Springing *out* of spring

We traveled for just the first of our two weeks of spring break and it was nice to have a full week of relaxing back here in Abu Dhabi before going back to school.

We did some swimming, went to the beach, hung out with friends, made some crafts and generally relaxed.  I didn't take many photos but here are a few.

Also here are a few more photos as we wrap up spring here in Abu Dhabi.  We had a lovely winter and early spring but May has hit us hard with high temperatures (116 degrees F one day!).  So not much outdoor time left for us.

Some impressive fort making went on one afternoon when we felt like staying home during spring break

We *finally* made the gingerbread house that Jane gets every year for her birthday from Gammy and Poppy.  It's a wonderful tradition and we got a lot of enjoyment out of figuring out when to make it.

Painting pottery - Regan and her friend Mackenzie

Anna painting

Jane made a paper machine hot air balloon

Kids table - dinner at the Ottinger's

Look who fell down and knocked out her first tooth!?!  Tooth fairy brought her a stuffed penguin

One of Jane's rainbow loom creation - she has moved way beyond bracelets and makes all kinds of shapes, charms, and animals.  This one is a check hatching out of an egg.  I'm so impressed by her focus and hard work on these.  She studies you tube videos to learn new and more difficult projects.

3rd Grade Science fair girls (Ameera, Jane and Brenli) - learned about color, light and prisms

Sunflowers have bloomed in the garden!

Anna making progress in her swim class.

Brave, brave Meredith auditioned and performed in the elementary talent show.  She played "Turkey" on the piano. 

Swim time!

Meredith has really learned how to dive this year

Kickin' back at the pool

Twister!

Ugh - only the end of May and check out that temperature...  We really did have a mild and wet winter and a mild early spring so I guess we can't complain too much....