FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2022-2023

 I don't know where the summer went, seriously. Between flying back to India to run the summer program midway through our Scott family beach vacation, COVID for the family (minus me!), a weird bacteria bout of throw-up for the kids, a canceled trip to Guatemala to see dear friends with my MIL, a surprise trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg with Mimi, and ending my time in the US with stitches for Elea.  This summer was surely eventful and also taught us not to cling too tightly to our plans since God's plan is best (even if I'm not happy about it!).  

Yesterday they went to meet their teachers (check out our awesome friend Scott with the photobomb)

Today is the first day of school for the kids, I've been back for some time, but today they woke up a  Kindergartener and 2nd grader.  The morning went smoothly with us having to wake them up, thankfully outfits were picked last night and the jitter glitter Elea's teacher gave her worked (in her mind) as she wasn't nervous and actually excited.  

I cannot believe I've been in education for 17 years. I am grateful for this craft and profession that has led to many adventures and now allows us the opportunity to live overseas and explore the world. I'm also a bit anxious for this year as I am in a new role (to me and to the school) so there is still a lot up in the air.  I've been studying Exodus and felt peace at how the Lord provided manna for the Israelites each morning, as I read that I immediately thought about how God will provide and doesn't want me to cling to past days or pile up for the future.  I need to trust and train my thoughts to trust in him. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 

So here is to a year of leaning in and trusting the Lord to provide.  I can't wait to see how He does, it always blows my mind. I pray Tae and Elea are curious, kind, and risk takers this year. May they be leaders for Him and share their love and light openly! 

SCHOOL PICTURES 2021-22

It's school picture time again, which means the same old questions with different answers as our littles grow and change their minds.  It also means I buy a cute dang picture for the sake of memory and tradition.  

After I asked the kids the questions I showed them their old videos (check out the 2020-21 and 2019-20 videos) and they laughed hysterically.  It's funny how their little personalities showed so much in each 'interview'.  

Elea--PreK4 at AES New Delhi, India 

Class: Lions

Teachers: Ms Khanna, Ms. Marion, Ms. S, and Ms. Shivani

Favorite Food: Cake

Favorite Place to Go: Playground

When I Grow Up I Want to Be A: Artist

Closest Friend(s): Camila, Tea, Antonia, Noah, Raina, Almaya, Aubrey, Addy, Rainbow..and Maia, Nyla, Wren

Favorite Book: Pony Shine

Favorite Toy: Unicorn 

My Favorite Thing About School Is: I see God

What I Don't Like About School Is: It takes so long

Tae--Grade 1 at AES New Delhi, India 

Class: Sharks

Teachers: Ms Marcela and Mr. Himanshu

Favorite Food: Pizza and Pasta 

Favorite Place to Go: Playground

When I Grow Up I Want to Be A: Soccer Player 

Closest Friend(s): Zack, Sam, Ford, Oakes, Arihan

Favorite Book: Match of the Day and Soccer

Favorite Toy: Play soccer...Soccer Ball 

My Favorite Thing About School Is: that I get to play soccer 

What I Don't Like About School Is: I don't have anything

LUCKY 7 FOR TAE

 

Happy 5th Birthday Elea

 Our sweet and determined girl turned 5. I love watching her grow into herself, she is kind, creative, curious, and adventurous.  She loves being fancy (make up included) and changes about ten times a day. She's focused and loves a challenge-particularly monkey bars and perfecting a cartwheel. She shares her opinion freely and is learning when to push and when to give in, it's a fine line we are all learning.   She's happy in her room crafting, listening to music, and telling stories.  

She makes us laugh daily and we are delighted that we were chosen to guide her in life as her parents.  This year we had a small tea party with some friends, she felt so special and loved making our place "fancy". She has never had a party (thanks COVID) so she was super surprised that she got presents! Elea, never change.  Keep pushing the boundaries and walking in who God made you to be. 

Showing off her new leotard. 

And for posterity sake, a look back over past birthdays.  

4th birthday in Lisbon, Portugal (2021)

3rd Birthday in Phuket, Thailand (2020) 

2nd Birthday in Shenzhen, China (2019)

First birthday in Shenzhen, China (2018)

Welcome to the World in Campinas, Brazil (2017) 

A Quick Trip to Taj Mahal

We did a quick overnight trip to the Taj Mahal this weekend and thanks to COVID we had the place almost all to ourselves. Here's a quick recap and some of our favorite pictures. 

We arrived Saturday afternoon and checked into our hotel.  There was a pool so the kids were obviously in heaven and in the evening, when the temperature went down a little, we went to Agra Fort. Our guide shared so many details and tons of history as I walked around mouth agape taking in all the beautiful details and thinking of how much work went into this palace turned prison. The kids loved roaming the grounds and even did some sketches of it. 

The next morning we woke up early and headed to the Taj to get there before the crowds.  We learned that most Indians enjoy sleeping in (smart people!) so when we arrived we were surprised to see the place was empty. Elea was not the happiest, because playing in the pool was clearly more interesting than walking around a building. Thankfully she has a fun big brother that convinced her that it could be her castle.  

pictures don't do this place justice! It is all just so much to take in--the attention to detail, the ornate patterns, the grandness of the structure are incredible. The white marble is stunning and still in such good condition. The stone inlays pop and include sacred Islamic texts. 

It was a quick trip that we were fortunate to take, it is never lost on us how blessed we are to be able to experience the world and all it's beauty--God made and human made!