Bonding

TV time has been increased from weekend only to a few programs a day. Of which, must include some French, Arabic and English.(justified) The boys look forward to their tv time and will ask if there is power through out the morning. Yes tv is mind numbing, blaa blaa but man the house stays cleaner. And if both boys are contained Anna-Lena is entertained just by their presence, she doesn't feel the need to crawl into the kitchen trash or bathroom.

Quick Dip

Some friends of ours in Tyre had a baby last month.  We needed to go and give a proper congratulatory visit.  Lucky for the boys they have a girl their age. Even better, these people live right next to a beach.  So the guys got to take a quick swim while mom and Anna-Lena went to the supermarket.  

4th in Lebanon

We had our annual 4th of July party at our house. American flag cakes, s'mores,    

sparklers and fireworks were part of the day. 

Quiet time

The summer schedule includes a quiet time. If they talk they are separated, Jonas his bed, and Zaky to Anna Lena's room. Zaky obviously takes his quiet times very seriously.

Next skill : one hand

And for her next trick she will attempt to chew on the balloon and bounce while holding on with one hand!

Fast asleep

This is the only equivalent I have to clocking out at the end of the day. When all 3 are asleep my time card is officially punched ( laundry folding will wait until tomorrow )

One year later

Granddad had the boys put their hands in cement a year ago. It may be hard to see but those hands have gotten a lot bigger in just one year.