Highlights from Home

A wise friend, Cantor Azi Schwartz, once told me that home is what’s inside your heart. He used to travel a fair amount for work and said it could be frustrating but that he learned to embrace wherever he and his family were at the time. I sometimes think about that and I often find myself repeating a version of it to my kids. It’s not like we are between so many places but it can get confusing sometimes. But we are not at all confused when we cross the bridge to NYC. We instantly feel at home, like we never left and nothing has changed. And I mean that in the best possible way. Even though we have to stay at a hotel (apartment-style only these days), it just doesn’t matter. We are most definitely home. At least for a couple of days. And we pack a lot in…as usual.

(1) Haircuts – ironically, the kids’ haircutter is Russian and now they have a lot more to talk about. Both kids needed a summer cut.    

 (2) Errands and shopping – I don’t have my nanny with me so I wasn’t exactly spending my time at Barneys but I did take the kids for new sneakers, clothes, etc. They had doctor’s appointments and we scoured the aisles of Duane Reade. And my mom helped out so I could do some things for myself. My favorite of which was walking thru thew new Whole Foods that opened just 2 blocks from my old apartment. It unfortunately made me realize many things that I miss in Moscow. 

(3) Diners – we always eat at our family favorite, Gracie Mews. This time we were lucky to run into one of Alex’s good friends, Oiivia.

  
(4) Movie time- “Inside Out” – Alex’s friend had his birthday at the movies and aside from being great to see his friends, this movie was brilliant! I can’t recommend it more. Kate slept thru the whole thing but Alex understood a fair amount and could really relate -it is about a young girl who moves from Minneapolis to San Francisco and the emotions/actions that follow. It is a must see.  

(5) Special visits…

Obviously just being with my parents is amazing for all of us. Relaxed and easy and just comforting. 

  
We had A great day out of the city visiting our closest friends (who are really family). Swimming, running around, eating and having fun.  

   Celebrating the college graduation of another friend who is family. An amazing bbq and then this insane cake – which actually tasted as good as it looked

  
Seeing our close friends who recently moved to Austin – it was a great coincidence to overlap in NYC. The kids always loved being together and they ran right to hugs and kisses.

   
 (5) A final birthday celebration- as if the kids weren’t “birthday’d” out, I had planned a joint 3rd and 5th celebration for them. Just a little sports party for their friends in NYC who they won’t get to see all summer when we move out to the hamptons. It was equally an excuse for me to see my friends.  I loved watching the kids reunite, it was filled with so much excitement. It was great to have my aunt and uncle there and also my sister in-law and brother in-law and my nephew (my niece is already at camp). Everyone had the best time, a total success. Especially the “cupcake cakes”!   

  

  

  

    

  
Now we are in Bridgehampton to spend the rest of our summer break. Beach, camp, bbqs, and so much more. We all are all very happy! Only missing Greg who comes soon!

Flying with Toddlers

  
I  successfully completed my first alone flight with both kids. No better indoctrination than a 10 hour international flight. On a scale of 1-10, I would give them an 8 actually. They are getting better at this. As am I.  But it is long and exhausting and at the end, all you have to show for it is jet lag. We’ve been in NYC a couple of days now and morning one wakeup time was 4:25am. We are now up to 5:50am so we’re doing better.

Traveling with toddlers is a real balancing act. It’s a lesson in practice and it’s especially a lesson in patience. You need to be over-prepared and hyper-organized. And even if you are all of those things, it still can’t guarantee a smooth ride. When Alex was just 3 months old, we had a trip planned to Montreal. I remember reading online articles and asking tons of friends for advice on traveling with a baby. As he got older, each flight we took was a little different – we had good and not so good moments. Actually after a flight to St Thomas when he was 18 months old, we vowed to put him on the “do not fly list” for a year. It was that bad. 

