A new town, a new school

We've had so many changes since we stepped foot on American soil just over a month ago. Good changes, but changes and adjustments nonetheless. The kids have had a blast being with their grandparents, staying up late and getting spoiled rotten. We are staying in St. Matthews, at my parents' house. The kids have always stayed in the same room but this was their first time having to sleep in the same bed. But, they are doing great and I think really enjoy being together. Poor Caroline doesn't even know what a real bed is like...she's spent the year in NZ in a pack n play and will spend her nights in one until we find our own home. So far so good!

Calvin and Mary Katherine will attend my old school, Calhoun Academy, this first year. Calvin will start first grade, again, and MK will be in K4. That will make them 2 years a part in school because of the birthday cutoffs and how their bdays fall. Calvin will be the youngest in his class but since he's had 9 months of school already, he's more than ready to tackle the US first grade. MK is in the right spot in K4.

It was a rough first day with both of them. Calvin cried and MaeMae was quite sad. She didn't shed tears but was close to it and she's my "ok, see you later, mom!" kid. It was so hard leaving them but I knew they were in good hands. They ended up having a great day and even said they'd go back. Caroline had a grand ol' time by herself and enjoyed playing with anything she wanted with no fights from her sibs. She'll enjoy this year by herself, I'm sure.

In the meantime, Ben and I have been house-hunting in Columbia and Ben will start work on Oct. 1. So, we are halfway living out of suitcases and splitting some time in Columbia, some time at the beach and most of our time in the big city of St. Matthews. I have to say it's been so nice to be back on familiar grounds and to see old faces. It's wonderful to get hugs and "so glad your home"s from friends. We miss NZ everyday, Calvin misses his friend Joe the most and our friends are fresh on our minds. Calvin even asked today if we could visit NZ after 5 big naps (5 nights :). Not really feasible at this point but one day, hopefully sooner rather than later, we'll make the big trip across the great ocean again. Until then, we are trying to stay sane while in limbo but also trying to enjoy our family time together. Ben has never had this much time off at one time, ever. It's been awesome doing this as a family of 5! It'll end soon, once work starts, but we are living in the moment and cherishing our time together.

I got a nice shot of MaeMae in her class but couldn't get the camera off my neck to take one of CW in his room for his arms were around my neck as well. Plus, I just couldn't take one of him so sad...I'll have to get one when he's settled in.