A Day of Firsts

Windsor Castle

Today is officially the first day of school for students at TASIS and this includes K1. It's his first day in pre-kindergarten. It’s also my birthday. Yup. Every year I get the fun of pretending that having my birthday in the midst of school chaos with gifts of back to school clothes and back to school ice cream socials en lieu of birthday parties. 

As an adult, I find it’s a hard time of year to plan something special. People are busy. And tired. I am also one of those people. So tonight we sat down to a fancy crock pot dinner of chicken korma that Dave thankfully put together. I added the brown rice once I got home from school with the boys. The best part was the chocolate cake that Dave picked up, but decorated himself! K2 dove in as if it was his first piece of cake ever. His clothes were promptly put in the washing machine.

K1's classroom.
He's on the top floor of a quirky old building.

 

K1's breakfast with dad in TASIS dining hall

This is the wellie room. Please don't put your wellies on the ledge!

We’ve had our first visitor! Molly, Dave’s cousin, came to see us on her way into London for a work this past Sunday. She brought our final suitcase filled with coats and clothing for winter AND Annie's mac n' cheese and Jif crunchy peanut butter. Thank God.

We ventured out to Windsor again. This time we saw the inside of the castle and then picnicked on the green. This upcoming weekend we are excited to see friends of mine from the Peace Corps who are travelling through on their way to a sabbatical year in Spain. We hope to meet at Hampton Court Palace, also a 20 minute drive from us. Love that! 

Dave has finally been able to get out on his bike. Biking is a bit frightening here as there aren't really any shoulders and bike paths are minimal. Still, he's figuring it out. He rode with two of my colleagues' husbands. Sounds like they like having him on board since he pushes them faster than they'd normally go. 

Now let me take you back to school for a moment as I reflect on the changes for my own profession this year. I have to say that I have never felt so welcomed, included, and special by a school or employer before. Sure, TASIS has some money to throw around, but they are intentional about spending it as well as time with their new staff. We have had loads of barbecues with amazing cheeses and wines, an opening banquet with champagne, and even a welcome bag for the new families. The welcoming picnic for students and families had bounce houses and a DJ. I truly feel like I was asked here for a reason and that the school is happy to have me. I already feel appreciated and I haven’t even done anything!

I didn’t get the marching band welcome that Edina has each year, but I didn’t need it. It would have been too loud…I’m still recovering from all that wine and champagne. Truly though, the faculty and staff have gone above and beyond to make me feel at home. 

Finally, what you are all waiting for…an update on the flea issue. Our place was fumigated on Monday and we’re getting new carpet in about two weeks. Our new ikea furniture covers just showed up too, so we’re feeling a lot better. K1’s bites are all scabbed over and slowly disappearing. You can take my word for it. I’ll spare you the photos. Cross your fingers that we are flea free by this time next week.