Back to School - 2009

Parker's first day of 4th grade at AISB

Parker and Glenn

Trip to Bratislava and Prague

Last week we had a 4 day weekend due to Hungarian holiday so we took the opportunity for a driving trip to Bratislava, Slovakia and Prague (Praha), Czech Republic. We only stayed one day in Bratislava, but we had quite a nice time. Our hotel was right at the entrance to Old Town Bratislava so we were able to walk right in. We took a riding tour on a train to hear the history of the old buildings and learned that most of them were "palaces" belonging to very famous rulers from Austria and Hungary. In Prague, we again were lucky to get a hotel right next to Old Town and walked the streets looking at all the historic buildings and shops with blown glass and famous Prague puppets. We made it to the Old Town square and watched a visiting group from Hawaii perform (kinda weird to find on our tour of Prague, but LRae liked it). Lindsey and Parker spotted the horse drawn carriages so we acquiesced to a riding tour. It was interesting to experience how it would have felt to ride along the cobble stone streets in olden days. We also hung around for a while in the rain to see the Astronomical clock strike the hour. Our second day in Prage we toured the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. There was so much to see in Prague, we did not even visit all the top attractions. It rained both days so we ended up leaving early. Another weekend trip may be in order later!

Lindsey's Lonely Days of Summer

Lindsey has really been enjoying Parker's company this summer while he's out of school. Even when he was attending AISB camp, he was still home in the afternoon/evening hours to play. So, she was missing him lots during his 2 weeks at Camp California. Each day she talked about him and asked about him. Ms. Andrea helped her to make him a special surprise -- a decorated booklet of what she did each day he was gone. Pics below (you can click on them to open larger versions if you want to read the stories) -







It's so sweet! We are very lucky that Andrea is so thoughtful and creative! Lindsey was very excited to go to camp to get Parker. She was telling everyone that Lindsey was going to camp. We'd planned to take a 4 day weekend in Croatia but sadly she came down with a cold on the way there so here are our travel pics from Croatia -

Camp California

Parker had a GREAT time at Camp California in Croatia. This was his first sleep-away camp, but he had no worries. He was so excited to go (he's been counting down to Croatia since spring) and I believe it lived up to all his expectations! He got to do all sorts of adventure sports like kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming, wall climbing, high ropes, soccer, fishing, archery and banana boat rides. And when he wasn't sporting around, he got to take part in fun activities like outdoor camping, skits, games, woodworking, murder mystery (He solved the mystery! Catwoman did it) and cabin competitions. I know, doesn't it sound like spectacular fun?! He even liked the food. He's already planning for multiple camp sessions next summer!

Parker on Adriatic Sea shore in Croatia

Parker with his Santa Cruz cabin mates

We missed him terribly while he was gone (especially Lindsey), but we were very pleased that he was having a good time. He was so engrossed in his camp activities that he did not have much time to write to us. His letters read like this "I'm having a good time, hope you are having a good time too. Tell Lindsey hi. Love, Parker". Seriously! But he is still thinking of Lindsey even when away. He was given some local currency (Kuna) to spend on an excursion. He told us other kids blew their funds on candies and ice creams. He saved his to get Lindsey a present. We were a bit skeptical when he pulled out a water balloon kit, but brother knows best...they've been playing with it for 2 weeks now and having a great time.

July highlights

July was a fun and busy month! We went on a family trip to Paris, a parents-only trip to Rome and took Parker to start a 2 week camp in Croatia. At home, we had fun playing and spending time together. Parker went to another AISB summer camp and Ms. Andrea took Lindsey and Parker around Budapest exploring and playing at parks. Here are a few pics from our fun month -

Lindsey on the dragon

Parker on the wheel

Lindsey blowing bubbles

Parker helping Lindsey feed the deer.
Ms. Andrea took them to a special park to see many animals that you can touch and feed. They saw deer and buffalo and even reindeer.

Lindsey riding the ox -- lady is hitching a ride!

Parker learning the ropes at the ropes course. After the intro he got to go around the course all on his own!

Parker and LRae feeding the fish (from their hats!)

Parker at cave

Lindsey at park - she loves to "hinta"!