Riley's Fresh Summer Look

Early last week we had to make a decision as to what to do with Riley's hair. It was becoming a tangled mess and was getting ever more difficult to keep out of her face when she went swimming and to the beach. We let her know that it was going to be cut and that she could decide how short she wanted to go. After several discussions, we turned on the computer and showed her the Locks of Love website, and simply explained what she could do with her hair if she decided to cut at least 10 inches. I showed her pictures of kids without hair and then with their wigs, and photos of kids donating their hair just like her. Riley was very excited about the prospect of donating her hair, and even brought tears to my eyes when she told me she didn't know which girl she should pick to give her hair to.

We went to the salon early this morning, had the back of it straightened as best we could, put it into a ponytail, and cut it off! Yikes - it's super short... but she had a smile from ear to ear when she saw how cute it was. She now looks like her two best girlfriends - and she couldn't be happier. The hairdresser had to cut a little more than I would have liked to clean it all up, but it couldn't be too short for Riley. She has stared at herself all day in the mirror and has asked us no less than 50 times if we love her hair. We do.

Happy Father's Day!

To help celebrate Matt's 5th Father's Day, I decided NOT to purchase a fancy gift, but rather give him something a little more personal. Here's to you babe - Happy Father's Day. I love you.




p.s. Thanks for the great idea Barry!

Muscat, Oman

Last Wednesday (on my birthday actually), Cyclone Gonu hit Muscat, Oman, bringing on heavy rains and strong winds. This was the strongest cyclone to hit the Arabian Peninsula since 1977. I had a opportunity to view hundreds of photos of the damage and destruction and was utterly shocked. From experience, I know that the damage to homes, businesses, and roads will take months, if not years, to fix. Here are a few photos that I found slightly disturbing.

This is the McDonald's restaurant that we used to frequent with the kids.

This was my favorite coffee shop, right underneath the Nando's sign.

Annie

A few weeks ago the middle school at the American International School put on a performance of the musical, Annie. Actually it was more like Annie-lite. The kids had 1 month to learn their lines, design their costumes, and practice for their 2 performances. We found out from some friends that the school was holding this show and quickly made changes in our schedule so that we could attend. The girls LOVED the one hour and twenty minute performance and amazingly sat still and quiet through the entire thing. We sat on the floor in the very front row so they could see the stage and the cast. After the show they took a few photos with the actors/actresses. While only a few kids sang on-key the entire night, the girls had a fantastic time. What a treat.

Sheridan's New Pillows

I'm almost finished with Sheridan's bedding project. Just a few more hours (or days) and I'll complete the final sham for her patchwork duvet and bedskirt ensemble. Here are the latest pillows I designed for her room.

Circle Time

Riley's class held a special Circle Time today and invited all the parents to join. We got to see them do their morning routine, sing 1/2 hour of songs, and eat a snack prepared solely by the kids. It was wonderful to see that every kid had either their mother or father there. The teachers gave a special thank you to everyone who attended, and told us that this is the first year ever where the entire class stayed throughout the year... nobody else joined and nobody left to move onto another post / country. School ends next Wednesday. Here's the last photo of the Teddy Bear class.

Back row... Miss Pia, Jana, Riley, Emily, Kit, Osher, and Miss Mini
Front row... Gabriel, Thymen, William, James, and Alex

At The Beach

The weather is warming up to the mid-high 80's and we're now spending our weekends at both the Rec Center pool and the beach. Tonight we went to the beach with a few friends and their daughters. We stayed long enough to go into the water, eat a light dinner, and have a few meltdowns. Here are some pictures from the evening.

From L to R... Riley, Sheridan, Anna, Kit, and Gabby