We are going on six years now since we moved to Bermuda; and somehow during that time, this guy turned 11.
This was what Jordan looked like when we first moved here. November 2010. At the playground at Somersfield Academy.
And now: January 17, 2016.
How did that happen again?
To celebrate, we had a full weekend of festivities. Grandmas Helene and Grandpa Michael joined us again from New York. This makes their 12th visit to Bermuda!
Ice cream is yummy! So is the birthday breakfast brunch at Bouchee! Thanks for the special treat, Helene and Michael.
Jordan had a birthday movie party at the Specialty Cinema in town. We watched the first episode of Star Wars - IV, "A New Hope." Big thanks to Ana, who handled the booking. After some miscommunication regarding party times, she contacted me later and adjusted the price of the party to reflect the mistake. I never asked her to, she just offered. I love recognizing great customer service like that. The staff at the cinema the day of also should be commended for keeping their cool and carrying on during the onslaught of 15 boys.
Oh look - there they are.
Group shot.
Jeff was the welcoming wagon:
shenanigans.
The Star Wars cake, courtesy of The Marketplace. They did a great job, and given Bermuda prices, it wasn't that expensive.
Loads of presents from his friends.
That evening, we went out to dinner at Portofino - a family favorite. Jordan was serenaded by the waiters, who delight in calling him various names. It's usually Pasquale.. this evening they chose Miguel. They also know he is a huge fan of the Parmesan cheese. When the waiter comes by with it for the table, he heads to Jordan first.
Their desserts also don't disappoint.
This guy was allowed to leave the confines of his cage for a little while as well. Look how nicely he is buttering his bread. That lasted for about 30 seconds. And then he was a disaster. He's not the best age for restaurants yet, but we try in limited doses. Portofino is fabulously accommodating on that front.
The next night was a Monday, and the actual date of Jordan's birth, but he had gymnastics after school. He doesn't get home till after 8, but we all waited to eat with him (well, except Theo..) A cheese plate and wine helped tide over the grownups until we feasted later.
First there was steak. Then there was cake.
I made a two layer chocolate cake and covered it with sprinkles.
He loved it.
Hard to believe that our time here is now marked in terms of "this will be the last time.." But it's true. I'm fairly certain this will be the last time we will be celebrating Jordan's birthday in Bermuda in January!
When I think back to our first Christmas spent in Bermuda, in 2010, I marvel at how much has changed. I remember feeling shipwrecked that first year, unsure about moving to the island, missing favorite traditions, friends and family back home. I missed waking up in my own home on Christmas morning, the frenzy of baking and cookie swaps, the fun of seeing the kids open presents with family nearby. I missed cooking big dinners and exchanging gifts with dear friends. The kids' school in BDA was drastically different than what I was used to. I didn't understand the way things were done. I constantly fell short at meeting self imposed parental goals at school, and no matter what I did, I felt like I was speaking another language. I was still suffering from sticker shock at the prices of things in BDA, and baffled at how to make Christmas a festive occasion for the kids when the price tags on everything were so astronomical.
I know, it's not about the gifts, of course. But as an ex-pat, I have to admit, life is simpler in the US when it comes to a budget. When we first moved to Bermuda, I didn't fully appreciate how much I would miss the ease of shopping at stores like Target or Costco. I didn't realize to what extent shipping from abroad would become a necessary. I didn't understand how to budget the time involved for those things. And I didn't understand that once something ran out of stock in the local store, you wouldn't see it again the next day. We live on an island. When something runs out, it takes some time to get it shipped over here ... assuming "it" is something generally stocked to begin with.
I didn't realize how jam packed the first two weeks of December would be, and how the island became strangely quiet after ... especially if you were a newcomer. It was a wee bit lonely that first year.
Naturally, the kids wound up sick on Christmas day, thus concluding a less than auspicious start to our new life on the island.
But...
Fast forward five years and I must say, the month of December in Bermuda is one of my favorite times to be on island. I always tell people, I prefer the holiday season in Bermuda to anywhere in the US. It's decidedly quieter, and more low key. It's hard to describe exactly.. but it's less flashy. While the stores may be decked out for the holiday, and the "Black Friday" tradition has made its way to this shore recently, it doesn't feel as crazy as it is in the US. There are no massive shopping malls with people scrambling to find parking spaces. People aren't stampeding over others to load up on flat screen tvs. You don't feel inundated with commercials on tv telling you to buy, buy, buy...
I also love the fact that it is generally warm and sunny. I love how small this place is and how you can't go far before seeing a friendly face. When you do, be prepared for more than the typical "Good Morning!" Something special happens in December here.
The hectic frenzy of a US Christmas pales in comparison to the "quiet" little life here on the island. December on the island is a time to turn in, embrace the warmth of your loved ones, and as an ex-pat - the warmth of the new family you have created around you.
Ultimately, of course, these guys are home.
This is the shot I used for this year's Christmas card. I finally got one out after a hiatus of a few years. Having a third child inspired me.
