Happy Happy October

Hello All 

Wow! 1 October! Time really does fly. 

I tried to look back as to when last I sent an email, and it seems like it was in June  ... So if there was one after that, I apologise for the repetition. 

So Zaria broke-up school in the middle of June and it was the first time we were going to experience this long Summer holiday and it terrified me! 

But, somehow it went pretty quickly and we mostly had lots of fun. 

My dad came to visit at the end of June and then again in the middle of July. So it was fun showing him around this little Island and eating out lots.

When my dad was not here, our days were filled with walking down to the Hilton Hotel and spending the day on their pool chairs and in the pool (we took out a great monthly membership for me and the kids) .. it was really hot and we all became really lazy. 

Then the kids and I went to Sydney for a month which was AWESOME - Family, Friends, Food, Family, Friends, Food - it was a GREAT month ... But my gosh, you realise how far Sydney is! 24 hours of flying (which Zaria and Azi loved, as they had unlimited screen time) ... I am also happy to report that we had very little jet-lag .. Check out 'Healthy Mamas Malta' FB page in the next few days to find out my secrets :) 

Then back to Malta, more swimming and chilling. 

Both girls started school on 1 September. Zaria happily skipped into Grade 4 (and her and a super cute British boy are having a little innocent romance - so she comes skipping home with love in the air most days .. - that English accent (think Hugh Grant English) is just adorable) ... Azi was not too keen to start school, and the goodbyes are still a big cry .. But when I collect her at 1pm she seems happy, had a chilled day and is very excited to go home for screen time :) ... Oh vey. 

We were VERY lucky to have Cassi visit and spend 2 weeks with us .. We loved every moment of being with her. (Even though she made us spend every day light moment in the Sun!) 

We then all went off to Israel, where we spent an awesome week with Chad and Kat, Kara and Red, Dean and Maya and ALL their kids ... and Grandparents and friends and more cousins and .. 1 big bus load of happiness all to celebrate Coby's barmi, I think this was the first time in a very long time that so many of us were together. We spent 2 days in Tel Aviv touring and eating (Sorana market is amazing) .. Then it was off to Jerusalem and last Monday was the Barmi. Coby read his portion in this amazing area by the Robertson gate, followed by lunch, speeches, drum cafe and dancing at this awesome venue overlooking the city. 

At the airport on Tuesday morning at 2am I asked the kids what they enjoyed most about Israel: 

ZaZ: Being with my cousins 

Azi: Spending the day on Daddy's shoulders 

Mom: seeing Coby doing his barmy portion and speech with such confidence; singing and dancing with the Israeli soldiers at the Kottel on Friday night; the food; my hour of buying spices at the Shuk. 

Needless to say we came back to Malta on Tuesday morning tired and with a suitcase full of Israeli produce (Tahini, olive oil - which spilt; spices; tea things - you name it) 

And now we getting back into routine. Everything starts-up again this week: dancing for Zaria, singing classes, swimming - you know how it goes. 

My Mom and Bern are coming here this week for 3 weeks or so... so it will be a bit of showing around the island (it takes about 1 day to see all) ... and then we will all chill together. 

Those who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur a very good Yom Tov and well over the fast. 

Everyone, a happy October and please send me a howzit. 

Loads of love 

Gia