Our long flights are now unavoidable. Plus we’re trying to travel more while abroad so the frequency of flights has increased. I thought maybe it would be helpful to share some of my personal tips. Many of these will sound familiar and many will be things you may already do. I should preface this with saying that traveling with a baby is different than traveling with a toddler. And traveling with a toddler is different than traveling with bigger kids (I imagine).  So here’s what I’ve learned about traveling with toddlers:
(1) Clothes – a full change of clothes for each kid is essential. Between spills, accidents, possible sickness, etc, you just never know. And that goes for the adults too. An extra shirt is never a bad idea. Pack these in zip loc bags. You can than use that bag for the dirty clothes. And only wear comfortable clothes. You can still look chic in leggings and sneakers (maybe not the running kind).

(2) Snacks – a high percentage of them should be new/different/special. Maybe something you would never buy at home but is a treat for travel. Nutritional rules usually go out the window, you just want to survive. Pack these in another large zip loc bag. Always include lollipops.

(3) Meals – pack sandwiches you know the kids will like. And pack more than you think you need. You can get stuck in the airport, in the air or at the gate. And pack food for yourself too. I wrap them in tin foil, label them, and put them in another large zip loc bag.

  
(3) Activities – I like to call these plane presents. Makes the kids think they are more special. And often times I even manage to gift wrap them. The point is to find a nice assortment of inexpensive activities that you can take out at random times. This is especially important on flights longer than 3 hours. Some of my favorites include plasticine (it’s a version of modeling clay and easy to create without being messy), mosaics, sticker books, and small legos.

  
(4) iPads – this one is obvious. It is still a wonder how families traveled before they were in existence. I always add a new movie, show, game, etc. I don’t go overboard though. Maybe 1 of each. But they’re all new and often I ask the kids what they want

(5) Backpacks – Each kid should be responsible for their own. Let them pack some toys from home but nothing heavy. Just fun, easy things. Small cars, dolls, crayons and paper or activity books are good. I finally told Alex he can only take what he can carry on his own.

(6) Medicine – I don’t take the whole cabinet but tylenol, advil, neosporin and bandaids are the most important. For kids and adults.

(7) Empty straw cups –  this has saved lots of spilling accidents. I bring empty ones and fill them with water after security. And then you can refill on the flight as you need. I often do half juice, half water. Lasts long and they can drink whenever they want 

(8) Wipes – tons.

Those are my favorite tips, they’ve gone a long way to help me. I’m not saying flying alone with the kids is particularly enjoyable (even when I’m lucky with front-of-the-bus seats) but at least I have my routine down!

 
  

Fast Track Friendships

When I met one of my first (and still one of my great) mommy friends in NYC, I was 6 months pregnant and she was 3 months behind me. We clicked instantly over many common bonds – we were both having boys, we had both graduated from Penn, we had both recently moved from Horatio Street to the Upper East Side, we were both working (and both conflicted) and we were both somewhat ambivalent about making new “mom” friends.

In life, there are very distinct times when you have the opportunity to meet new friends – school/college, work, thru babies, thru the kids’ schools, etc. And while of course you can meet people in other ways, these are the major touch points. These are the times when you are usually most open and vulnerable, when you’re sharing an experience or going thru something similar.

So when I met this new friend, who is smart and witty, I barely batted an eye when she said (only half-jokingly), “so how long are you going to live in NYC because if you’re moving to the burbs soon, I’m not sure I can spend as much energy on this new friendship!” I laughed but I totally got it. I said, “Don’t worry, I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon!” And I didn’t. Life just sometimes throws you a curveball.

I am very lucky in the friendship department. I have 3 of the same best friends since I was in elementary school. And my closest friends from college are the ones I met my first week of freshman year. I have a close friend who I met during my first days in investment banking. And I made some great friends when I had Alex and others while settling into mom/family NYC life. Not everyone has such long, deep friendships under their belts at 38. I’m lucky. I also like to think I’m a good friend. And that I choose wisely.

