Time Passes Quickly

So, it's been 11 weeks since we first arrived in Dubai, and at times it feels like we've been here forever, but for the most part, it seems like we were just picked up from DXB airport and shuttled to our new apartment. Nevertheless, it's been a great journey these past few months, and now that it's beginning to cool down to 90 degrees, we're planning to get out and explore a bit soon.
We will be on a one week vacation from school the second week of November for the Eid Al Adha holiday and we are looking forward to the time off. Grant has complained a bit though because he is enjoying school so much-ha! He truly is enjoying it, but like all of us, ready for a break. We'll plan to stay in Dubai and perhaps wonder out to a couple other emirates (there are 7 total) to see what neat things we can find and do. Honestly, there is plenty to do here in Dubai for the week, so we'll see what the future holds.

The school day passes so quickly... we're teaching, teaching, teaching and Grant is studying, studying, studying... a few after school activities here and there for all three of us, then it's the weekend. The weekend consists of sleeping in a little, going to church, grocery shopping, dining with friends on occasion, skyping with friends and family, some facebooking, then preparing for the next week again! Blair and I will be dressing up for Halloween this week, and Grant is just happy that he can pay 15 dirhams (about $5) to be able to dress down and not wear a uniform! We're anxious to see what Halloween looks like in Dubai. We actually have a pumpkin in our apartment and I found Halloween and fall napkins too! For those of you who know me well, I'm happiest when I have some seasonal decor and some pretty napkins to go along with it! Not my usual "stuff" by any means, but just a little something.

I've also noticed some retailers in the mall decorating for Christmas. The American stores, like Pottery Barn have stockings and other novelty things out, while others are starting to put up lights. I hear it's quite beautiful around here during the holidays, but again it is Dubai, and they expect no less than extraordinary.

Blair is now singing with the Dubai Chamber Choir and enjoying it very much. Singing is his passion... so glad he's taking advantage of this opportunity. They will have a couple of Christmas performances. There are some recordings from previous years on YouTube if you want to search. We will be traveling to Italy for Christmas and I'm working on the details of that trip. We are so close to so many wonderful places, we decided it would be crazy not to travel some while we're here. Will definitely blog about it after Christmas.

I hope each of you at home in North Carolina are enjoying my favorite time of the year... October and November are my favorite months! So enjoy the cooler weather, the smell of pumpkin bread and the aroma of apple cider for me!

Three Busy Beams

Just when I thought things couldn't get much busier, I was reminded that YES THEY CAN! This past week, was a complete blur. Three late nights at school: A parent meeting about a class trip in the spring for Grant, a PYP (curriculum/parent night) and Dance for Somalia (a fundraiser for the school community). All were really great, but it takes lots of planning, preparation and time of course. The Dance for Somalia was a great turnout, with several hundred people attending. I was able to do a little line dancing with the music teacher and 1st and 2nd graders... Boot, Scoot, Boogie... with jeans, plaid shirt and cowboy hat no less!!! Lots of fun to see students, teachers and parents present traditional dances from around the world... very nice!!! Folks here are very supportive of charity work and the needs around the world and 23,900 AED was raised that night, which is equal to about $8,000.00!

So, a busy week indeed, but all is still really good. On top of that, Grant started Soccer Intramurals, Golf lessons and a little extra practice with Arabic and Spanish. He is only one of a "few" who have not had any foreign language before (except for a little in middle school). Arabic is required by the Ministry of Education for ALL schools here in the UAE, beginning in Kindergarten, so most of these kids have had a number of years of it. His teachers are super understanding and working with him to get what he needs. Progress reports came out this week, and we are proud of how well Grant has settled into the academics and the social aspect of a new school in a foreign land!!!

Although we are over 7,000 miles away, it really doesn't feel like it most of the time. There are still challenges, like not having a car yet, but we have been so busy, there hasn't been much time to go look. Hopefully, we'll have some time soon to go out looking. Folks are so helpful and we are making lots of great memories wherever we go!!!

I lost my camera a couple of weeks ago (my fault), but will be getting something new soon... so more pics coming soon, I promise!!! Guess I'll have to use one of Grant's many electronic devices for now.

Until next time... enjoy the FALL weather at home... one thing I am definitely missing... Kim