First Day of School

Nate's first day at school

After a five month hiatus due to the move Nate started his new school today. I've been concerned that it would be a hard separation after being home with mom and dad for so long. We've been reading books about going to school, going over the routine plans, etc...

Apparently my concern was totally unwarranted. There was no push back or whining about getting ready this morning. Not even our typical battle of to wear or not to wear jammies out of the house (especially flannel in the 80 degree heat) and no squirming during sun screen application. Was this really my son? Within two minutes of arrival at school he was seated at the computers with headphones on trying to learn a new game. He couldn't have cared less if I was there or not.

(aw mom not another photo)





I guess it was only a hard day for me. Nate loved his new school and said that everyone was nice.



Sister dropping me off (I think she wanted to stay and go to school too)

Reese

Let's face it - it isn't easy being the younger sibling. I know- I am a little sister myself. Poor Reese- Nate wrote monthly family letters, has zillions of baby pictures, is the subject of many blog postings, etc.... let's face it he sets a high bar. The boy is a rock star...he eats anything, has a mellow disposition, is a gifted athlete already and his an around nice, smart funny kid. Heck he's Natedog. It will be both cool and suck to have him as an older brother (the movie Ferris Bueller comes to mind). So it is time to dedicate a blog entry to all about Reese. If you tuned in hoping to read about a new vacation sorry- just ho hum kid news. Try back again soon.

Reese loves her brother- wants to do (& have) everything he does

So all about Reese...here we go. Reese started walking shortly after our Aussie move and has already mastered walking in the sand (advanced of her brother at this age). She recently got her first haircut- hopefully those beautiful curls will grow back but she is a lot cooler. Michael thinks she looks like a boy now but she wears so much pink I don't think there will be any confusion. You be the judge. Poor little kid is teething up a storm. But finally she is getting teeth- she's had only 6 for months now. Not that its stopped her. It is funny how kids are different. Nate has always (in his long 4 years) been an adventurous eater. Reese on the other hand is picky (just like her mom as a child)- likely a revenge curse put on by my parents. Hopefully she'll grow out of it soon.

She is a good communicator. She can only say mommy and dada and Na-Na but gets her point across with grunting, head shaking, and her baby signs. She even invented her own signs- one for Wiggles (or any video really) and one for swings (her favorite thing to do). She clearly understands what you are talking about and follows instructions. I won't be surprised to hear full sentences come out one day soon or a full song since she loves music. Likely one of the first ones will be Nate get off me :). She puts up her fair share of hugs that turn into wrestling from her older bro. She is going to be one tough chick. This pleases Michael who is already concerned that our daughter will be this smoking hot blond with blue eyes and big boobs who has an Aussie accent hangs out with surfers and loves to dance and flirt. Time will tell....we'll keep you posted :)

Reese playing in the kitchen (yes she is sitting in the frying pan)

Reese testing out her new potty-helps if you are undressed. She is making the sign for going potty.

A chocolate lover just like her mom- ummm chocolate pudding- a special treat

Happy 2009!

Happy New Year! Hope you all enjoyed your holidays. We watched the New Year ring in in mellow fashion. But as it turns out we had a front row seat to the Manly fireworks show right off our deck. For a small town I was impressed with the show. This country does love their fireworks- maybe the love of explosions are related to the criminal past? Of course I passed out before midnight so I missed the big Sydney show. OK so I am a lightweight- 2 glasses of champagne and I'm toast. There is always next year ;)

I'm looking forward to all the new beginnings that the fresh year brings. Nate starts school at the end of January, we move into our rental house (knock on wood) and hopefully I'll get a job (requires me to get off my butt and start looking). Plus there are a ton of places for us to explore and discover in and around Australia.

Keep checking back to the blog for new photos and tales of adventure.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy new year.