I’m now in a completely new environment where I “have” to make new friends. And while meeting people has never been my issue (I’m not shy, can’t you tell?!), being on the fast track to “close friends” isn’t familiar territory. It usually takes time to really get to know someone. But expat life throws that process upside down. You have no choice but to move quickly. To open up more quickly and to ask the same of someone in return. And you have to make decisions more quickly about who you want to spend time with, who you want to make plans with and who you think will become a “real” friend. It is the most unique situation. And it can lead to amazing relationships but also high turnover. You see, many expats only move for 2-3 years at a time. And the first year is all about just finding these people and getting in your comfort zone. And once you get in your comfort zone, people end up moving (expectedly and unexpectedly) and throwing you for a loop.

Such was the case with my friend Becca. We met my first week in Moscow. She was the current president of the PTO and I was interested in learning more. And it turned out her 3 kids were in Sunday School and again I was interested in learning more. The overlaps continued and Greg and I loved hanging out with her and her husband Jan. Their 3 kids (who range from 8-12) are smart, sweet and fun. Alex and kate instantly bonded with them. Alex especially loved having “older” friends at school. Becca had been in Moscow for 4 years and had no plans specific plan to leave…and then a curveball. Her husband got a fantastic job offer in Dusseldorf. So off they will go and it was sad to say goodbye at their nonstop goodbye party the other night.

So what I’ve learned is that even if someone is only in town for a year (in this case less) of overlap with me, it is still worth time and energy because that person could turn out to be a lifelong friend. For me and Becca and her family, we might actually be “real” friends for a long time to come!

   
  

With Maggie and Becca at the goodbye party – which included quite the bonfire
 

Closing Time

5 months ago, I walked into the Anglo-American School of Moscow with a nervous 4 1/2 year old. I remember like it was yesterday. Those first few days were rough. I remember feeling my own anxiety yet not allowing myself to break down in any way, shape or form. The kids (especially Alex) would only see me happy, prepared and excited for each new day. They would only hear me talk about the amazing adventure we were on and the excellent school, programs, friends, etc that awaited us all. I believed it but I wasn’t yet feeling it. I knew it would just take us some time. And thinking back, I’m not exactly sure when we turned the corner. But I’m so glad we did.

Today was Alex’s last day of school (of PreK) and everything about it was 180 degrees from his first day. Gone was the unknown, the tension and the fear. Instead, there was a mix of comfort and excitement. I personally couldn’t wait to see what the school’s closing ceremony would be like since all of the parents told me it was emotional and fantastic. I had no idea what to expect. I just knew that all 1,200 students plus faculty, administrators, board members and parents would congregate at the gym at 11am. I was thankful some moms told me to get there almost an hour early to get a seat. When the doors to the gym opened, it was a mad dash for the seating (of which there is minimal) as it becomes a standing-room only event. I was pushed and stomped on (the perils of being short) but relieved to get a seat. Just like NYC, some parents were ruthless!

Slowly, the bleachers and floor of the gym filled up with kids from each grade. The band played music while everyone got settled in and energized.

The school’s director, Mr Zurfluh, began with a couple of opening words but he didn’t waste time in beginning the procession of the flags. Each student’s country of origin is recorded and the oldest kid from each country is the flag bearer for that country. It is an amazing mix of students and the crowd cheers and claps for each, as if we are at the closing (or opening) ceremony of the olympics. It was a special experience and seeing the sheer quantity of flags lining the gym is astounding.

   Next there were some short, but cute, musical and dance performances and some words of encouragement and pride for the school and its diverse student body. Mr Zurfluh talked about “respecting and expressing yourself” as the theme for next year and announced his idea for the kids to start small, by wearing crazy socks that reflect their passions/interests and feeling comfortable to model them. It may sound silly but these little gestures go a long way. And I bet most kids will spend some time thinking about what socks to bring back from their home country.

