Art Imitates Life

Charlie brought this artwork home from school today. I thought it was so cute and, he doesn't even have to become a whale to get to America..We'll be there as humans next week! (BTW: Jenn and Drew might recognize the t-shirt. It was left here after their trip and it's the only shirt Charlie wants to wear. Thanks!)

Our Brown Eyed Girl

Grandma and Grandpa were here for the end of the year open house at ACS. It was so much fun for the kids to be able to show them around the school and all the projects they have completed this year.

Sam's music class performed their favorite song Rockin' Robin and then danced and performed the rap songs they had composed in small groups.

Grandpa and Cairo got some good one-on-one time doing homework after school.

Sam talked Grandpa out of a movie and into the 108 degree heat to throw the football. What a good sport with the kid's fun placed first in his mind.

Prior to going into the pool we enjoyed singing Cairo's favorite Primary songs, listening to talks from Grandma and Grandpa Cook and the Primary President, Sister Magelby.

Charlie and Jack wanted to be on the front row watching Cairo get baptized. They along with Bishop Stone and Grandpa Cook made certain that no part of her popped up out of the water until she'd been fully emerged.
We are so fortunate to have many friends and family that live close enough to have been here today to help make the day even more special for Cairo. Sargon, Virgil and Victoria came from Dubai and Grandma and Grandpa Cook flew in from Amman, Jordan. It can be hard being away from home on such special occasions but having these people here really made the day complete.
After the baptism we came back to our house for a breakfast, including Shari and Sam Stone's famous sourdough waffles. We now have them as our neighbors here in the Fortress and to have them join us for this event among all the other daily activities we enjoy together.

Cairo as the duck in Peter and the Wolf

This Was Such a Great Concert!

Honestly, what is it about Rock Stars! These guys are in their late 40's and they are still cool. It gives us old folks some hope!
Brad and I took Sargon and got out in the hot Abu Dhabi air under a full moon on the beach behind Emirates Palace and enjoyed some good american Rock'nRoll. It was a great time.

Our Team Power Fitness II Team

This group of women are so inspiring. I have had the opportunity to be part of this powerful team and to learn from every one of them. We work out together, learn about healthy living from each other and inspire each other to improve our lives through physical fitness. Thanks Ladies!

Poetry Cafe

The parents were invited to a poetry cafe in Mr F's 2nd grade classroom today.  I was so excited to find out what a good poem tastes like...Turns out, each student had prepared a book of poetry and we were able to go around the room and get a sample reading.  (There were a few edible treats too.) It was lots of fun and I was especially impressed with the poems the students had written themselves.

Cairo "bridges" to the next level of Brownie Scouts.

I was never a Girl Scout so this has all been new to me.  Cairo just finished her second year of Brownies and bridged to the next level.  This is a photo of her troop #18.  The ceremony was last night and we can check of one more final thing for this year..Last Brownie event.

Circle of Friends

Receiving her badges.

Layla's Mom, Carol Bourne is the Brownie leader and has been like a second mother to Cairo.  They live in our compound and have been so good to all of us.  They will be transfered in June and will be living in India for 3 years.  We'll miss them so much.

5th Birthday!

Jack and Charlie and their friend Alyson.  Aly is such a cute girl and in this country of dark hair and dark eyes she is quite unique.  For his birthday Jack wanted a play-date with just him and Aly.

Stepping Stones Graduation

Miss Nigar was an amazing teacher and a great influence for the Cook boys.  They will miss her and I know they will always have great memories of their days in pre-school in Abu Dhabi.  Miss Nigar and her assistants have given Jack and Charlie a great start on their education experience.  They leave Stepping Stones with the ability to write their names, identify alphabet letters and sounds and most importantly, a love for learning.

The children sang and entertained us before they marched.

Charlie and Jack gave each teacher a flower to thank them for all they have done for the kids.

Proud graduate of pre-school.

Deceptive Weather

It's not my style to like a cloudy day.  One reason life in Abu Dhabi is so great is because everyday begins with sunshine and clear blue skies.  Last week we had an unusual day of overcast skies.  I was actually kind of happy.  It would feel good to put on a long sleeve T-shirt and some jeans for a change and stay inside and catch up on the blog...WRONG.  If you look closely at the picture below you can see raindrops on the windshield of Big Red.  The photo below that shows the outside temperature reading...

NOT jeans and long sleeve weather!