Isabelle Takes Bronze in Vault

Unfortunately you're going to have to wait for the professional photos and video. I was helping out backstage so only caught a few photos of Isabelle warming up before her floor routine. We're of course super proud that she participated and then went on to win a bronze medal in the Vault event. She scored an 8.2 in floor and 7.45 in vault. 54 gymnasts from 4 clubs competed.Here Isabelle and BFF Jessica (another Swede) share some warm-up moves.

Point those toes!
Urgh, looks hard.

Last minute pep-talk from coach, the wonderful Mrs Innes.

Saluting the judges.

Here she goes... good luck Belle!

Waiting for their scores... gymnasts just hangin' around.

The Rainbow Fish

Here they are: fish, jellyfish, starfish and octopi. Fab costumes and set design.
Wave to your parents!

" No, we don't want to play with you Rainbow Fish."

Go Octopi Go! Show 'em what you got.

Bonus: the Reception kids treat us to an encore!!

Shiver Me Timbers, It's a Pirate!

Pirate Day at school for Matilda.

Mid-life Crisis

Some would say two quadbikes, two kayaks, an 18 foot Bayliner with all the accessories and umpteen bikes would be enough.

Brendan says, "Look at the bright side Sweetheart, another mid-life crisis purchase means I'm going to live longer." Hmpf. So, here is the latest acquisition. KTM 530.

And what the hell is it doing in my hallway??

Mrs White attends Prom

Lucky me, I get to join the Year 11 students at their prom.
Don't they look lovely?
Hitting the dance floor with my colleagues. Yes, we had fun!

Qatar Marine Festival

This is the first year of the Qatar Marine Festival, and it was a great day out. So many things to look at, listen to, and participate in. The weather was superb. A definite must do. Here are just a few photos, since I left my good camera at home...

Isabelle takes part in traditional Arabic games. The girls teach her without language being a barrier.
The cultural transformation is now complete.

Traditional dhow boat making on the beach.

International sand sculpture artists were flown in. They were so clever!

Brendan turns up in line with the theme... on a kayak!

Isabelle (I can tell it is her from the fluorescent pink nails, a remnant from spa day with mummy) feels a starfish. She's braver than me.

Our very enthusiastic guide gives us a close look at a horseshoe crab. So weird.

After three hours of checking out everything marine-related, we relax with lamb shwarmas at deluxe cinema on the beach. A great afternoon out!

Here is a little video of a new sport sensation - Bossaball! A Brazilian game, which combines volleyball, soccer, gymnastics and more. So cool! Do you like how well I timed the speedboats in the background too?

Making Easter Cards

Jessica is staying with us over the Easter weekend, and the kids are all preparing for the Easter Bunny's arrival tomorrow.
Matilda makes an effort even though she is poorly.

Alannah and Lewis join in the fun!

Voila!

I hope the Easter Bunny brings lots of chocolate!!

Happy 8th Birthday Isabelle!

We love you.

Roman Day @ DESS

Isabelle has been learning about Romans and Celts, and today was the culmination of all the Year 3's efforts. They performed a stage show for parents, and it was brilliant!

Super Hero Day

Matilda is Catwoman! Or, rather, Kitten Girl. Cute!

Couldn't resist adding this one...

Thanks to Liliana for taking such lovely photos today.

Pool Party for Isabelle's 8th Birthday

It all starts with a relay race to fill up a couple of buckets. Brendan is judge.
Go go go!

The pool slide arrives and is an instant hit!

Woohoo!

OK, now for the donut-eating-with-no-hands competition.

It is not as easy as it looks...

So funny to watch. More relay races in the pool.

Nanna takes the prize for best bomby.

The cake. No blue jelly in Doha, so it is a lovely algae green...

Happy Birthday tooo yooooouuuu!