McCarthy Suitcases make it to Riyadh

Greetings all from Riyadh where it's 44 Degrees even early in the morning. Hotel feels like a hotel in Brunei - nobody around and not busy in the restaurants. Staying in the Marriott which feels somewhat like the Green Zone with all the security. Leave tomorrow via Dubai again to Brunei

Another new city for the McCarthy Suitcases

Dubai - for 14 hours before heading down to Riyadh - only people I've met so far are either from India or the Philippines. Not going to explore, a run, lunch and then back to the airport.

Count Down Begins

As many of you will know, it's almost time for our two year trip back to Ireland. This year we bring Ayden for the first time along with Sitty who is coming along to help as three kids under five on a long haul journey is not exactly going to be fun! Aside from the usual family and friend get togethers, we do hope to get the chance to go west to Ballybunion (beach above) where I spent most summer vactions when we were young - one might say that was the extent of my travels then besides the regular trip to Tipperary to see my grandparents.

Meanwhile, I need to get to Riyadh, Sydney, potentially Mauritius and most definately Singapore before even considering traveling to Ireland. Still, everyone is now very excited but to be honest, I think Sitty takes the prize for being most excited.

Sultan's Birthday - Hanging Out

Hanging out with Zarah waiting for their grandparents to return from the Palace - Jack is starting to show signs of real growth and is putting on the pounds at last !!

Strike !!

Rumbling through the photo's taken while I was away recently, I came across this photo where it was clear that the person taking the photo had won the argument !!

Pink Playdough

Iman and I made playdough this afternoon and it was a success which was a big relief and I had one very happy Iman with her pink playdough. Mothers reading this will understand what I mean when the little ones are excited that Mummy is making playdough for them and it turns out being gooey mess. The recipe was given to me by a teacher in Iman's school in Bangkok *Thankyou Teacher May*. For those who need something to occupy the little ones on a rainy afternoon here's the recipe. I think it's foolproof, easy and will save you $.

Mix the following dry ingredients in a medium pot :
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup salt
2 tbs cream of tartar

Combine the following and add to dry ingredients:
1 cup water
1 tbs veg oil
2 tsp food colouring

- Cook over medium heat and stir. After about 3-5 mins it starts getting thicker and a ball will form in the centre of pot. Turn out the mixture and knead on a lightly floured surface. It should now firm up and feel like playdough. Store in airtight container or plastic bag.

Art Exhibition

JIS art was on show at the Empire last week and on display was one of Iman's paintings so we went to have a look. It was very exciting for Iman seeing her painting in a frame. And she was also excited to see her friends' work. From her kindy class there were 3 paintings chosen including hers. Jack just wanted the little label!

Zahra too had a painting exhibited - her big red fire engine though she maintains her flower painting should have been there instead.

End of Term

It was the end of term for the junior school yesterday and their celebration evening was held last night. All our kids performed beautifully. But my camera didn't. I did get a good picture of Fatin performing in the junior orchestra and one of Iman and Zahra below in the entrance of ICC.