Ethan & Christopher

I had to dedicate a posting to Ethan and Christopher. Mainly so I can share some lovely pictures of the two of them.

Christopher is the son of our friends, Lara and Greg. He's a year old, and a cutie. I often would worry when we'd all get together, because he is 2 years younger than Ethan, and just starting to talk, so really, would Ethan have fun.

Ah.... YES!!!!

And the best is Ethan doesn't bully Christopher in any way. He lets Christopher lead, and follows. He's very cautious and concerned about him. If Christopher wanders off, Ethan's there to tell us first, then runs over to "herd" him back to the group. They don't argue or fight over toys.

It's lovely.

Eid weekend

For the first time in years, we've not been in Dar for Eid. This year, we joined the Nikitas clan for a getaway to Zanzibar, staying at the luxurious Zamani Beach Resort.

We arrived at Zamani on Sunday and were greeted with disappointment. The pool was under renovations! We'd never been to Zamani before, but heard they had a lovely pool area. But to make up for the lack of large pool, we used to pool by the spa, which was gorgeous in itself, so we didn't feel we lacked anything. The water was unbelievable cold. Ethan decided the best way to make use of the pool was to sit on the steps with Christopher (Lara and Gregory's 1 year old), collect water in his bucket and cool all of us off with it by dumping it over us!

We really wanted Ethan to nap, but he didn't agree to it. So while mommy went for a much needed massage and manicure, Ethan went for a walk around the amazing grounds with Daddy. This had the effect we wanted, he got tired, but not at the time we wanted. Ethan ended up falling asleep during dinner. We managed to make him a comfortable bed in the restaurant while we enjoyed the delicious seafood they offered.

Monday we decided to try the beach. Zamani has a beautiful private beach, but the best way to get there is via golf cart. Ethan loved this! The tide was out, so Ethan and Christopher enjoyed their time building sandcastles.

Ethan was with the program and took a nap, which made dinner a hit, as we got to celebrate Gregory's 29th birthday! Happy Birthday Greg!

Tuesday was time to pack up and return to Dar. Ethan took advantage of this last morning in Zanzibar by eating a HUGE chocolate breakfast. Chocolate cereal, toast with Nutella, chocolate croissant and a waffle with chocolate syrup! Needless to say, we shall be visiting the dentist next week!

Happy Eid everyone!

Ethan's First Day of School

Last week Ethan started school. He now goes to the French School, which I believe is the only school in Dar that doesn't have a uniform. He's in the Petit Section (pre-school). I had to work last Wednesday, so I missed his 1st day, something I was really looking forward to. I actually cried as I left for work that morning.

So with me working, that left Scott in charge of taking Ethan to school. Apparently, Ethan was a champ. He walked into the classroom, found some blocks that looked interesting and began to play.

When I got home that afternoon, I asked Ethan how school was.

"Good" he replies.

"What did you do?" I ask.

"I didn't hit."

"Well that's good, what else did you do?"

"I didn't cry. Lily cry. Alot"

"I'm glad you didn't cry. But what did you do?"

"I speak French. Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, dix!"

This week I haven't had to work, so I got the pleasure of taking him to school. Apparently that's not such a good idea. On Monday, he cried. A lot. Tuesday was whining. Today was better. I got a kiss and while he was busy playing, I got to sneak off.

But I still can't beleive my boy's in "big school"!