Last week was Kai’s very last concert playing a clarinet in the Dhahran Wildcat Band. I think playing a instrument through middle school has been good for him but I know that he is excited to put it behind him.
This is a more candid shot I got when he thought I wasn't looking.
Kai doesn't like to be told to smile. When forced he follows the letter of the request more so than the spirit.
It was easier to get pictures when he was in the "staging" area - there were several bands that played during the evening.
The gym crowds up fast and the band is big. This was one of my best shots of Kai while he was performing.
Last night was the Prom or “The Farewell Dance” as it was called. Since he will be going off to boarding school next year this is his very last dance as a Dhahran Middle School Wildcat. The dance was formal dress with a “Great Gatsby” theme so we took Kai into Tailor 2000 down in Khobar for a custom suit weeks ago. As a the dance approached so did his nervousness. While I’m sure there was a certain excitement as well, an evening in a crowded room in uncomfortable clothes while he is navigating “peak awkward” generated a level of tension that increased the closer the event got. A few hours before the dance, when we had him try on his suit one more time, he was almost writhing on the floor like gollum because the suite was so uncomfortable. “It hurtsss ussss.” All of this drama necessitated a lot of masking tape wrapped around the hand – tacky side out – to get all the white dog fur off his dark blue suit. In the end he was able to find a niche with some buddies and survive the mother-son dance at the start of the evening.
I’ve heard the being a parent is a series of fallings in love and saying goodbye. First you meet your baby and fall in love and before you know it they are gone and there is a toddler you are getting to know. This repeats as the child you love grows and changes and you learn to both say goodbye to the child that no longer exists and learn to appreciate the newly grown person they become.
I have to say I’m really enjoying this kind hearted, inquisitive and bright smiled boy who’s most recently moved in with us.
Kai and Crystal during the mother-son dance
Kai and Crystal during the mother-son dance. Kai was nervous over the whole evening but had his best smile on for sure.
Kai during the first dance with mom
Getting ready for the dreaded first dance of the evening. The mother-son dance. Kai is pointing out the exit to me in case I'm not sure where it is.
Kai in his formal suit.
Kai at the prom
Proud mom and dad with a son who cleans up pretty well. After much research we ended up going with the "presidential fold" for his pocket square. Simple, sleek, elegant. Also something we could manage.
Last weekend was our last trip to Bahrain. Not forever, I’m sure, but certainly for this school year as with Ramadan coming a trip to Bahrain just isn’t the same. We picked up some clothes and shoes at the mall, saw the Avengers movie (liked it) and then hung out at the motel and beach. We took the kids our to a rare fancy dinner at the Meat Co. Overall a great weekend.
It is like Forever 21 is never going to open.
Stopping at Starbucks for a treat before the stores open in the mall.
I guess it is cold in the Meat Co. Kai cleans up nice in a collared shirt.
Kai Crystal and Nora at the Meat Co.
Kai Crystal and Nora at the Meat Co.
Nora fighting the tangles in her hair after the beach.
The basketball season was short this year as they needed wrap things up before Ramadan begins next week. That means only a few weeks of practice and one tournament. Still, basketball is Kai’s “thing” – he had a great time playing and we had a great time watching. Interesting fact though – expertise built playing NBA2k18 on the PS4 has only a very minor transfer to actual basketball play on a live court.
Kai is ramping up for his Eagle project which is a scouting themed activity day for children with special needs. The actual activity is this weekend but earlier this week he had a training meeting for his volunteer crew.
With Mom while waiting for his volunteers to arrive
Kai and Nora
Getting ready for his volunteer training
Smiling to greet people as they arrive
Looking sharp in his uniform
Beginning his presentation
The volunteers exploring thier activity boxes
Kai meeting with Mr. Cignoli, his camping merit badge counselor
Here are a few pictures of Kai’s scouting activities this spring. He’s been working toward his Eagle project, finishing up merit badges and serving as an assistant senior patrol leader. He gets back from his Indonesian trip in a few days and then his Eagle project is just a week away.
Kai with his eagle project count down.
Kai getting ready to sell pancake breakfast tickets
