We are adjusting to life in England...
Driving is going well. It helps that the signs and myriad of roundabouts are so different from the U.S. It's actually quite fun driving here - the speed limits are much more generous than back home and the roads curve around a lot. Of course, the curves and circular motion of the roundabouts did cause a bout of car sickness for Amy one day. Lets just say we're glad she erupted in the rental car and not in our new vehicles!
Amy skipped kindergarten (they call it "Reception" here). Reception is for children age 4 turning 5. Amy turned 5 this past August so she is supposed to be in Year 1 here - the equivalent of 1st grade in the States. So far she is not too far behind the other students in her class, although they seem much more familiar with writing/spelling and reading. The head teacher at her school assured me that they will work with her to get her caught up in any area that she needs.
I walk Amy to and from school each day. Typically the primary schools are all in close proximity to their cachement area. There are no school buses here. Our walk takes about 10 minutes and I'm really glad we live close enough to walk to/from school so that I don't have to drive. There is a lovely paved footpath that starts at the end of our block and goes past a farmer's field and a park, then right to the school - so the walk is very nice and safe.
Amy took a packed lunch for school the first week but has asked to try hot lunch this next week. We'll see how she likes the local cuisine!
Emily is doing just fine these days and doesn't seem to miss Amy at all. I think she likes having "Mummy" to herself all the live-long day. Mum, on the other hand, is anxiously awaiting the arrival of our sea shipment so we can enjoy some new activities.
So far the only things I really miss are garbage disposals and Dairy Queen.
New things that I love:
-Parent & Child parking spaces at stores - like a handicapped spot with extra room on either side, but specifically designated for parents with small children.
-village life: the butcher, post office/store, surgery (medical clinic), old stone church from the 1300/1400's - all within a short walk from our house.
- trifle, "puddings" (desserts), Cadbury products, tea biscuits (in all their varieties and flavours), custard, double cream, frozen lollies.
- school uniforms
- all the interesting/fun things to see and do
Driving is going well. It helps that the signs and myriad of roundabouts are so different from the U.S. It's actually quite fun driving here - the speed limits are much more generous than back home and the roads curve around a lot. Of course, the curves and circular motion of the roundabouts did cause a bout of car sickness for Amy one day. Lets just say we're glad she erupted in the rental car and not in our new vehicles!
Amy skipped kindergarten (they call it "Reception" here). Reception is for children age 4 turning 5. Amy turned 5 this past August so she is supposed to be in Year 1 here - the equivalent of 1st grade in the States. So far she is not too far behind the other students in her class, although they seem much more familiar with writing/spelling and reading. The head teacher at her school assured me that they will work with her to get her caught up in any area that she needs.
I walk Amy to and from school each day. Typically the primary schools are all in close proximity to their cachement area. There are no school buses here. Our walk takes about 10 minutes and I'm really glad we live close enough to walk to/from school so that I don't have to drive. There is a lovely paved footpath that starts at the end of our block and goes past a farmer's field and a park, then right to the school - so the walk is very nice and safe.
Amy took a packed lunch for school the first week but has asked to try hot lunch this next week. We'll see how she likes the local cuisine!
Emily is doing just fine these days and doesn't seem to miss Amy at all. I think she likes having "Mummy" to herself all the live-long day. Mum, on the other hand, is anxiously awaiting the arrival of our sea shipment so we can enjoy some new activities.
So far the only things I really miss are garbage disposals and Dairy Queen.
New things that I love:
-Parent & Child parking spaces at stores - like a handicapped spot with extra room on either side, but specifically designated for parents with small children.
-village life: the butcher, post office/store, surgery (medical clinic), old stone church from the 1300/1400's - all within a short walk from our house.
- trifle, "puddings" (desserts), Cadbury products, tea biscuits (in all their varieties and flavours), custard, double cream, frozen lollies.
- school uniforms
- all the interesting/fun things to see and do
did you really have to mention DQ and G.D......? I was just starting to forget about them!:)
ReplyDeleteoh I make Drake have hot lunch one because I am lazy :) and two it has made him a very adventures eater! it really is great and they are so healthy!
Overall you seems happy in England and the girls adapting very well too ;-)
ReplyDeleteKeep it up
Min
You already sound so Brittish, talking about the "lovely footpath" and all. I've never been to England and I'm afraid it'd be far too devoid of Mexican food for me, but just reading your descriptions made we want to spend money we don't have and hop on a plane!
ReplyDelete