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