Bieber Fever

We're singing the songs, we're doing the flick, we've watched the movie (several times) and this is just the beginning. Jack now wants a drum kit... And somehow we're being absorbed into this as well and now we're starting to think "Hey... this kids's not bad at all". Of course we reserve the right to review that admission!

I ran... sort of...

It was just over a month ago that Boel convinced me to join her for the 8km run of HSBC WalkRunCycle charity event. It's for charity plus there's an array of lucky draw prizes so why not?

Physically I am able to run - I manage it every tuesday evening - but somehow running outside the jungle without the hills, thorns, ants and whatever else thats chasing me to run, its a different story. My body feels heavy, lacks the drive to carry on and just plain lazy! So no, I didn't do much training for the event and last night I did go into a bit of a panic especially as our average run on a tuesday is only 3km.

But Boel has done several races before and the plan was to run for 5 mins and walk for 1 min. Predictably with the rain and whatnots the start was delayed for nearly an hour so despite being wet the weather was on our side. We started off well... and by about the 3rd km I was really into it and took off by myself. Big mistake... I got bored running on my own and just kind of lost interest and energy. So the last 3.5k was a struggle but I did it finishing the 7.5km in 50mins - for some reason the organizers knocked 0.5k off the run (?).

Bright and sparkly before the start

Not so after the race

And our "been there... done that..." photo

We taking about doing the next event and despite not enjoying the whole run and not winning a lucky draw prize, I did have a fun morning. So yes Mrs. W I think we will go for it again but next time tell me not to be stupid when I decide to go running off!

Amin is 18!

Happy 18th Birthday to our Amin!!

I can't say it only felt like yesterday that he was born because 18 years ago I was only in 2nd your uni and that does feel like a long time ago! And in a few months time Amin himself will be off to uni. The picture below I took myself when JP first opened and Amin was barely 2.

We had a lovely family dinner last night and Amin was happy with his presents including a lovely surprise from Mah and Pah.

And at At Taiyib birthdays = a show and the little ones put on a special performance. Once I figure out imovie, I will do a post (but it might take time).

Even Reeham wanted to be part of it. And of course Fatin was central to all this.

Our favourite hangout

Kids were off school due to Fobissea sports meet so we headed to the club for the afternoon. The kids swam, played in the sand, caught fish... and left me with little to do but relax and soak up the views.

Donncha's Birthday Lunch

I surprised Donncha today with a special lunch for his birthday - tabouleh, baba ghanoush (both homemade so I have been busy!) and haloumi. And later we will have cake and much more!

Found my dancing shoes :))

Dancing is not one of my natural talents. I avoid dance floors at all costs and often think I have two left feet. Then I tried Zumba. Can't say I loved it at first and I found it very difficult and frustrating that I couldn't "Zumba". So after several sessions I gave up totally and avoided it for months. But the music was too good and I hated working out by myself whilst everyone was having a party in the studio next door so a couple of months ago I started going to Zumba Toning regularly and started enjoying the sessions.

Today we had the second Zumbathon at the Empire - two hours of non-stop Zumba! I went to the first one a few months back but I was still unconvinced that it was actually "fun". Today was a totally different experience - I loved it and had so much fun. So much that I want to go to Zumba all the time - and I must have a pair of the tassle pants!

Ayden's Mothers' Day Surprise

Ayden came home on Friday with this lovely little package and card and said "It's not a card and it's not chocolate!". Okay then...

I actually wanted to leave it until Sunday morning to open but Ayden couldn't keep his hands away and insisted!

The chocolate balls (which I'm sure were delicately rolled with his little hands) were lovely but it was the card that made me melt.

Swimming Gala 2011

Friday was the annual Junior School swimming gala and it was a long morning at the pool with all three McCarthys participating.

Jack did very well, winning his heat and placing third overall in the freestyle

For Kindy it was all fun races and they were all so proud to be there.

Ayden always next to Alex!

Panda class getting their chocolate coin medals (which Ayden says is not a chocolate!)

Ayden was very proud telling us that he came second, fourth and fifth !!

Thanks to one of the class assistants for this great underwater shot!

Competition in Iman's year is quite tough and she had last minute nerves the evening before. However, on the day she did very well and enjoyed the competition.

The girls celebrating each other's success - always nice to see

Iman's DT Hall of Fame

It was a lovely surprise on Friday for Iman to get a mention in assembly after Jack's class performance. She is one of eight to have her work featured in the Junior School's DT Hall of Fame. And the winning piece was a sandwich carton she made last term.