 At the end of each day, Mr Zurfluh rings an old fashioned bell to sound the end of school. And on this last day, he had additional ceremonial bells and special individuals to help him. A board member, the PTO president who is leaving Moscow, a retiring teacher, and other important faculty. As they rang their collective bells, everyone cheered. And the flag bearers marched out.

It is hard to explain why this ceremony is such a tearjerker but it just is. And not only for the families who are leaving. There is something about seeing the marching of the flags and feeling so much a part of something unique that is exciting. There is something about being so far from home yet feeling a part of a tight community that is inspiring. And there is something about going “home” for the summer yet knowing/understanding exactly where you’ll be in 8 weeks that is comforting.

As Alex said goodbye to his friends and his teacher (see below), he said to me “it seems like everyone is going back to where they came from for the summer” A simple yet perfectly stated observation.

  
AAS holds already holds a special place in our family’s lives and I can see why every family there feels the same. We are lucky to have this experience.

To see a shortened version of the ceremony (and just get a feel for it), check this out:

https://vimeo.com/130986452

https://vimeo.com/130986452

3 out of 3

Kate turned 3 yesterday in Moscow. She also turned 1 in Moscow. And 2 in Moscow. I never could’ve predicted that we would celebrate her first 3 birthdays here but it has been a cool experience to say the least.

Kate didn’t know from having a big NYC party. And that was just fine by me. But it felt like she was due for a celebration. And she even started asking about them after Alex had his. But unlike Alex, Kate doesn’t have a big class and an active schedule of playdates. There are kids she mentions and many she plays with during the day. But the whole concept of playdates and outside activities at age 3 is somewhat nonexistent here. Obviously I’ve looked into it.

What I love about Kate’s JCC is that they let you (and encourage you) to do a birthday party right at school, during class time. It is super easy, efficient, and a built-in group of kids. I was given a phone number of a “coordinator” who arranges the “entertainment”. I use quotes because this might sound way more sophisticated (or fancy) than it is. My nanny and I called the coordinator – I’m thankful for the help since my Russian just isn’t good enough- and I  arranged for 2 (nondescript) princesses to come to the party and play games, make balloon animals/toys and then do an interactive bubble show. My only responsibilities were to provide paper goods, balloons, and a cake. Brilliant.

I couldn’t find any Star Wars paper goods for Alex but pink princesses couldn’t be more popular here. I had no problem finding everything I needed. And I had seen a cake in NYC that I thought was unique so I found a bakery here to do it. Actually there are amazing bakeries and it didn’t take me too long to find the right one to make her a cake. And I got cake pops (rare to find here) as party favors.

The party itself was adorable and sweet. Perfect for a 3 year old Kate was every bit the princess and smiled the whole time. Alex came with us which was special and it was nice that Greg’s parents were in town too. So it all worked out.

      
 

 
As has come to be our tradition, we also took the kids to Red Square on Kate’s birthday. You can see the progression from year to year and while not always our best pictures, I think it’s just amazing!

YEAR 1:

YEAR 2

YEAR 3 

   And onto some of the favorite gifts…

A life-sized doll from Greg’s parents – Kate told me she needs to wear pretty dresses at all times, just like her.  

A huge doll house that Greg and I ordered online here. He and Alex stayed up late last night building it. 

A pink princess tent – Because I got over my fear of pink and she’s obsessed so how could I resist. She already asked to sleep inside of it. Thankfully it folds up into a small round disc for easy storage and for when she (one day) gets over pink princesses 🙂   Let’s see what year 4 brings!

June 12th

I hit the ground running when I returned to Moscow. No rest for the weary.

Yesterday was actually a national holiday here. I had no clue until 2 days ago. It is a newer holiday though and often misconstrued as Russia’s Independence day when it fact it is called the Day of Russia. June 12th marks the celebration of the declaration of state sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (SFSR) in 1990. It was signed by Boris Yeltsin. In short, it marks the time when the Soviet Union “fell” and the consolidated Russian Federation (or just Russia) was created. The new constitution proclaimed the sovereignty of the Russian SFSR and the intention to establish a democratic state within a liberalized Soviet Union (thank you to Wikipedia for clarifying a bit). In any case, there seems to be mixed feelings on the day. No complaints about the extra day off, but not the warmest feelings on the meaning behind it and what it brought to the country at that time.

