Email

Izzy saw my computer and announced that she wanted to send "mommy an email".  So she opened it, turned it on (with help from daddy) and proceeded to type me a message.  Funny how their little brains absorb at any particular time.

Izzy & the camera

After returning home today, Izzy found our camera on the table.  She wanted to take some pictures and was actually quick at learning how to do so.  While I cooked, she took about 20 pictures.  Here is a sample from our budding photographer.

 Yes, I'm cooking.  So interesting to see it from her viewpoint.

 Unfortunately, Clay became her target for most of the pictures.  At first he tolerated a few snapshots.

 He just couldn't get away from her.  She even followed him when he wanted to eat.

By the end, he just surrendered and let her take pictures.  Isn't that a sad face.  He really does tolerate alot from her.

Citizenship!

 Today was a monumental day for the Barkoudah household.  This is the day that Abe said the oath to become a United States citizen.  He arrived in June 2002 and ten years later he is a citizen.  It was a proud moment for both of us.  The experience was truly unique.  Unfortunately, our cell phones & cameras were held at the entrance so no pictures to show of the actual ceremony.  The oath was intense.  I think President Obama said it the best.... 'with great privelidges, come great responsibility'.  It was an experince I was glad to witness.  There were 113 in total who became citizens today, many emotions in that room.  June 14th will be special in this family.... it's my father's birthday, flag day & now Abe's citizenship.

Abe & I in front of the federal court house.  It was located on the waterfront.  Coupled with a beautiful spring day... it was perfect!

Izzy's 3rd Birthday (officially)

 Yesterday was Izzy's official 3rd birthday.  I decided to make these cake pops for her treats to school.  The responses I got were that they were very tasty.

 Before coming home from school, I picked up some balloons.  Her reaction upon entering the door was priceless.  She couldn't get her shoes or coat off fast enough to go to the balloons.

 Our present to Izzy.  Too bad I didn't read that assembly was required.  After dinner I was still screwing the pieces together to get his assembled before bed time.

 Salwa got Izzy a new friend... a stuffed elephant.  Notice that she hasn't let go of the balloons yet.

 After dinner, we brought out her cake.  In addition to asking for a pink elephant on her cake, she also requested pink kitty cats.  When she saw the cake, this was her expression.

Happy 3rd Birthday Izzy!

Happy Mother's Day

Izzy made this mother's day present at school for me.  She was so proud of her handprints and the card that came with it.  We celebrated by enjoying a picnic by the pond, throwing a frisbee, kicking a ball & feeding the ducks.  I couldn't ask for any more.

Izzy's 3rd Birthday Party

 This weekend we celebrated Izzy's 3rd birthday.  When asked what she wanted on her cake, she kept saying a pink elephant.  So... that's what she got.  I also decided to try making some cake pops in addition.  For my first try, they didn't turn out bad.  And they sure tasted good.

 We celebrated an indoor playground.  All the kids could run around and have a good time before we ate pizza and cake.  Even the adults had a good time including Abe.

 This is one of Izzy's good friends, Bonnie.

 Unfortunately, Izzy developed a fever the day before her party and still wasn't up to snuff at the party which demonstrated itself as being sensitive.  This was one of about 10 episodes of crying we had to help her out of.  This one happened right after singing 'Happy Birthday' to her.

 She retured back to normal pretty quickly, blew her candles out and ate some very good cake.

After cake, the kids were allowed to play some more.  Many of them got into all the mobile cars which ended up in a HUGE traffic jam.  But they all just laughed and pushed their way through.

At the end, Izzy, Bonnie & Liam took some time to enjoy their goodie bag and the lovely weather.

Teta Visits

 Recently Teta arrived for Abe's brother's wedding and is staying with us.  We asked her to make some tabouli from scratch.  This is not the first time she has done so nor Izzy's response.  She can't wait to get her own plate and spoon to eat it.