There are definitely times when the girls long for our Arizona home - they miss family, non-scary/stinky/squatty toilets, drive-thrus, and Target (they are, of course, MY children - and I mall those same things). I truly hope and believe that they will one day really appreciate this experience as something super special. In addition to the travel and culture that they are exposed to, they have also had the opportunity to try a few activities that they may not have been able to do so easily in the states due to lack of time/money/resources. Here are some pics of them exploring their talents:
Emma takes a Chinese painting class from a local art teacher. This is one of our favorites - we also had it matted and framed because custom framing is CHEAP!
Erin also takes an art class from a (different) local art teacher. So far she has worked with oil pastels and clay.
Both girls have been taking piano lessons from a friend in our neighborhood. Here they are in front of our building just before their "recital" in the gym.
Here they are with their teacher, Michelle. She is wonderful and we are going to MISS her when she leaves for college this summer.
Emma really wanted to learn to play guitar but I couldn't find her a teacher so she decided to try piano and loves it!
Erin loves any chance to be in front of an audience - if you'd like to see her "live" performance check our website. I will post the video soon!
Here is Erin enjoying an after school activity - Irish dancing which was taught by someone actually Irish from Ireland!
Emma is also getting some babysitting experience. She watches our little friend Julie (and sometimes her brother Nathan) - Julie is two and just adores Emma. I (or Julie's mom) are always in the neighborhood just in case, but Emma has done a great job showing responsibility and has quite the knack for nurturing.
Last fall the three of us girls bought rollerblades so we could have some fun outdoors together. I do okay unless I need to stop - then I am rather terrified. I have discovered that the older I get the more frightening the idea of falling becomes. I told the girls I will practice without them so I don't have to worry about their taunting. I do have the medical clinic on speed dial...
And to conclude I will leave you with a typical Erin farewell:
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