Sea Life Centre

Easter bunny impressions

On our coach tour (That's British for "bus tour") today I asked the kids to do an impression of a rabbit for easter.

Great Yarmouth

Last weekend we took a day trip to the eastern coast. I have never lived this close to a beach. It was really beautiful. It was cold, and very windy, but that didn't ruin our day one bit. The sand was strangely warm, so the kids and I kicked off our shoes, but left our coats on!

The town of Great Yarmouth is a popular British resort, although this is not peak season. Dickens was known to stay there while he wrote David Copperfield.

We spent the day flying kites, digging in the sand, collecting rocks, and looking at fish in the aquarium. Aaaaa.

End of March Updates.

The time is flying. Really. I can't imagine we might only stay here for 2 years. There is so much to do and it feels like there will never be enough time to squeeze it all in.
We have received packages and cards from many loved ones. Even a quick note brighten's the kids' day. They love getting anything in the mail. Thanks Aunt Tammy for the Easter ears and fun pics...

Josh and Mindy have been so wonderful to get our packages to us. We packed up about 20 large boxes of personal items to be shipped once we had a place. Well, I am told not to expect any of them before about 8-12 weeks. We actually received one package in less than 3 weeks, but it was in sorry shape...

Even Marlow is included in the mail delivery! She thanks you for the St. Patty's wishes--Tanner and Libby!

Today we found out where the Police Station is. We woke up this morning and Chris noticed a handbag in our front yard. We have a tall hedge there, so someone was either in our yard or they tossed it over. I went out to investigate (scaredy cat Chris!) and I could see car keys and a wallet and mobile. So, I bagged it up and called the police. They were thrilled when I offered to bring it down to them. Well, they had me wait while they documented the contents. The silly girl had over 200 pounds in her wallet. I could have had a nice little shopping trip! Oh well. I'd rather be honest. Weird though. I want the full story. I think she was abducted and threw her purse out to be sure someone came looking for her. Chris thinks she was abducted by aliens and just dropped her bag on the way up. Either way, it is fishy.

I can't remember if I mentioned that Augi started a playgroup/preschool at WhirlyBirds a few weeks ago. Well, she went for 5 days and cried on the last day. She didn't want to go anymore. She told me she didn't like "the boogery kids." They were much younger than her because of the timing of our arrival. So, we let her drop out. Who knows if it was the right decision. But, we enrolled her because we wanted her to have something fun to do away from home and she was miserable there. Anyway, she starts "Reception" on April 20--full time! I get teary just thinking about it. She has to complete her entire kindergarten year between April and July of this year! To make matters worse for me, there was a parent orientation day this week and the children were invited to come to the nursery for a few hours. Augi wore her uniform and she looked so sophisticated. I can't believe she is about to start real school.

She is looking forward to big girl school. It was already better than Whirlybirds. She did cry when we left her, but she was happy to go and she is still excited about starting in a few weeks. Her teacher is darling. Their system is a little strange for us. The children begin Reception the semester that they turn 5, and they all begin Year 1 together. So, some children begin full time school in August, some in January, and some in April. Then they all go on together to Year One the following August. The summer kids only get a few months before they move on! Very weird. I think Augi will catch up quickly. She should be way ahead of the US kids either way, so she will be in good shape IF we ever come back! I have heard British school is best for the early years, but not so great for the upper grades, especially because they finish at 16.

The best news of the day is that we booked NANNY'S flight and she will arrive on April 9. I can't thank Grandpa and Josh enough for their help with this, and Celeste for taking care of her these last few months. We are so eager to get her here. She is going to love it. We have the back yard all ready for her and she is going to dig the sunroom. I am anxious about the trip over, but Continental airlines has a really good reputation for pet travel. The UK has one of the strictest programs in the world for importing dogs. It has really been a nightmare, but we are down to the last steps and I can't wait to see her.

On that note, we hope some of you will start planning your trips to visit us. We miss you all. And, Grandma Valerie, we are thinking about you.

Augi noticed this rainbow out our living room window on Friday. Not a very pretty picture, but it was a really pretty sight. (also, notice our little matching silver cars)

Cambridge

You would think we would make it to Cambridge a little faster than 2 months, but we finally went out there last week. Before we moved here I thought I wanted to live in Cambridge. It was a beautiful place to visit. If I didn't have a commute, it would be great. However, it is a busy city and traffic was really bad. I am very happy we live in Bury! King's College and Cathedral were the main attractions for us. I can't wait to go back on a warmer summer day. We might even try punting next time!