Boy, it was short, wasn't it? We got out of school at noon on Dec. 21st. I flew out that same night. Guess who I met in the airport? Guess who was on the same flight I was on from Beirut to Paris? And then, on the airplane, I found another ACS teacher sitting just two rows in front of me. So there we were three ACS teachers; one was heading to England; one was heading to Guadelupe, and one was heading to the US.

I arrived at my mom's house in Indiana in the evening of December 22nd, after three flights (BEY/CDG/JFK/IND). It was fun to have a few days before Christmas to do all my shopping! On Christmas Day, I spent the morning with my mom, and then my sister and I headed to the airport. I had an afternoon flight to catch to California, so I could spend a few days with two of my sons. December 29th at 12:38 AM, I left San Francisco to return to Indiana. There was a little problem in Minneapolis -- the connecting flight to Indianapolis was cancelled, but after a four hour delay, on I went. The last two days I did visiting and packing. And finally, on January 1st, I started my trip back to Beirut, but this time from Indianapolis to Chicago, Abu Dhabi, and arriving in Beirut on January 2nd at 11:30 PM.

It really is a small world. While connecting in Chicago, I ran into Mrs. Crook (an ACS high school teacher) and her children (1st and 5th graders). Actually, going back and forth through lines for this and that, I ran into them three separate times! I forgot to tell you about another small world run in. When I was standing in line in New York to go through security, I saw an ACS 2nd grade teacher; she and her husband were hurrying to their next flight.

So, what did you do during your winter vacation?

On Christmas I heard my mom screaming. But then my cousins came and then my cousins started fighting I was getting water then my cousin pushed me on the couch. But then I jumped on him and then my cousins squished us. But then my mom saw us and send us to my room!

I see a crowd of people standing, laughing, and talking. I walk into the perfumed room and hear people breathing deeply. My brother opened his first. It was a car magazine. Then I opened mine and it was a My Top 100 Animals. It comes with trading cards and you can cut them out. You can also read about different predators and weird animals extreme animals and sharks. Then when you read about them you can rate which one you liked best to last. I felt really happy and excited to read my new book. Everybody was happy especially my uncle because everyone appreciated his presents.

On New Year it was a very loud and annoying day. My baby cousin was crying I had to be his babysitter because his mom wasn’t home. The food we had was creamy and crunchy it was really good. Later my cousin hurled in my face so I had to wash my face five times. Later on my aunt came and took my cousin and I spend the rest of my time with my family.

One Day I woke up in the morning it was Christmas Eve!!  I was so excited. I couldn’t wait till night time.  I spent half an hour trying to choose my cloths. Then I went to help my mom with the turkey in kitchen. When we finished the turkey we made pecan pie, it smelled like butter. While the pecan pie was in the oven my mom and I started on the apple crumble first we rolled out the duo while my nanny was making the apple sauce to put on the crumble. Then we put the duo in the tin and put the apple sauce on it. By then the pecan pie was ready. We took it out and smelled it “yumm” I said. Next to go was the strawberry shortcake which I made myself. When I was done with the strawberry shortcake I was tired so I went to watch T.V. So I washed my hands very well and went to turn on the T.V. I put Disney Channel on they were showing a Christmas special. So I continued watching. Meanwhile my mom was finishing off the food.  Evening finally came. My Aunt and my cousins came first. I ran and told everybody Merry Christmas and then pulled all my cousins inside and we started guessing what are presents were going to be. Then I heard my mom screaming “were starting to open presents” we all ran as fast as we could we all wanted to open the first present. I finally took a shortcut to where the presents are and got there first. I tor opened my first present it was a Cleudo board then I waited for everybody to open their presents then it was my turn again it was a Black Berry I was so happy then I opened another present it was an I pad and 2 Black Berry covers I went and hugged my parents I told them thank you and then we went to eat the food was delicious.

It was the best Christmas Eve Ever.

                It’s New Year and we are eating a special dinner. In the living room it sounded like people are talking and laughing. Every one cared for each other. The chicken looks yummy and delicious. It tastes good and sweet. My mom and dad served the food  we all said thank you. The table was piled with food. I felt excited and warm  but the chicken was hot. The food was all done and we enjoyed it after that we all said “Happy New Year”.

After two fairly smooth flights from Beirut, I have arrived in England.  It is wonderful to see my family and I am looking forward to my sister's arrival tomorrow.  There is a big tree, yummy food, and a nice fire!  I hope you are all enjoying your holiday so far and are spending time with friends and family.  I'm looking forward to hearing from you! 

The food was piled high on the table and the glorious smells wafted through the air.  I sat comfortably in my seat allowing the warmth of the fire behind me to warm me up. The converstion and laughter around me slowly changed to the clinging of forks and knives on plates. I served myself lots of food including turkey and sweet cranberry sauce.  It was delicious!  By the end of the meal, I was so stuffed that I wasn't sure if I would manage dessert... but of course I did!