Greg was off from work and Kate was off from school but Alex had his end of the year field day so we all went to watch and hang out. It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for all of the elementary aged kids to be outside for a morning. The big fields were divided into sections/events and each grade (organized by class) rotated throughout them all. Of course the games were modified based on the age group. I loved watching Alex and his preK friends still loving every minute of the action without the cloudiness of competition. No screaming or complaining about which team was better. I suspect next year the competition will really begin. And that’s all fine and normal.  But they literally smiled for an hour and a half (minus a couple of minor injuries) and it was very cute. And given that 1 station was popsicles, everyone was happy. 

  

 

   

  

  

  

  

And Now a Goodbye

I’m at JFK about to board my flight back to Moscow. My 3 day trip turned into 7 as my grandma’s heart held on longer than anyone anticipated. My time was spent visiting her in hospice while on a roller coaster of emotions as we waited. I stayed at my parents’ apartment and we talked, ate most meals together and it felt like I was a little kid again, yet with adult responsibilities and emotions. I did some random errands and gathered things to take back to Moscow. And I saw a couple of very close friends for brief (but meaningful) amounts of time. I just wasn’t up for much more. 

When my grandma passed away on Monday, I felt relief that she was finally at peace. I felt relief that the roller coaster was over (especially for my dad and for my uncle). And I felt relief that I was still here so that I could be with my family this morning, the morning of her funeral and burial. 

I’m feeling anxious and overwhelmed but excited to see Greg and the kids. I can’t wait for some quality time just us. I need it. When I left my parents, I felt sad because I had gotten comfortable again in NYC and used to seeing them every day. Death always makes you think more deeply about everything. And feel more grateful for everyone. I’m not unhappy to fly back to Moscow but I’m looking forward to returning to NY in just 1 week with the kids. Our summer adventure is coming just as we (my parents and I) need it. Until then, I have Kate’s birthday, Alex’s end of school activities and lots of goodbye parties to enjoy and celebrate. 

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I delivered the eulogy (below) and wanted to share it so my kids can one day read it:

It is hard to be so far from home, especially this past week. I had mentioned to grandma that I was keeping a journal online although I’m not sure she really understood. I told her I would show her more when I came home in June. I meant in one week from today though.  I haven’t been able to write lately, I’ve been so sad. But I really want to. I really want everyone to know my grandma Mimi and for my kids to remember her.
My last living grandparent. My special grandma who was about to turn 90. Who just moved to New York from Florida to be closer to her family. My grandma Mimi who was as unique as her name. Her real name was actually Hermina even though Evan and I didn’t know that until a couple of years ago. My amazing grandma who I loved so so deeply, the way I can only hope my kids will continue to love my parents. My always-available grandma, who I spoke to regularly and about everything. Who gave such on-point advice, colored with the wisdom of age and hindsight yet totally current and relevant to any situation I threw at her.

My elegant grandma whose beauty and lively aura stopped people in their tracks – she sure knew how to light up a room.  Her face, her hair, her everything was always just right. My statuesque grandma with the fabulous Brainum family legs that I unfortunately didn’t inherit. My often vain grandma who always wanted me to wear my hair down, put on a little lipstick and stop picking at my fingers. My stylish grandma Mimi, who always made sure to show me her clothes and jewelry for approval. And who decided to gift me some special treats years ago “just in case”. Hopefully she wouldn’t feel it too inappropriate for me to wear her bracelet today in her honor.

