Mallorca

I always panic when Bogdan goes traveling alone. I am happy he does what he feels, but I panic. To overcome the moment I choose to throw myself in doing things. Like doing stuff with kids, working more, sleeping less. Taking a holiday, too. You know, I need my space either. But in a different way. And I don't like traveling alone. Everybody's welcome.

In 2005, when he went in America for the first time, I was pregnant in 6 months with Mara, my second-born. I don't think me and Bogdan were ever been separated for so long as 2 weeks before that. He went away for work from time to time, but only couple of days. So I suddenly decided I need a holiday and I convinced my friend Violeta to come with me and Runa in Mallorca, with the last charter from that year.

We took the decision in two days, bought the tickets for us and for Runa and, here we are! Home was already very cold, in Mallorca we started with the beach.

We took long walks to the Rambla, enjoying the beautiful weather and pleasant company...

Runa was amazed by the street architecture...

Showing her skills on the beach...

Waiting in the bus station, for an incredible slow bus! I didn't look very pregnant, isn't it?

In Palma de Mallorca, wandering on the streets, running and jumping...

We got lost on the island, but found some beautiful views...

The beach flooded and it was even more beautiful like that...

We rented bicycles in the night...

We went to the highest point on the island, Puig Mayor...

Violeta was so sweet holding Runa in her arms...

It was so hot, I was looking for a place near water to refresh a little bit...

Runa was trying to hide behind my skirt :)

Playing is her favourite activity, even now :)

She was trying her new flamenco dress, dancing in Spanish style. In bed.

Bye-bye Mallorca, I don't know if I'll see you again, because we have so many places to go, so little time... We love Spain, I went there 3 more times in the last few years, last time alone, too. I make plans to go again sometimes, we didn't go to Madrid till now, so...? What's next?

St. Nicolas

It is St Nicholas evening, when the kids are preparing their boots and, if they were nice, they receive sweets and toys in their shoes. If not, they find a wooden stick to be punished, this the tradition. Of course, nobody gets the stick!

I made some cleaning in the morning, as every Sunday, and I put in the garbage some old watercolors. The kids started to be nervous, it was raining and cold outside and no better idea, so I took back the dry colors from the bin and put them on the table. THAT was clear a good one, Radu and Mara were painting for almost two hours, then Runa joined them and made some nice pieces of art together and separate.

Now the kids are asleep and is quiet in the house, and everybody's waiting for St Nicholas to come. Where are you, old man? All the kids love and wait for you...

Kids and Movies

Every Friday we go to cinema. From a long time. Is kind of family habit, since I don't remember when, only the two of us. When we find nice cartoons, we go with the kids on Saturdays, too.

Yesterday night we went to see Takers, with Hayden Christensen (as a thief) and Matt Dillon (as a cop). Not very bad, and somehow different, because the thieves didn't make it till the end. But Matt Dillon is far away of being an actor, I suppose he just has a great agent.

Today we entertained the kids with a Belgian movie, Sammy's Adventures, in 3D. We took Andrei, my nephew, with us, and he spent all day with my kids. Radu watched the whole movie without the 3D glasses, but he liked it even like that. An easy and pleasant story about the turtle Sammy, from it's birthday till it's "marriage", I wouldn't watch it second time, but is ok.

My crazy husband entertained the kids after the movie, riding a funny electric animal.

Runa rided the Princess carriage...

Then, she tried the plush animals with Andrei.

Mara and Radu, on the living room carpet, showing me how they would sleep. Of course they didn't, Mara never sleeps during the daytime on the wekends.

We had the house full with kids in the afternoon, Iulia and Alexandra came over, and it's clear for me I need to make a habit: taking more pictures. I don't have it and the pictures we took today were only with the mobile phone. What a photographer's family!

This Moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. {from www.soulemama.com}

Finally, Winter

I wish I was in the mountains, in a small house with a big fireplace, with a cup of hot wine in front of me. Starting from the morning! Well... get up, girl!

Our morning was quite different than that! We woke up at 5'o clock to get ready, Bogdan had to leave for Viena only for today, so he got ready very fast and decided to go to the airport with his own car. Ha, ha, not so fast! He put his bag with the documents and the laptop in the trunk, his coat on the back seat, and... ummm..., the engine didn't start! No electricity! At all! He asked me to call a cab, it was already late, then he realized the trunk doesn't open anymore. We didn't even think that is should have a key! The high technology made us dumber, I guess. You should see me in my pajamas, on the back seat, trying to break the place between the chairs and to get back his gear! Oh, yes, I did it!

Sooo, he left for work and I hurried in the house to prepare the kids for school and kindergarden. Then I realized the family car I should use was in the back of the garage, behind HIS broken car. Plan B: the kids went to school with my mother-in-law with a taxi and I went to my meeting and then to the office by subway (much more faster than by car, anyway).

I had a great, great meeting with a French guy I like a lot (he was my boss back in 1997), had good coffee and lots of beautiful plans and ideas for the future.

The winter is finally here, is cold and sad and dirty, and I can't wait for the holiday!

In the mountains is snowing and is beautiful, but is gonna take some time to get there!

All images are from Romanian mountains!

Christmas III

I can't wait starting the Christmas decoration this weekend, Runa promised me she will help, she loves crafting and painting, so I'm sure will have some brilliant ideas. We'll keep it simple, with a silver and green palette, natural materials and sparkling glass.

To finish my Christmas posts I randomly chose some pictures from the last years, the kids are so happy this month, you can see it on their faces!

Radu's first Christmas!

This is the time of the year we go very often to see ballet and opera, and I can't wait to go at Opera Romana to see the Nutcracker with all children! The girls use to wear their princess dresses and act like ones, I love to put on some beautiful classy clothes and go together entertaining!

2 year ago, Radu fell asleep before we took the pics... Kind of normal for 3 month old...

My mother-in-law was cooking all day and I cleaned all day, but we were so happy to be together! She makes the best Christmas cakes (cozonaci) I ever ate, hope this year will be as great as ever. Is a difficult recipe and you have to work the whole day to make it well. I will take pictures this year, to share the recipe.

Runa and Mara, two happy sisters! Of course, in which other morning you come downstairs and find so many presents under the tree?

Last year's present for Mara... she is in love with all cats on earth...

Mara and Leman on Christmas morning, last year, opening presents...

Mara's first Chrismas, she was 11 months old and happy to be the smallest one.

I wish everybody enjoys the holidays as we do and feels good at this time of the year!

Hugs and kisses!