Weekend before we get down to packing

I wish I could say we're doing very exciting things these days ... because, the truth is, we are not. The heat has forced us indoors, so yes, it's been pretty much pool time in the morning for an hour, pool time in the early evening for an hour or to the MALL. I shudder when I think of malls. I would be happy to not enter one for a long time after we leave Dubai. Even Sera whined tiredly one evening when we spent almost 8 hours at a mall, "Mama, we can't stay at the mall the whole day!"

This weekend was kind of our last weekend to relax since next weekend, Johan and I plan to start packing. Yes, we have pushed the packing to the very last minute but I'm pretty sure we'll manage. We just have to. We started the morning with a very, very short practise cycle for Sera on her bicycle. I'm not sure if it's her lack of confidence, the heat or just laziness. She's happy just being on the bicycle for 10 minutes and then, she's done. She needs more practise and she'll pretty much be whizzing away. Yassy, on the other hand, is very determined to get on Sera's balance bike but she's needs to grow an inch more and then, she'd be able to start using that bike. For now, she's also happy on her trike.

And in the afternoon, where do we go ... to Dubai Mall. Johan's suggestion ... "Let's say goodbye to Dubai Mall." Ok, I didn't realise we had to say goodbye to malls but I guess in Dubai, that is normal. But it was actually quite nostalgic for me. Walking through the mall, I remember being one of the first few visitors curiously walking in when it wasn't even officially opened. For me, living cross the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa for that 9 months was an eye opener for a newbie to this city ... and I learned that Dubai does not accept average but embraces outlandishness.

So we went to our favourite shops one last time, we visited the aquarium which the girls are very familiar with, and we had lunch at the Organic Cafe (oh, I'm really going to miss this one).

Here are some photos of our day. I can't help the photos at the mall but just this one last time ...

Yassy ....

She's missing her helmet ... but elbow guards ... checked!

Posing in front of the atrium at Fashion Avenue at Dubai Mall

Err, under the camel at the Gold Souk. We had to persuade them to pose with the camel ... they had this strange idea that the camel was going to let one go.

A very blue day

Where do I even begin? Ok, how about this? The World Cup. Unfortunately, The Netherlands did not bring back the trophy. Immense sadness for all Dutch people across the world and also, fans who were supporting the Netherlands. I have to admit, I am also sad the team didn't win it but I am even more sad to see Johan in utter depression. Ok, I'm not sure he's fallen into a depression as yet but he's been moping and he still is. So it's 6.45PM and he's either sleepy or depressed because he's already lying in bed. Oh dear, oh dear ... what shall we do?

Well, I'm going to let him mope for a while more because I know he'll get out of it eventually, like TOMORROW! Maybe I don't understand the enormity of this loss but I will empathise that it is a very big deal for him and all other like-minded dejected people, like him. I will appreciate that Johan can be so passionate about football to this extent, rather this then something illegal or offensive. Passion is always good. Even the girls have been pretty sweet to him about it. Overheard this while I was in the kitchen.

Sera: "Papa, what is wrong?"
Johan: "I'm veryyyyyyyyyy sad because Holland lost."
Sera: "Oh that's all right papa, let's just go back and play football again."

Hmmm. To interpret little Sera's mind ... she was implying that the Dutch team try their luck again (in 4 years time). And then you have Yassy dancing her crazy dance in front of Johan, her useless attempt to cheer him up but more than enough for me to break into giggles. I tried to put things into perspective for him ...

Me: "Baby, what were the previous years that the Dutch team made it to the finals?"
Johan: " 1974 and 1978."
Me: "So that means you dad has gone through what you did ... 3 times!!! Imagine how he feels."
Johan: "Hmmm ... "

Not sure if that worked? Probably not huh.

Anyway, I say, it's always about the journey and the same applies for World Cup and being 2nd place, one place higher than Germany (we love all our German friends!!!) is also a big deal. So let's be positive and The Netherlands will surprise yet again, in Brazil 2014.

A doubly important day

Two reasons why today is very, very important ...

First, Yassy is two. It's funny but I was a bit confused when I realised she's only turning two. I mean, not to say she has the maturity or intelligence of her older peers but with Yassy, it has been different. It seems like she has simply cruised along to her present day of two years. I have to say, it's been an absolute pleasure being her mama these past two years and she is one kid that makes me laugh, just by being her natural self.

I didn't plan a big party for her but instead a cosy one with her few little friends. I did bake a cake again, and this time it didn't sink, crack or explode. I even decorated it with icing and 'Smarties'. And yesterday, Sera was more than happy to help me bake a tray of mini muffins. I think Yas enjoyed her day ...

Now comes the second important reason ... it's the World Cup finals today! I'm actually nervous talking about it. So this evening, The Netherlands will compete with Spain for the coveted cup. I will be supporting Johan in those, surely, agonizing 90 minutes. And hopefully Yassy will give Oranje some added luck. May the best team win!

Sera making little cupcakes for Yassy's party

A big cuddle for Yassy in the morning

Sending Sera to school before the party


Opening up her presents

She was pleased with her birthday cake

Sera and Fine came back from school to sing and blow out the candles again

Yassy and her new excavator

Yassy is two! from Que Sera Sera on Vimeo.

Football fever

This was my evening.

6PM. The match. Holland vs Brazil. THE match to watch, a very, very important one. Johan wakes up from his nap just in time to hear the referee blow his whistle for the game to begin. The girls seem to be excited to be watch football with Johan. However, 10 minutes into the game, Sera decides to practise her handstands and forward-rolls on the carpet. Yassy is hungry, wants this, that and more. Then suddenly, a thunderous 'goallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll' from his truly and Yasmin completely FREAKS OUT. She screams in terror because the poor chick was standing just beside her papa, who unfortunately could not contain his happiness?

Yassy cries, I do not exaggerate, non stop for a good 30 minutes and then intermittently for the rest of the game. I can safely say she's has become a non-fan of football. To her, football = crazed papa. I decide to lure the girls into a warm bath, to calm Yassy's nerves but it doesn't help much. What she really needed was to get papa away from the 'bad' football so that he could tuck her into bed.

If only I had video-ed Johan during that last 6 minutes. Tense is too mild a word to describe his state. He was a nervous wreck - standing, sitting, squatting, mumbling to himself, shouting at the players, shouting at the referee. I was a little dumbstruck actually. The match finally ends with a 2-1 win for Holland. Johan is beyond ecstactic and the girls finally get their papa back for their bedtime stories.