It's Spring Concert season at the school. That means clean faces, shiny hair and tidy clothes. When you're six, and your favourite pastime is practicing riding a two-wheeler in your muddy yard, that is nearly impossible! In this picture, Graeme is posing with some of his classmates and his teacher, a lovely British women who's love of children radiates from her. When I think about where each of these children call home, I'm astounded by the variety: Holland, Sweden, Canada, Australia and the United States! We recently celebrated International Day at the school, and there were 22 countries represented. Graeme can recognize the Pakistani national flag, and give an accurate description of Australian Aboriginals. What he'll take away from this experience, I don't yet know, but his outlook on life is widening and he's learning acceptance of different people and their cultures. If only all children could have this experience--what a different world we could live in!
Elise and Renee posed for these pictures on our front deck. Elise's dress couldn't possibly have been that short when we bought it....she's growing up so fast!
Don't you love Renee's boots? She has a different style than Elise, and posing for pictures doesn't come as naturally to her. The school year is winding down here. The children receive their final report cards next Friday, the 29th. There is talk of end-of-year parties, award ceremonies and class trips. Not to mention, money is being requested by PTA members for such things like presents for teachers, gifts for children leaving, and a classmate's new baby sister born last week. This time of year has become such a hectic time, now that the kids are older. Life gets a little frantic trying to squeeze all of these "final" activities in. We are anticipating our trip to Canada this summer and I know that one of these days, I'm going to have to lug all those suitcases out of storage and start shoving summer clothes into them. This weekend is a long weekend, Thursday is a Public Holiday and the schools are closed on Friday as well. We are booked solid from Thursday's BBQ with friends on the island of Vaxholm, Friday's BBQ with our neighbours, Saturday's scheduled boat trip to the Royal Palace and Sunday's Medieval Festival! We are happier here when we have lots to do on our weekends. Even so, I'm sure we'll still find time to sit out on our front deck and breathe in the sweet smell of the lilacs blooming in our garden! Happy Spring!