My tender grandma Mimi who called me “Ali puss” or just “puss”. And who always asked me permission to use that nickname, which for some reason never embarrassed me. My accommodating grandma, who knew that my “alone” visits meant sitting by the pool with our books, trips to Target, and dinner somewhere delicious followed by vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce for me. Wet nuts for her.  My sweet grandma who insisted I share her bed whenever I visited her. And I never once said no – including into my late 30s. My loving grandma Mimi who just wanted to hold my hand wherever we went or just when we were sitting down somewhere. We actually have the same hands – long fingers, double jointed, clutzy and all. I feel fortunate I got to hold those hands again this past week.

My grandma who (with my amazing grandpa Milton) introduced me to one of my favorite foods, the perfect shrimp cocktail. My grandma who taught me all about enjoying a good drink and a nosh at 5pm, long before I was old enough to understand and appreciate its brilliance. But who also told me to avoid too much bread and carbs, long before I was old enough to understand why.

My sharp grandma Mimi who loved a good book as much as I did, who eventually learned about the ease of the Kindle and sharing with us on Amazon.com.  My quick grandma who played Mah Jong like I’ve never seen. Even after I learned, I still couldn’t keep up with her and her friends but I loved watching them.

My nervous grandma Mimi who once witnessed a massive blowout between me and Evan and called my dad in hysterics only to see us hugging and watching tv and laughing just 10 minutes later. For anyone who is (or was) a patient of my dad’s, you already know this story, one of his favorite lessons about unconditional sibling love.

My anxious grandma, who couldn’t sit still until she knew we were all where we were supposed to be. Not just when traveling but in our routine everyday lives. She somehow managed to be the first phone call you got when you opened the front door. To this day we don’t know how she did it.

My devoted grandma who always implored me to put family first – especially my nuclear family as I got older. Hopefully she understands that today they came second as I left them behind in a foreign country to be here with the rest of my family, my original nuclear family.

My supportive grandma Mimi who for sure didn’t want me moving half way around the world but who still found a way to tell me it was going to be an amazing adventure and to support my husband and family.

My kids’ amazing GG who beamed from her 10 beautiful great grandchildren, 2 of whom are mine. Who had an equal number of pictures of each kid and grandkid and great grandkid around the house, lest anyone feel not as special. We all felt like her favorite.

My grandma who would’ve loved seeing everyone together this summer. Who would’ve loved hearing about Moscow and our travels. Who Would’ve kept telling me she’s so proud of me and my independence. Who would’ve wanted to see Alex’s latest lego creation while reminding him her favorite is still the Mini Cooper he made her this past December. Who would’ve marveled at Kate’s grown up ways and especially her girliness, with her love of bags and shoes and dress up just like her.

This is the grandma Mimi that I will remember and I will keep telling my kids about. This is the grandma Mimi everyone loved. I’m so sad to say goodbye but so lucky I called her mine for 38 years.

Not where I want to be

So I’m in NYC now. But I don’t want to be. A week ago my grandma, my dad’s mom, had a stroke. My grandma who I’m super close to. The phone rang at 7am Moscow time and it was my brother in LA. He was on the way to the airport to catch a flight and he said it’s “over”. That she was “alive” but not the same and that my parents were at the hospital and would call me later with details. In that moment, my kids had just woken up and I had to get them ready for school. And I lost it completely. Hysterical crying alone in my bedroom. More than I’ve cried in the past 5 months combined. Greg was in the US for work and wasn’t coming home for another week. And it was the first time I felt way too far from home and from my family. I felt stuck. 

Days later, my grandma was moved from the hospital to hospice care and we were told it would be a matter of days. I waited anxiously for Greg to get back to Moscow so I could head home. The 10 hour flight was painful. I didn’t know if she would be there when I landed. But she was and I went straight to see her. It isn’t worth describing beyond saying that she is not really here anymore. And I hope to never see anyone in this situation again. Although I feel grateful that I got to say my goodbyes, give her hugs and say all the things you wish you could say to someone before it is too late.

But now we (the family) are all just waiting – waiting for her heart to get the message that the rest of her body is done and has already shut down. It is slow and brutal and so unfair. And I’m selfishly hoping I get to be here for her funeral – so I can be here with my family. But we just don’t know. 