Apart from the usual gluttony of school activities (holiday parties, school Christmas assemblies and school concerts) we also had Jordan's first overseas gymnastics meet. Here he is heading off to Boston. No medals, but he did fantastic competing at level 5 for the first time.
Upon returning home, both he and Mina had music recitals. Both kids play piano. Mina also takes voice lessons and Jordan plays guitar. Between the two of them, they had several bits to perform at their recital.
I always tell them they are a team.. that a family is a team, and that we work together. When I saw them rehearsing Silent Night, I wasn't sure it was going to happen. Each of them could only focus on themselves. Jordan played the keys as loud as he could, ignoring Mina's singing and tempo. Mina compensated by singing louder and louder and losing the feeling of the song in a bid to be heard over Jordan's keyboard pounding.
Oddly enough, something happened the day of the recital. There in the church, in front of all the parents, the kids pulled through and performed like a team.
Jordan played the piano beautifully, and accompanied Mina.. allowing her to showcase her sweet voice and sing the song gently. She's never sang in a setting like this or used a microphone to amplify her voice. She was also the only child in the whole program who sang.
So, I thought she did very well for her first time.
This is the video.
I know they have a ways to go before trying out for the Voice, but believe me, I just about died from maternal pride.
There is no way in "hey ya" that I would have stood up before a whole audience at 8 years old and sang a song. No hallelujah way.
Go Bean.
One of the things I love best about our family is that we embrace a lot of different holiday traditions. Celebrating Hanukkah is one of them. We are so lucky to be friends with another family on the island who host an annual Hanukkah party. Last year I brought a cookie tray.
This year I changed it up a bit and did monogram initials for the kids.
The finished product.
.
I also took a stab at making jelly filled fried donuts (Sufganiyot ) for the adults. Not too bad for a first attempt. I know they say you should never try something for the first time when you are making for a party, but I can't help myself. I love using my friends as guinea pigs for testing new recipes.
Naturally, we did our annual cookie trays for our neighbor friends as well. The kids helped.
Guess which ones they made?
Another one of the highlights of recent holiday traditions has been watching Mina perform with her school choir. This is her cozying up by the fireplace at the Coral Beach Club, where she and her school choir performed an evening of Christmas carols.
I really love this beach club. It is situated on the South shore on a beautiful piece of property. The club is decorated in what I would call Old School Bermuda charm. Understated, but so traditional and lovely ... a cozy fire in the main room, cedar beams, shuttered doors open to allow the ocean breeze to come in, and the bar tucked into a nearby corner discretely serving the evening cocktail. Mina and the choir sang, then we enjoyed a gorgeous buffet dinner after. The choir sat together and ate, while the "mums" had a lovely meal to ourselves, almost kid free! Gasp! Of course we pretty much talked about our kids non stop, but what that's what moms/ mums do.
The Christmas tree was up, the first full weekend after Thanksgiving. Per custom, it's decorated with all the arts and crafty ornaments the kids have made over the years. I also add a new one each year that I pick out. Mina has taken to buying one each year as well at her school Christmas sale, which I love. My favorite are framed picture ornaments. This year, tucked among the branches, is one of Theo. This is his first Christmas at 3 months old.
ps.. I hate those black curtains and blinds. They came with this rental and I keep putting off buying new ones. I am slightly mortified showing them, but this is my best shot of the tree.
.
There he is! Theo's first Christmas.
.
Christmas morning, the big kids helped Theo raid the stockings. If you look closely, you might notice it is still black outside the windows. That's because the big kids decided to wake up at 5:30 in the morning.
We somehow managed to make it to our annual Christmas brunch at the Lido restaurant on Elbow Beach. I love a brunch with a view. Ignore the bags under parental eyes.
Beach views.
After our meal, we enjoyed mingling with the crowds who gather each year.
Beach days in December... who would have thought.
Theo handled it with ease.
He has some big kid helpers to guide him through the process.
Lucky kid.
Lucky us. I haven't even described the flurry of holiday parties that we were lucky to be a part of. This kid has been dragged along to more festivities than I can remember at this point: open houses, holiday fetes, etc.. And I have loved every minute of it! We are so incredibly lucky to be part of such a great group of friends - both ex pats and locals.
Maybe it's because I know there is an end date to our lives here on the island - suddenly everything is starting to be tinged with nostalgia. Despite a rough start, this place has become such an oasis... especially during the hectic holiday season.
Hoping your holiday season has been fabulous.
Happy New Year!! (Our crew will be snoring away at home.. except for Theo.. he is a midnight riser.)
Once upon a time, Grandma H. ventured into the woods and came upon a house in the country. After seeing herds of deer trot lightly across the backyard, she was instantly sold. This is what happens when city folk venture north of the Tappen Zee. Crazy encounters with wildlife get them itching to buy real estate.
Just kidding. The house in the Poconos is now serving as a great vacation away from our home in Bermuda. Since the kids do nothing in school but enjoy one break after another, we decided to enjoy their week off in a winter wonderland. We also had to throw a biopsy for Jordan in there too, but more on that later. Big thanks to Grandma H and Michael for hosting our gang and making the vacation so much fun.
