School

Getting the girls into school was not quite as easy as we hoped it would be.  We knew we wanted them in a local school so that they could have that local experience.

Let me start by saying, the school system over is here different than back home.  You don't automatically go to the closest school, but apply for a spot at schools that you prefer.  Then the county will place the kids.  All this needs to be done before the schools close for the summer (about mid-July) because no one works in the offices during summer holiday.  Then you are pretty much on a 6 week wait until offices open back up, the day before school starts.

So upon arriving here, we knew we had a tight window to find a house and a school nearby.  We got lucky, found our house quickly, got our list of schools ready, and applications submitted!  The original deadline for letting us know placement came and went.  I got in contact with the county, there had been some issues come up and they would be late with placements.  By this point we had a week before schools let out.  Finally we heard that there were issues getting the girls placed at the same school.  Two different schools were not preferable.  

Needless to say, we didn't hear anything before school let out.  I had been in contact with the county several times and there just wasn't much they could do until schools opened back up, but they were doing everything they could.  

I had pretty much assumed that the girls would not be attending school on the first day since we hadn't heard anything.  I was crushed that they wouldn't get to see their new school or meet their new teacher before kids went back.

We finally got word the afternoon before the first day of school that the girls had a place at the same school.  The girls and I were in London at the time, so Zach rushed over to the school to check it out and meet the teachers.  It was so wonderful to let the girls know that they were going to school the next day!

The first day of school finally arrived.  

That morning we were able to go in a little early and let the girls see their new school and meet their teachers.  That afternoon, both reported having made new friends and having a great day!  While it wasn't an easy process, I am so thankful that they are together and enjoying their new school.

Legoland

As summer started to come to a close, we realized that we hadn't done anything really fun (just for fun) in the past few months.  Moving is hard, especially overseas, and we wanted the girls to have one exciting summer trip, they had earned it.  I ended up finding a great deal, so we were off to Legoland for a few days!

The lego statues were a big hit.  It's amazing what can be built with those little bricks!

Aside from lots of lego creations, there are tons of rides.  

This was Haley's favorite.  She and Daddy got to ride on a water machine and squirt people with water while everyone watching got to squirt them.  BEST RIDE EVER!

This was Emily and Mommy's least favorite ride.  Think Disney teacups, on speed.  Daddy kept spinning the wheel a bit to fast.  I couldn't stand up for a minute afterwards.  Emily just wanted the ride to stop.  And apparently Haley just slept through it all.

There is even an area that has different parts of the world made out of Legos.  Really cool.

I'm glad that we spent a few days there, because I just don't know how you see it all in one.  We had a great time!

A Five Year Old

Emily turned five.  FIVE!  I know I say it every year, but I have no idea where the time goes and how it's possible for my baby to be another year older.

It was a very low key day this year.  We didn't have any of our things yet, but we still made the day about the birthday girl. 

 Emily got to open a few presents at breakfast time. 

Big sister gave her a gift and she loved it. 

We spent the day playing with balloons in an empty house, talk about awesome!

Emily got to open the rest of her presents when Daddy got home from work.  She was seriously excited about bring five.

She had asked for a stuffed cow for her birthday and was thrilled when she opened it.

We went to dinner at our favorite pizza spot and the girls were spoiled.  They got to have a dessert of their choice and a warm, frothy milk with chocolate sprinkles on top.

I still can't seem to grasp that my funny, little blonde baby is five.  Here's to another wonderful year of growing and learning more!