International Day RVIS

The following day we celebrated International Day at RVIS! It's amazing, there are 52 countries represented either by a student(s) or faculty member. There were several countries represented which was similar to the Fifth Graders Museum. Also, included were different games and crafts taught by a parent from that country. It's always a fun day for the students! They are encouraged to wear colors or costumes that represent their country. Devin had a blast! All of Cody's friends love and welcome him!

The Living Museum

The Students chose a country of choice and shared the information they learned through the costume they were dressed in, the food they supplied, the artifacts on and around their table, and a power point presentation. Cody was very considerate he chose MEXICO. Which meant that I had to prepare 150 quesadillas. Along with the quesadillas he served chips and salsa. Well for those that know me, I'm use to making pico de gallo. I must say the salsa wasn't that bad. Hopefully, the food won't have an impact on his grade! He did a wonderful job representing Mexico. As you can see from the pictures above he dressed the part and his power point presentation was AWESOME!! Way to go, Cody a.k.a. "Pedro"!

Wahoooo!

When Papaw and Grammy were here they asked Cody what he wanted to do for his birthday? He decided that he wanted to invite a friend and go to the indoor waterpark! Needless, to say he celebrated his birthday thru the month of November! The waterpark is located in the mall. The majority of the rides are located inside. However, there are a few outside. As you can see from the pictures, Cody had a blast water boarding. I must say he's pretty strong for an eleven year old! Thanks for the entertainment, Codeman! Grammy and Devin enjoyed their time together! It was too cold for me! Thank you, Grammy, for always being a good sport! Love and miss you guys!

Happy Happy 90th Birthday, Grandad Banta!!!

Grandad with birthday hat (Colts) and showing some bling!

Special 90th birthday cowboy hat cake for the Cowboy

Family photo and friend

Grandad with his girls

Grandsons: J, Pat, Jason

Great Grandsons: Cody, Devin, Tyler, Buddy

Letti finally in a picture

Grandmother taking a break

Still going strong together

Santa made an early visit at the front door

Best friends

Day of departure heading back to Houston

Shack, Cody, and Devin in the snow

Best Bros

Cody, Devin and Ma hanging out at the airport!

Our short holiday visit to the U.S. started with a great trip for us travelling up to Indiana for a pre-Christmas birthday celebration for Grandad who turned 90 years old.  Grandad and Grandmother are both amazing in how they both still get around and get things done. There was snow on the ground which was great and a first time for Devin to see or touch snow.  The boys also got to spend time with their cousins Tyler and Buddy.  It was also great for me (J) to see and spend time with cousins Pat and Jason whom I have not seen in some time.  More good memories for us all that will last a lifetime.

Dinner at the Ritz Carlton (Trader Vic's)

The weather was great when we got back to Bahrain and we had dinner outside at Trader Vic's.  Food was great and so was the atmosphere.  We finished the night by singing a belated Happy Birthday to Cody by request from Papaw and Grammy.  Grammy picked out some special appetizers off the menu which included a beef on a stick that we could cook ourselves on a fire. It included a special dipping sauce that Grammy said was " to die for".  (Fuel on a stick) Right Grammy! HA. When leaving we passed by all the "reserved parking" cars so Cody took a pose by his future birthday car which was a 2010 Yellow Ferrari.