her services, so we are thrown for a bit of a loop. But after two days he is enjoying the first grade! He is enjoying the three day holiday more though😉

Birthday Girl

In lou of a party this year we opted for buying the box at McDonald's. Which when you have a great McDonald's where the staff know you by name, paint your face, give you a gift and balloon, it's not a shabby compromise. We went to the bakery for ice cream after where she picked out a piece of cake and ice cream. Everyone was sufficiently strung out on sugar when we got home.

Big Red

If anyone knows Jonas they know once he's gotten something in his head there is no letting go. He holds on to things with shear force. When we got back he wanted to spend his last 12$ of grandma Wanda birthday money. After some discouragement of the random crappy Chinese toy, he settled on balls. One inside and one out side. After 3 days and many toy stores we found the one ball he was looking for.

P.S current Jonas'ism

iPhone tower (Eifel tower)

Wash-a-ma-cleaner (washing machine)

Sponge bob square bin (he refuses to believe me that it's square pants)

And while we were in Texas, aunt Julie and I were lecturing Zaky why he had to wear his seat belt, Jonas adds to the discussion "ya and Zaky mommy doesn't have money to fix your cracked head"

Back in the swing of things

It's hot here, the power is pretty bad, no water. But were glad to be back.  And the same kids who a week ago complained about which park they went to, what color slushy they got, wether they watched Netflix or regular TV, are now excited to climb on the water tractor. Simplicity is a good thing (for the next 10 months at least).

HollyWood

How many monkeys

How many monkeys can fit in the back seat of a car?

Travel companions

Oh the stress of packing and anticipating traveling 24 hours with three kids.  8 bags and 4 carry ons, all over weight, turned into 10 check bags and 6 carry ons, with no charge and only a few minutes of hassle.  All the bags made it, nothing broke!  The kids were a bit teary (cried) while trying to fall asleep, missing their JuJu and Aunt Julie, and Nalla (aunt Julie's dog).  But the flight itself went very well.  The kids had a goal of watching TV the WHOLE time, and they almost succeeded..