School Days

Caroline started school last week and is LOVING it. And, I am loving the routine that going to school has instilled in our lives. I had almost forgotten how much I crave and need that - maybe even more than the girls! The summer was beginning to drag-on, so having to be someplace by 9am everyday, has whipped us back into shape! (And, I'm hoping walking 3+ miles a day to/from school will whip me into shape!) Plus, it gives Sadie and me a few hours to ourselves to hang at home, hit the gym, or go to a toddler playgroup.

In addition to school, Caroline also recently started playing football (i.e. soccer for all you american readers) and dance. Her 4-year old football team is coached by none other than former Bumble Bees stand-out Chris Yapp. Daddy was a bit of a distraction for Caroline in the first game, but by week two she seemed to ignore him and chase the other kids (and sometimes the ball) around. Her dance class is a ballet/tap combo, and I can tell already that Caroline is going to favor the tap portion because of the clickety-clackity shoes! Speaking of shoes, I almost fainted when we purchased Caroline's ballet shoes and was told that I needed to sew the elastic band on them! This is such an easy job for anyone that can thread a needle, but I, simply put, DO NOT SEW!! So sad, I know...luckily my friend Lisa had a sewing kit handy, and completed the job in under 5-minutes.

As a family, we've been busy with a day trip to Leeds Castle and the Canterbury Cathedral - both beautiful. Apple picking with the american contingent in Surrey. Pub lunches and dinners. Entertaining at home. Attending church. Tennis and picnic with Claygate friends, and for me - netball has started up again. Oh, and while Caroline was at school on her first day, Chris, Sadie and I did a little pub-crawl around Claygate to compare and contrast all of the pubs...although Chris and I differ on our favorite! Sadly, it was my first time being in some - the english aren't really child friendly, but since Sadie was in a buggy and it was only 2pm, I guess they looked the other way?!?!

I am dedicating this shout-out to someone who has made this transition to a foreign land look incredibly easy, someone who has enabled me to transition more easily by getting me introduced to so many people, and someone who has helped carry-over normalcy from our house in Dublin to our house in Claygate. That someone is...Caroline Jane Yapp, my beautiful 4-year old. I seriously cannot imagine what moving here would have been like without her. Literally, every person I have met is BECAUSE of Caroline. She loves other kids, and plays so well with them. I am so happy that Caroline gets to experience going to a british school, and it's funny b/c she's already making an impact on some of the english kids. One mum from church said her daughter came home and was talking differently and the mum asked her "are you talking like Caroline?" and the little girl said "YEAH!" in a strong american accent of course! The jury is still out on whether Caroline will pick-up an english accent. She is however picking up on phrases and on the weekends frequently asks us if "we are going to the pub for dinner??"  Also she is using the word "bit" as an adjective pretty frequently now.  For example, "It seems a bit cold outside today, mommy."  Funny stuff.    

Caroline is also such a good big sister to Sadie, and I think once Sadie starts walking they are going to be very good playmates for one another. I could go on and on about Caroline, really, but the point I want to make and for her to know, is that she has transitioned so remarkably well and has made this experience so wonderful for all of us. I love you Caroline, and I promise when we move home, we will get you a kitty...