May 2, 2006

Hello!

Our latest update goes as follows:

Saturday, the kids went to school which was very
wierd. I called to confirm pick up time because as I
have mentioned, this school is is impossible to figure
out. We arrived fifteen minutes early only to find
that Ryan had been released TWO HOURS earlier and
Michael and Siobhan had been waiting fifteen minutes.
Nice.


Sunday we went for a drive and explored an ancient
castle ruins. It was wonderful. I'd like to install
a moat to the house when we return to Prairie
Crossing. Peggy and David (our much missed
neighbors), whatdaya think? Siobhan thinks that
"Princess Siobhan" has a nice ring to it. Michael and
Ry were amazed with all the torture techniques. Me,
too. I bet children were well behaved, never lost
their daily planners or brand new coats! Later, we
drove into Wales. We learned three things about our
short drive into Wales: First, it looks an awful lot
like England. Second, the signs are all written in
English and Welsh (a language consisting mostly of
consonant letters) and thirdly, if you miss your exit,
you will drive for up to 20 miles before you can turn
around. We topped off our excursion with a very
American trip to TGI Fridays to get burgers we all
craved. They were terrible (of course) and Ryan threw
his up all night.

Monday, Jim enjoyed his third bank holiday since
we've been here. We took a much needed drive to
Costco. I felt as if I had come home again. We
stocked up on items every expat needs so as not to
completely embrace their host country: ziploc bags
(they have these shifty, not-to-be-trusted "press and
seal" bags here), paper napkins, hot dogs (although
they said American recipe, these are clearly hot dogs
only my dad would enjoy-very smokey with miniscule
pieces of I'm-not-sure-what that require extra
chewing-but they'll do the trick) and hamburger that
isn't $17 a half pound! Costco is located near the
docks in Bristol so its also fun to hang out in one of
England's seedier neighborhoods. It feels very "Sid
and Nancy".

Today Aidan and I went to purchase MORE uniforms
pieces. Apparently the kids didn't have enough. For
instance, Siobhan needed The Gym Skirt. She wears
that when they play rounders in gym. I had only
purchased the track suit, the gym uniform, the
swimming suit, the two pairs of shoes and the match
uniform. Please do not forget that none of these work
as a team uniform. Aidan and I also spent time in the
Cheltenham Art Museum. That was fun. They have
childrens areas throughout so little kids can enjoy
the museum as well. Its stocked with everthing a two
year old would need to use to get creative: thumb
tacks, staples, stapler, wire, scissors, glass jars.
Nothing sparks a toddler's imagination like office
supplies or a trip to the emergency room.

I'm off to replace the fountain pen that Michael has
already broken and pick them up from school. God
bless all of you and take a deep breath of that good
'ole American air for me!

Love,

T