In the meantime, my body is telling me it is stressed and tired. I spent my time today seeing a hand surgeon (I tore a ligament in my finger), an oral surgeon (I need surgery in July) and my dad (I got a stye in my eye). It is just a lot at once. 

I’m staying at my parent’s apartment and I’m trying to savor some rare alone time with them. Even though this is not at all where I want to be…

And I prefer to think of my grandma looking elegant as ever at my wedding:

  

AAS International Fair

Alex’s school may be called the “Anglo-American” School but it is truly international. As the school year comes to a close, there is always a celebration (and an honoring) of the countries that make up this special community of families. In a word, it is a total WOW. I had no idea what to expect. But the amount of organization, coordination and wo(man) hours that went into this 4 hour event is incredible. It makes you feel extra proud to be a part of such a special place.  

Here’s how it works:

(1) This isn’t exactly Epcot Center but…The main courtyard of school gets completely lined with tables, each representing a different country. The families from those countries get together to create a menu of classic dishes that best represent their region. Parents spend so much time planning, cooking and presenting their dishes while also creating an environment in/around their tables that truly reflects their heritage. I loved walking around with Alex, watching as he pointed to the different flags or foods while guessing which table belonged to which country. Everyone has so much pride for their heritage and it is evident. The energy and excitement surrounding the tables was infectious. 

We wore red, white and blue:

  
Countries/regions represented (hopefully I’m not missing any!): USA, Canada, Spain, Latin America, Greece,Turkey, the Dutch, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, Armenia, and Vietnam

  I took too many pictures because I loved all of the tables and offerings. So here is a sampling. My personal favorite bites included the USA’s pulled pork, Spain’s gazpacho, India’s samosa and Korea’s bibimbop. And yes, I tried all of those and more. The key was not finishing each portion!

   
           
   (2) The play spaces…one of the gyms was transformed into bouncy castle heaven. It was specifically designed for the under 12 set and it was my first stop with the kids.

   
   This particular indoor gym opens right up onto a blacktop that was full of even more games. Sumo wrestling suits, water fishing games, soccer ball shootouts and more.

The highlight though was the dunking booth. Every 30 minutes, a different teacher or administrator had to face the kids. And they had no mercy really.

   
  

(3) The Hall of Flags – the main courtyard is flanked by the above mentioned play spaces but also the Hall of Flags. This space had some more international food tables but they also had face painters, tattoo artists, bracelet-making, nail stations and more.

   
   
(4) The Entertainment – a nice size stage was set up in the corner of the courtyard. Every 20 minutes, there was a different performance by the students and also some of the parents. Ballet, hip hop, Irish dancing, Russian dancing, etc. Alex and Kate loved it!

   
 (5) Sponsorship – After a couple of months at school, I’ve learned that so much of what we can do is made possible by extremely generous sponsorship. Coca Cola and Pepsi were the main sponsors and you can see their signage everywhere. They also provided free drinks the entire day. In addition, Lays and Pringles donated free chips, Metro donated recyclable plates and more, and other companies donated in a way that really enhanced and enriched the experience.

(6) Of course this event isn’t free, it is a fundraiser as well.  To that end, they sell tickets. But everything is reasonably priced. Food costs anywhere from 1-3 tickets and each ticket was $1. Additionally, parents could purchase wristbands for their kids (for $10) so that they could play unlimited games. Funny enough, I got a call a couple of weeks ago that Mr Alex would be the “poster child” for the wristbands. They tried to get him to smile at 230pm on a friday but it didn’t work so well. But he managed to smile the day of the event. His poster and face had been plastered everywhere throughout school for the past 3 weeks and I can’t help it but we loved it 🙂

  
So, that was the day. It was bustling with energy and hectic but in the best possible way; we had so much fun. I was only sad that Greg was out of town because he really missed something special, an amazing community building day. But we always have next year!