As much as I would like

to move back to Blogger, I am still having technical difficulties. Our current blog is still at www.dinoiafamily.typepad.com until further notice. Hope to see you there!

The Lion, The Witch & The Caitlin

Oops, I mean wardrobe. Caitlin's class studied this book (among other things) during the past two months, and Cait is definitely hooked. All of the students had to design their own wardrobe and then write a story about it. Caitlin definitely had an interesting story, which involved characters named Caity, Rock Star and some sort of cat.

We learned of this tonight at parents' night. I had actually seen the wardrobe earlier in the day when dropping the book orders off at the school. I didn't look too closely, though, as I knew it was a surprise for the evening.

So, Caitlin is on grade level for math, which is great considering they are using a much harder workbook than the standard American text. She has also blown away the teachers with her reading skills. They are absolutely impressed by how she "devours" books. So, needless to say, to say the least, if one is in need of a Christmas gift idea for Caitlin, the Chronicles of Narnia would work. She is also in love with Magic Tree House books, but they don't last long and I could not even begin to tell you how many she has read.

So, if you are wondering, yes, we love her school. There are only 10 students, but they are part of a bigger Icelandic school and have several integrated classes. They also get incredible amounts of attention. Considering how they are molding the minds of the future, I don't think a parent could ask for any more!

Now a word on the manipulator (I mean that lovingly) of the evening:

Kelsey and I were having a brief discussion and I mentioned how we went to a meeting tonight.

Kelsey, "No, you didn't, you went to Caitlin's school!"
Jen, "Yes, but it was for a meeting. You know, in a few years, you will go to that school, too!"
Kelsey, "Like Caitlin and Aidan (Cait's friend)?"
Jen, "Yes, but Aidan won't be there then. He is moving."
Kelsey, (very nonchalantly) "To another school?"
Jen, "No, to another country."
Kelsey, "Hmm, can I have a snack?"

Well, no, but then again, knowing Kelsey, I think she knew that! And, yes, she is doing just fine at her "Icelandic school" as she calls it.

We've moved!

Well, not exactly, only to a new blog site. We are now located at www.dinoiafamily.typepad.com.

Thanks!
JPCK

Pumpkin Carving: Part II

On Tuesday afternoon Aidan came over for a playdate. Caitlin let him know that we hadn't yet carved the pumpkin and they both decided that would be a good activity for them (translation: me) to do that afternoon. Since Aidan was the guest that day, he picked out the design for the pumpkin.

Cait and Aidan then played an interesting game of Kids Trivial Pursuit while I was reminded of just how difficult and tedious pumpkin carving can be! However, the finished product completely erased such thoughts and we enjoyed the soft glow of the illuminated pumpkin for the rest of the night.

Pumpkin Carving: Part 1

On Monday night we remembered that we had not carved the pumpkin. Unfortunately, we forgot about it until dinner-time (which was after swim lessons) and by then probably about 7 p.m. So, we decided just to clean the pumpkin and carve it the next day.

In the pictures above, Caitlin is removing the 'guts' of the pumpkin. Most of the guts went to the compost heap and then we adjourned to "Baking the Seeds". Caitlin, as we all know, can be picky but absolutely loves baked pumpkin seeds.

Halloween at the Embassy

As you may or may not know, Halloween is not celebrated in Iceland. However, since RIS is an international school with some American students, the children do participate in Halloween festivities.

Today, the children from RIS, the teachers and the teachers' children (who were on vacation this week), spent an hour at the Embassy entertaining the staff and enjoying some sweet treats. I decorated the Lava Lounge (old MSG house basement) and Caitlin and her friend Aidan helped make cupcakes to share with their classmates.

Later in the afternoon, I stopped by Caitlin's school and we spent the rest of the day playing games. Admittedly, my 'freeze tag' is a little rusty, but we had fun and I was able to visit her classroom and see more of her work.

Part 3: The party!

Just a few of the attendees!
Did I mention we hosted a Halloween party today? It started out as a small party for the mum's group and then I decided to include Caitlin's classmates (only 10 kids in the whole school).

After I thought about it, I realized I should probably also include children from the Embassy, whether their parents are FSOs or FSNs. However, one cannot simply invite the kids, so we went nuts and invited every Embassy employee and their families. So, how many people did we have?

Um, about 60. Everyone brought food (mostly luscious chocolate cakes) to share while we provided beverages and games for the kids. It was a lot of fun, and if I may brag, when one partygoer (the social queen bee of the Embassy) was asked, she could only describe the fete as "Fab!"

And, yes, I am already planning our holiday party!

Part 2: Horseback Riding

Okay, these pictures may not seem too different from last week. However, what one cannot see is that Caitlin is actually riding bareback.

Not only that, in the second picture, they are actually trotting around the ring. All of the students had two turns in the ring, and Caitlin was too scared to go fast on her first try. On the second try, she rode with her hands in the air, on her head, rode faster and stood up on the horse. I guess you would believe the lesson of the day is balance?

Yes, we are proud as usual, especially as it was once again extremely cold and she barely noticed.

Saturday, Part 1: We shovel!

Here is a picture of Caitlin thoughtfully shoveling the snow in our driveway. Unfortunately, not too much headway was made as the bottom layer had started to turn to ice. Wonder how we are going to get it clear for the Halloween party this afternoon?!

Above left is our house the day after the first snowstorm of the year!

The Very Pink Cowgirl

Here she is! They mounted the horses, rode to a larger ring and walked around that ring for about an hour. You can't tell from the pictures, but most of us were absolutely freezing. Apparently, the horses are even calmer in colder weather.

They were pretty quiet today (except the one who got left behind!), so I am guessing the 30 degree F weather agreed with them. OH, and in case, you didn't guess, she is the one with the VERY pink pants and fur-topped pink boots!

Cowgirl Catla D.

Each week before they ride, they comb their horse. Caitlin wanted company while combing, so I got to feed the horse her carrot. Despite the fact that Peter was bitten (not badly) by one of the horses last week, Icelandic horses are known to be some of most gentle in the world.

The Icelandic Brown Dog

Here she is! It's Sandita Bandita's twin! There would be more pictures, but like her 'sister', this little doggy is extremely fast.