Adventures with four girls: Autumn fun in the UAE

Friday, September 30, 2011

Autumn fun in the UAE

Getting this school year started was much easier as we were all settled into our new country, knew our way around, the kids knew the school, etc. So this autumn has been much more about having fun and quickly getting into our new routine. Meredith has joined her big sisters at the American Community School (they have a formal pre-k year there called KG1 which is how she is at the same school even though she shouldn't be in regular kindergarten until next year). Meredith's classroom is just fun to visit - it is really set up for children's enjoyment and there are *lots* of pets to feed and admire. Regan and Jane have decided that they really want to go to KG1. It truly does look like such a fun place and we love Mrs. Mary and her two assistants, Ms. Sophia and Ms. Rachel.

I have a funny story about Meredith and how she is getting school figured out. Regan mentioned something about how they didn't get to have their second recess one day. Meredith said, "Hey! No fair, we only get one recess." I explained to her that because it was so hot, she did her 2nd recess in the hallway and in the classroom. She asked Regan what recess was anyway. Regan's answer was something like, "Well, it's the fun stuff you get to do at school when you're not working." Meredith thought for a few minutes, her face lit up and she said, "Wow! I get to have recess all day long!" Kudos for Mrs. Mary who can make learning so fun for the 4 and 5 year olds.

We really did well in the teacher lottery this year and feel really happy about all three elementary teachers (and assistants!). We think it's going to be a great year with Jane in 1st grade with Mrs. Barker (who happened to meet Regan's old first grade teacher from Charlotte at a teacher training conference in NYC this summer - SMALL world!). Regan has slotted in so well with Mrs. Becker in the 3rd grade and we're thrilled Mrs. Becker has taken a real interest in helping solve some of the "girl" issues this group had last year with getting their feelings hurt and sometimes having a hard time getting along. Regan had all the girls in her class over to watch the American Girl movie "Chrissa" which discusses bullying and Mrs. Becker hosted a special girl lunch to kick off some conversations and is really engaged on helping these young ladies have a great 3rd grade year.

Anna has started up at school at Bright Beginnings Nursery which we just love. She slotted right into the "Crickets" classroom with Mrs. Sara and Mrs. Geraldine. Hearing Anna say "Ms. Gwe-wa-dine" is a real treat. She gets dropped off fine and wants to finish whatever it is she is doing before running to me at the end of her day. They were reading a book the other day and she clearly wanted to hear the end. She also surprised us by telling us the color of something in Arabic the other day - we didn't even know they were learning any Arabic at that age. So cute!

Sadly, our complex swimming pool is closed for major maintenance repairs and our beach club membership has expired (and we're thinking through some alternatives). So we're currently "pool-less" right now which isn't easy as it's still in the high 90s during the day. We'll get something figured our soon so that we can all get back in the pool soon. This means that our swim lessons are on hiatus for a little while.

Regan tried out for (and made!) her elementary school's singing group called the ACS Players. She was very nervous about the try-outs (she sang "Tomorrow" from the Annie soundtrack. She had a hard time deciding what to sing, but once she figured it out, she practiced quite a bit. She had the tune down pat but sometimes got the words mixed up. Luckily she was able to look at the karaoke screen during try-outs and was able to confidently sing her song. Great job Regan!

Regan and Jane have started golf lessons. We played a little this summer at High Hampton in the mountains of North Carolina and I think it sparked an interest - particularly in Regan. The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club runs an amazing kids' golf program based on something called the Titleist Performance Institute for juniors. They do lots of games and exercises that help the kids get ready for their swinging. The weekly lessons are a full hour and a half and the girls love them. I was motivated and impressed enough to sign myself up for a ladies' clinic - so we might become a golfing family after all! And it helps that the Saadiyat course is so beautiful and breezy right by the ocean. It's a lovely way to spend Saturday afternoons.

Just a little taste of our life in early autumn in our second year in Abu Dhabi.

Meredith and Anna with Jake on the putting green
while Regan and Jane have their golf lesson

Anna and Mere enjoying running around on the
wide green lawn at the golf course.

We get to see the beautiful sunset over the beach
as lessons are ending.

Regan, Jane and Jane's friend Ameera on the way to the kids'
golf lessons (they love the giant golf cart that takes them
to the other side of the driving range for lessons)