Embassy, School and Driving

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Wow.  What a busy day!  Today the kids and I got to go to the US Embassy.  They don't mess around with security!  I got my US Embassy badge so I'm now official.  Everyone at the Embassy was really nice.  It was nice to see the Stars and Stripes flying! I also got to see where we will collect our mail from our DPO post box.

After our time at the Embassy, we made the journey to visit Charlie and Chaney's school.  They start kindergarten tomorrow!  I'm so excited for them.  They will be attending St. Monica's Primary School about 2 km away from the house we are renting (but don't yet live in).  When we arrived at the school, Charlie just wanted to chat everyone's ear off. (not surprising) Chaney was a little nervous and hid behind me. (not surprising) They got to see their classroom, meet their teachers, and meet a few kids that will sit at their tables.  They are in the same class but they have one teacher that works Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and another teacher that works Wednesday and Friday.  We bought the school uniforms and I think we are all set for tomorrow! 

I really can't believe they start kindergarten tomorrow.  I'm a little sad to see them go off to school full time.  But, it is time!  I'm so proud of them.  They are handling all these changes so well.  In the last week, we moved into a new country, moved into a temporary apartment, and tomorrow will start school.  They will do a great job in kindergarten even though they have missed half of the year.  (The Australian school year runs February through December.)

"I LOVE it! I loved everything. Especially the library."--Charlie, when asked if he liked his new school. 

More quotes from Charlie:
"I'm so excited for school tomorrow.  I'm more excited then going to Chuck E Cheese. MORE EXCITED! This is the most excited I've ever been.  I just love libraries."

(Chaney is more nervous for school.  I'm sure once she goes tomorrow, she will love it too.)

Today I drove for the first time!  I wanted to pass out the entire time.  But I did it.  Erich was a big help. 

Random thoughts and observations...

• I saw my first kangaroo road kill today.  (No, I didn't cause the road kill.)
• The Australians drive either slow or very fast.
• It is beautiful here.  I can't wait until things slow down a bit and I can enjoy it a little more.
• At school, the kids have a snack of fruit in the morning while they work.  Then they have tea time around 11:00 and then lunch at 1:00.  Tea time is another snack.  We send all the food with them in the morning.  There is a canteen (cafeteria) where the kids can buy food.  Some of the items I would like to sample (ok, not really) from the canteen are:  Honey and Vegemite sandwich on wholemeal bread and a spaghetti/baked bean/cheese jaffle. (All three inside a sandwich grilled with the edges sealed.)  Sounds yummy, right?!
• Australian bacon is like ham - why even bother??