Jan (a longtime friend who reads and comments on my blog) has faith that I’ll be able to keep writing AND work — after this week, I’m not so sure. I’m tired. The job isn’t hard, but it has technical aspects and a whole lot of names to learn so my brain is working in overdrive. Of course I don’t have to learn all the kids’ names who come into the library, but it makes the job that much easier since to check out an item I have to find the person in the computer system first and then scan the charger/book/computer to their name. And when there’s 20 different Ahmeds (some as a first name and some as a last) that complicates matters: “Which one are you from this long list of options?” and “Is it Ahmed or Ahmad?”
After work we’ve been busy with the typical rush of soccer games, Christmas concerts, and also grandparent bucket list items before Art and Barbara head back to the US this week. We’ve had tons of fun exploring Abu Dhabi with them and since they are only improving with age, they have more energy than 5 years ago and are keeping us hopping. They’ve got 30 years on me, but were game for kayaking yesterday afternoon, while I was ready for a lounge on the couch with the most recent episode of Survivor (#bestseasonever). But I rallied and we had lots of fun exploring the mangroves and watching the kids chase each other on the beach.
Other Abu Dhabi firsts: We went to the Emirates Palace for high tea.
And drank cappuccinos with gold sprinkled on top (the design in the foam is the hotel building with gold leaf at the base). She got a hot chocolate, but ate all my gold (and most of my sandwiches).
Thankfully Barbara took more photos than I did — my brain was still recovering from a training shift at work and I was trying to get enough food into a very hungry Camille before she went into an after school meltdown.
And once her tummy was full of scones and sweets, just like a princess in a palace, she fell fast asleep.
We walked back past the tree just as they were testing the lights for the tree lighting ceremony tomorrow evening.
We’ve also enjoyed a lot of family entertainment these past few weeks. Tis the season for choir concerts and we’ve had 3 of them already with two more to come. Calvin sings with the Chamber Choir and they are giving multiple shows: a tree lighting ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel this week, a school concert tomorrow night, and they were the musical entertainment at the school’s Winter Extravaganza this past Saturday.
Meanwhile, Carter was put to work by his Digital Photography professor. Earning extra credit for class by snapping Santa photos during the school Christmas event. (Not that this is shocking in any way, but Camille went nowhere near Santa.)
More singing — Carter is the only kid not in choir. After all the performances we’ve had this week, I’m really thankful for that.
We also had National Day festivities — an air show, fireworks, and an unofficial “parade” as people drove up and down the corniche in decorated cars for hours on National Day.
I saw the air show, but sat out the street party. Nana, Papa, Josh and the younger kids had a great time people watching and spraying silly string while waiting for the fireworks. I had a great time at home knitting, drinking coffee, and catching up on TV watching that I’ve been missing because of work.
They said it was a great time. I also had a great time. Win. Win. Win.
I think this photo best sums up our 3 weeks together. Priceless laughs and memories for all. We’re so thankful they adventured our way and we hope they will come again.
