April 26, 2006

Hi!

The kids have completed three days at their new school and I feel very confident that they will survive British prep school. It has been mostly a study in each child's personality. There were no surprises. They each handled it in their own way. The first day went as follows: Ryan bounces out the school doors at the end of the day and tells me all about his new friends and his lunch. He could have talked forever about his lunch and dessert but Siobhan came out next. She LOVED how organized her teachers were and how organized the whole school was. She loved the challenging new subjects and challenging workloads. She couldn't wait to get started on her prep (homework). Then we waited for Michael. And waited. Forty minutes later, after numerous attempts to find him, he appeared, very stressed at the door. Somehow, he ended up at the cricket team try outs! I'm guessing the Yank didn't do so well! He got home and was very upset by how strict the teachers were. They handed out demerits for everything and the kids weren't allowed to even state his or her reasons for their actions. Hmmm. We're no longer at Prairie Crossing Charter School are we?! The staff here just isn't all that interested in sharing feelings!

The second day: Ryan made a new friend. Siobhan loved that the teachers didn't allow goofing off, so she was not distracted by others and she could really learn. She felt that her brain was getting bigger already. Michael was thirsty. He did tell me later (when we had to walk back to school to get something he forgot) that he wants to board at Cheltenham College when we return to the States! This is the same kid, who very sweetly, told me he'd go anywhere in the world with us as long as we didn't put him in boarding school. I knew he'd love it here!

Today everyone was very happy. They are very into their new sports (cricket for the boys and rounders, which is like softball, for Siobhan) and all three talked cheerfully at the same time for two hours after school. Lots of funny stories.

Aidan and I mangaged the air shipment's arrival. More stuff. Aidan got all his Thomas the Tank Engine guys together for the first time since we packed the container that shipped by boat in early March. Life is good. He is learning how to hold hands as we walk along these city streets. He is also learning to mind his manners in the butcher, grocer, chemist, etc. Its not going well.

Monica, my cousin Mark's daughter, and our God daughter, is making her First Communion this weekend. We wish we could be with her and the family this weekend. When Monica was Christened, Jim had recently been downsized. We had three little kids and were scared to death about what the future held for us. As she makes this next sacrament, we cannot help but reflect on the blessings that have been showered upon us over the years. We feel incredibly blessed to be in this beautiful country, together, and have the kids experience the world in this way. We are most grateful for family and friends who make our lives so colorful and rich. Thank you all!

God Bless,

T-Ann