Of course, we first had to figure out how to get the car down the driveway.
Ah.. look! A man with a shovel!
Just when we thought "we" were done with snow forever. Bwah ha ha!!
I particularly enjoyed these pictures. Of course, I had to work quickly because I didn't want the change in temperatures or condensation to adversely affect the lens of my Nikon D90. (bwah ha ha!!) But like a good documentarian, I thought it necessary to capture the moment when my shorts-lovin', cycle-ridin, new Bermudian resident donned his boots and parka and hit the white stuff again. Look how cute he looks all manly like this with a shovel and determined look on his face. It's like being back in college in Binghamton! Snow, boots, and rosy red cheeks.
Speaking of rosy cheeks - look at this guy. Our munchkins look much happier than their dad. Being kids, they are impervious to the cold.
I know Mina is buried in there somewhere. Possibly under the fur cuff.
What happens in Grandma's house, stays in Grandma's house. That includes episodes when the baking fever drives Grandma and grandkids to produce both cupcakes AND cookies in the same day.
Oh those cookies are good. They really, really are. Having eaten at least twenty of them myself, I speak from experience. Conveniently, Grandma's home is a developed community located on a beautiful three-plus mile loop. I spent some serious time out there running those cookies (and lobster, and wine, and chocolate, etc) off. It was a blast. The air was crisp and clean. Without the humidity (or the trails, or sand, or heat) running was a lot easier. I did have to watch out a bit for ice, but you can't have it all.
Ever heard of something called "Penguin Sledding?" Me neither. But my kids made it up and it's a cheap winter sport. Just find a hill and throw yourself down it belly first. But don't come crying to me if you bang your chin up or there's blood on you somewhere.
Yeah, you either.
The trip to Grandma's coincided with Valentine's Day. Jeff's present to me was a night away in a local resort. My present to him was not bankrupting us on the way to said resort. I sort of tried to restrain myself, but it was hard given that we passed the Crossings Outlet Mall on the way. The porter counted our bags and told me I had just set the record for the year. I wasn't that impressed since it's only February.
For the record, I know it looks crazy, but I have to put it in context. Most of the bags are Jeff's anyway.
The next day, we returned to the homestead. The kids looked up for a minute from their sugar frenzy; and we headed out for the next adventure - skiing!! Take a look at that sign above the door. That's the kind of sign I like to see.
And this is our reaction.
The kids spent three hours in the "Snow Monsters" ski school at Jack Frost Mountain. We watched them in the comfort of the lodge. Through the glass windows, we laughed at them trudging through the snow, up the "magic carpet" conveyor belt, and then wedge themselves down the little baby hills.
So cute!!!
Look at this little guy. He did so good!! He took to it right away. Once he got the hang of it, he did the typical guy thing and tackled the hills straight down.
This one, I'm not so sure about. But she does know how to pose.
Then they took them on the ski lift; and I lost a few more years off my life. That girl sitting next to Jordan is only six as well. Nothing like letting the blind lead the blind. Notice the bar isn't even down. This is the end of the lift, so you can't really appreciate the height it went to coming UP the hill. The thought of Jordan hanging up there with nothing but own wits to protect him, oh Lord...
Turns out, they did just fine.
Thankfully someone in a position of authority realized that Mina might need some help.
Kidding aside, it was seriously awesome watching these two learn to ski. Having learned relatively late in my own life, I'm glad these two are getting an earlier exposure to it. Like other parents who're crazy enough to let their tots do it, we all agree that little kids have less of a distance to fall when they topple over.
Watching the kids have so much fun prompted Jeff and I to rent some skis the next day and give it a go too. The weather was gorgeous! Warm (I was sweating in that puffy jacket and hat), barely a breeze, and perfect for an afternoon of skiing down nice, gentle slopes. Jeff dragged me to a couple intermediate ones, and much to my surprise, I did not kill myself. Or him. I guess growing up in upstate NY has its advantages. If you don't ski in the winter, what the heck else are you going to do with yourself?
And then the kids wanted to go with us. Jordan went with Jeff.
1
And Mina went with me. And then I realized that she hadn't learned a darn thing in class and mid-slope, she decided she couldn't make it down the hill. Argh!
me: Mina!! We can't climb back up the hill!! Didn't they teach you how to make a wedge? Come on, just hold my pole. We'll take nice big turns and go slow.
Mina: (sniffling) Mommy!!! I want to go back!! I want to go on the lift!
Me: Mina, we can't go on the lift till we get to the BOTTOM of the hill. The lift takes us back to the top of the hill. We have to ski to the bottom.
repeat conversation a few more times. I begin to feel myself slip from my parallel position on my skis and start to move backward...
Thankfully, Jeff and Jordan came shushing by. We switched kids, and I went down with Jordan. Or I should say, I tried to slow Jordan down while he desperately tried to snowplow his way down the bunny slope.
1